RAZOR

An incomplete razor comprising the two-piece bone handle and a portion of the iron blade probably dating to the first or second century AD. The handle comprises two semi-circular section pieces of bone, between which is sandwiched the iron tang of the blade. The handle is secured by two iron rivets positioned towards its middle. Both pieces of the handle possess incised decoration. Each piece is divided into six panels with horizontal incisions. The outer panels are are decorated with incised cross-hatching. A lozenge created with parallel lines of incison spans the two innermost panels. The razor handle measures 56mm in length, with the semi-circular section measuring 18mm in diameter.

Several complete razors of this type are catalogued by Manning as his Type 7 (1985, 112 and Plate 53, Q17 to Q22). Manning comments that although they are frequently identified as knives, it is probable that the smaller examples are razors. The shape of their blades makes them ideally suited for such a function, far more than simple cutting knives and it may be significant that almost all are early types, dating from a period when it was fashionable for men to be clean shaven (Manning 1985, 112). It is not possible to identify the subtype due to the absence of the blade. However, similar knife handles are known in considerable numbers from London and others are known from Richborough and Newstead. They are common in first-century or early second century contexts in Germany (Manning 1985, 112). A similar two-piece handle was recovered from the excavations at Catterick Bypass (Wilson 2002, 184-85, Cat. No. 38 and Fig. 318) where it is paralleled in an example from Colchester dating to the second century AD (Crummy 1983, 110, Fig. 111, 2935). Greep (1978) also suggests a first and second century date on the basis of examples from Vindonissa and the Walbrook in London (Greep 1978, 410).