Set of seven cutthroat razors, London, England, 1801-1900

Set of 7 razors, marked one for every day of the week, steel and ivory, by Samuel Last of London, in leather case, 19th century

The cut-throat razor was developed in ancient Greece and Rome and was widely used for shaving until the early 1900s. The ‘cut-throat’ razor was so-called because of its sharpness. Most men shaved regularly, either at home or by visiting a barbershop. This set of seven is engraved with the days of the week and made from steel with ivory handles. Judging by the materials, the set was probably owned by a wealthy man. The blades are engraved with the maker’s name, Samuel Last, and the place they were made, London.