Mysteries Unlocked: Origins of the Straight Razor
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The straight razor has a long and fascinating history stretching back centuries. Before safety razors, the straight razor was the standard grooming tool for men worldwide.
Origins
The modern folding straight razor emerged in Sheffield, England during the 17th century. Sheffield became the world capital of straight razor production due to its high-quality steel industry and skilled craftsmen.
The Sheffield Era
By the 18th and 19th centuries, Sheffield manufacturers were producing hundreds of thousands of straight razors for worldwide export. The quality of Sheffield steel made these razors legendary — capable of holding an incredibly fine edge through years of use when properly maintained.
Revival
The introduction of the safety razor gradually displaced the straight razor from mainstream use. However, straight razors have seen a strong revival among grooming enthusiasts who value the quality of shave and the ritual of traditional wet shaving. View our full straight razor collection.