1,700 Year Old Roman Razors

2clfrwrds · Post by **2clfrwrds** » Wed May 26, 2010 2:37 pm

Today while searching to learn if the story about Henry David Thoreau's brother is true (multiple sources say it is), I came across some images of ancient Roman razors. To shave, men wore these iron razors like brass knuckles.

This third one looks something like a straight without scales.

And to think I consider Super-Max Platinums harsh!

--Glenn

gsgo · Post by **gsgo** » Wed May 26, 2010 3:04 pm

Ouch!

Crude but probably somehow effective, curious to know their shaving routine, daily or other? With the fondness for bathing as a social and hygienic necessity, I wonder what it was like?

paperpundit · Post by **paperpundit** » Wed May 26, 2010 3:40 pm

I'm still stunned by Thoreau's brother...I grew up just miles from Walden, and hiked those woods quite a bit. Thanks for the information, Glenn.

95% · Post by **95%** » Wed May 26, 2010 7:15 pm

Whether those objects are razors is a matter of conjecture. We do know from sculptures that the ancient Romans preferred the clean-shaven look, and we know they had steel. Once you have invented a steel sword, dagger, or razor, it's no great challenge to put a sharp edge on it. The Romans lived only 100 generations or so before us and had a level of sophistication that seems quite modern by our standards, except for such practices as capital punishment by crucifixion. Julius Caesar probably got a DFS every day.

Araner · Post by **Araner** » Wed May 26, 2010 7:32 pm

The one in the middle looks like it may have been the handle for a razor blade cartridge.

Undoubtedly used to provide the best shave a Roman can get!

2clfrwrds · Post by **2clfrwrds** » Wed May 26, 2010 8:03 pm

Jack, two of the pieces I read mentioned that Thoreau was so devastated by the loss of his brother, Emerson suggested he stop out for awhile to get his head on straight again. Thoreau took him up on the suggestion and moved to Walden Pond, which turned out well for all of us.

Not sure if I believe that part: too neat and tidy, but it would be a nice ending to the story.

--Glenn

bernards66 · Post by **bernards66** » Wed May 26, 2010 10:43 pm

Glenn, Roman legionaires also utilized pumice stones to tame their whiskers.....now, THAT'S harsh!
Regards,
Gordon

robert-00 · Post by **robert-00** » Mon May 31, 2010 5:19 pm

Here is a link to pics of few other iron-age razors:

http://shaveworld.org/home/shave_encycl ... =Antiquity

gil3591 · Post by **gil3591** » Mon May 31, 2010 6:04 pm

where's Kav when you need him?

desertbadger · Post by **desertbadger** » Tue Jun 01, 2010 1:26 pm

Very interesting, Glenn! I'm sure they had a way of doing it, but it seems to me that honing the edge but have been a real bitch!.....