The 411 - Razor Blades in the walls

 

While renovating the bathroom, you may discover a whole bunch of razor blades in the wall. It was a common practice in the past for people to dispose of used razor blades in the walls of their homes. This practice was prevalent during a time when razor blades were commonly single-edged, and safety razors were widely used for shaving.

In many homes, particularly those built during the early to mid-20th century, you can find small slots or openings in the medicine cabinet or bathroom wall specifically designed for the disposal of razor blades. These slots were often located behind the mirror or within the wall itself. People would simply drop used razor blades through these slots, allowing them to fall into the wall cavity.

This disposal method was convenient for users of safety razors, providing a designated space for the disposal of used blades without the need for a separate container. The idea was that the blades would be out of sight and out of reach, minimizing the risk of accidental injuries when handling trash.

However, as homes were renovated or demolished over the years, these hidden collections of razor blades in the walls became a potential hazard. Contractors or individuals who encountered these spaces would need to exercise caution during renovations or demolitions to avoid injury from the accumulated blades.

In modern construction practices, disposal of sharp objects like razor blades in wall cavities is not recommended, and building codes and safety considerations have evolved to address such concerns. If you encounter old razor blades in the walls during renovations, it's advisable to handle them with care and dispose of them properly to ensure the safety of those working on the project.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model