The rising popularity of traditional wet shaving within the past decade has really made people take a step back and pay attention to the older barbershop methods of shaving and their benefits. However, within the past four years or so a sub-movement has taken the traditional shaving arena by storm, and this is the popularity of the slant bar safety razor.
Slant bar razors take their name from the curved base plate and head which gives the razor a slanted or curved appearance. The significance of this curve is the same principal that made the French Guillotine so efficient. Be-headings carried out by guillotine were not unusual, but the use of the angled blade in 1792 made the executions much more effective. The curved surface of the slant head torques the razor blade to create an angle, very similar to the French Guillotine, making the cutting effort of the blade on the beard hair much smoother and quick. Many historians have said the slant was originally inspired by the slanted pass the barber makes with his straight razor, which appears in numerous barber training manuals.
Merkur 37C Slant Bar DE Safety Razor
There were various versions of the slanted blade concept razor varying from blades placed at an angle on the razor head, straight bar heads mounted at an angle on their handle, various shaped razor blades ranging from rounded to trapezoid shaped, and finally the one we will recognize today with the twisted head.
The final version that we recognize today was first patented in 1916 by Thomas Wild, who was British. As a side note, there seems to be a bit of debate as to who exactly filed patent first, Wild or a contemporary German such as Merkur. Sadly because of the loss of records in World War II we might never know for certain as many of the patent filings were destroyed. However, from what records we have, Wild’s seems to be the first.
The version of the slant bar razor that we recognize today was first patented in 1916 by Thomas Wild
As seen in the patent filing above from 1916, Wild’s original design was an open comb version. Interestingly, so was King Camp Gillette’s first razor patent filed in 1904. However, this is the first torqued head design that that has become popular. The version most people are familiar with now is the Merkur Slant, model number 37. For many years if you wanted to try a slant, this was the only one available in new production. Vintage ones were around, but often they were called “broken” or “twisted” in descriptions, the seller not really knowing what the razor was or it’s purpose. Thankfully within the past four years we have seen manufacturers release slants for several smaller brands in varying styles.
There are various versions of the slanted blade concept razor
There seem to be a few common factors that have led to the popularity of slants. First, it delivers a very smooth shave as the curved blade slices the hair. Second, the razor is very efficient, being able to handle several days growth at once making this ideal for men who cannot or do not shave every day. Thirdly, while slicing the hair efficiently it also maintains a good gap and distance from the skin allowing people with sensitive skin and tough hair a good shave. Lastly, it just looks incredibly cool!
Merkur 39C Slant Bar DE Long Handled Safety Razor
The Slant has the reputation to be aggressive and not recommended for beginners, however it does not have to be that way. With attention to detail, angle, a mild blade, and a steady hand this razor can deliver an amazing shave. With all the attention that traditional shaving has received and as it continues to skyrocket in popularity this razor will surely become even more popular and give it’s older cousin the straight bar safety razor a run for it’s money.
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