Find the word definition

The Collaborative International Dictionary
straight razor

Razor \Ra"zor\ (r[=a]"z[~e]r), n. [OE. rasour, OF. rasur, LL. rasor: cf. F. rasoir, LL. rasorium. See Raze, v. t., Rase, v. t.]

  1. A keen-edged knife of peculiar shape, used in shaving the hair from the face or the head; also called a straight razor. ``Take thee a barber's razor.''
    --Ezek. v. 1.

  2. a device used for shaving, having a replaceable blade with a very sharp edge; also called safety razor. Also a similar device, made of plastic, in which the blade is neither replaceable nor can be sharpened, intended to be discarded after the blade dulls -- called a disposable razor.

  3. (Zo["o]l.) A tusk of a wild boar. Razor fish. (Zo["o]l.)

    1. A small Mediterranean fish ( Coryph[ae]na novacula), prized for the table.

    2. The razor shell.

      Razor grass (Bot.), a West Indian plant ( Scleria scindens), the triangular stem and the leaves of which are edged with minute sharp teeth.

      Razor grinder (Zo["o]l.), the European goat-sucker.

      Razor shell (Zo["o]l.), any marine bivalve shell belonging to Solen and allied genera, especially Solen ensis (or Ensatella ensis), and Solen Americana, which have a long, narrow, somewhat curved shell, resembling a razor handle in shape. Called also razor clam, razor fish, knife handle.

      Razor stone. Same as Novaculite.

      Razor strap, or razor strop, a strap or strop used in sharpening razors.

Wiktionary
straight razor

n. A razor with a blade that can fold into its handle.

WordNet
straight razor

n. a razor with a straight cutting edge enclosed in a case that forms a handle when the razor is opened for use

Wikipedia
Straight razor

A straight razor is a razor with a blade that can fold into its handle. They are also called open razors and cut-throat razors.

Although straight razors were once the principal method of manual shaving, they have been largely overshadowed by the safety razor, which incorporates a disposable blade. Electric razors of various types have also been an available alternative, especially since the 1950s. Despite this, straight razors still hold a market share, and forums and outlets provide products, directions, and advice to straight razor users. Straight razor manufacturers still exist in Europe, Asia (especially Japan), and North America. Antique straight razors are also actively traded.

Straight razors require considerable skill to hone and strop, and require more care during shaving. These methods were once a major portion of the curriculum in barber colleges.

Usage examples of "straight razor".

It was the opening Razor Eddie had made, with his godly will and his awful straight razor.

Zillah held up a little pearl-handled straight razor, a lethal-looking thing he had produced from his pocket or some fold of the mattress.

Then she started to scream when they brought out pliers and a straight razor, the wives of the baron grinning to display their lack of a tongue.

But it was only Razor Eddie, appearing abruptly in the open doorway with his pearl-handled straight razor in his hand.

I scrubbed at my beard and finally reached out and got my straight razor, then spent a few minutes and a lot of care removing it.

Still standing against the wall behind, Jurg was barely able to breathe as he watched Kluge slowly pass the open straight razor back and forth in front of the old Jew's eyes, like a hypnotist swinging his watch in front of his subject or a snake fascinating its prey.