Soldiers razors for shaving

[Doc]

I know that Roman soldiers had to have some sort of razor for shaving. Does anyone have good photos of originals or accurate reconstructions. I would like to reproduce one for my kit.
Any dimensions or types of materials used would also be appreciated. I do not know if dating qualifies here since it is hardly a piece of life or death equipment. Nonetheless, I was looking for something in the first century AD. It does not matter which part of the century.

Thanks

[jvrjenivs]

[url:170sehqv]http://www.frisius-f.de/Seiten/produkte-gebrauch.htm[/url] has 2 types.

[url:170sehqv]http://www.replik.de/[/url] has one: (replikate -> romer -> Medizin und bad)

[url:170sehqv]http://www.hr-replikate.de/katalog/indep/detail.php?lang=de&image=0125[/url] hr-replikate als has one.

Hope one of these is what you were searching for.

[M. Demetrius]

If the blade were razor-sharp, I wonder what a soldier would carry one in. A wooden box?

Were some of the camp followers barbers, or did the soldiers cut each others' hair? I can see shaving your own face, but also know that barbering and shaving continues to our present day, so I'm just wondering if there were barbers accompanying the troops.

[P Sertorius Scaevola]

The razors adressed are dated to the 2nd AD I thought, the 1st AD had a simpler design. Basicly a thin straight blade with an upward curve at one end and a nodge where a finger would help control it. I'll see to dig it from my trunk to make a scan and post it. Quite a simple thing really.

[Magnus]

If the blade were razor-sharp, I wonder what a soldier would carry one in. A wooden box?

Probably too bulky...a simple leather sheath would work just as well.

The real question is, what did they use for shaving cream (I'm thinking some olive oil), and how does one use one of those? I think someone should post a tutorial on youtube. :twisted:

[Sean Manning]

The real question is, what did they use for shaving cream (I'm thinking some olive oil), ...

Apparently nothing but water! Those Romans were tough people.

Edit: see Jerome Carcopino, Daily Life in Ancient Rome, pp. 161-162 for my source on this (although his argument isn't convincing as I read it again)

[Doc]

Thanks all for the replies and links.

Oil sounds like it would soften the skin and work well. Afterall, that is one of the main reasons for shaving cream. The only other thing that I could think of that the Romans used, was some kind of soap? i.e the ones used to wash clothes although I think they used other things to wash clothes.

Paul, if you have the picture of the 1stC razor, I would really appreciate it.

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

The real question is, what did they use for shaving cream (I'm thinking some olive oil), ...

Apparently nothing but water! Those Romans were tough people.

Probably one explanation for the bad complexions you often hear about. :roll: :lol:

[M. Demetrius]

Paul, if you have the picture of the 1stC razor, I would really appreciate it.

Me, too, please.

[Gaivs Antonivs Satvrninvs]

Since olive oil was a staple of Roman life and was used for bathing wouldn't it seem likely it was used for shaving,too?