As seasoned house flippers, my partner and I have had the pleasure of discovering some truly remarkable treasures while renovating old homes. From a bundle of valuable old currency hidden within a wall to a trove of antique glass bottles from the Prohibition era concealed beneath the floorboards, our experiences have been nothing short of thrilling. However, we have also encountered a unique feature in some properties that piqued our curiosity. In this article, I will be exploring this intriguing discovery.

The Peculiar Feature in Old Homes

In some older homes, original medicine cabinets feature a small slit on the back wall. This slit served as a safe disposal method for used razor blades.

If you’ve ever come across the original medicine cabinets in century-old homes, you may have noticed a small slit on the back wall. Perhaps you’ve observed this in your own home or in someone else’s, but never really understood its purpose. Allow me to shed some light on this mystery.

A Solution to a Razor-Sharp Problem

Before the invention of stainless steel razor blades in the 1960s, men could only rely on traditional metal blades for one or two shaves. The issue arose when it came to disposing of these used blades safely. To prevent them from being thrown in the trash where they could potentially harm children or others, shavers would remove the blade and insert it into the slot on the wall.

The Hidden Razor Graveyard

Over time, these discarded razor blades would accumulate in the empty space behind the wall. Therefore, it’s not uncommon to find a pile of used razor blades when renovating an old home. While this may seem like a peculiar design feature in today’s world, it was actually a practical solution during its time.

Used razor blades would accumulate in the empty space behind the wall over time.

Uncovering History’s Secrets

As we continue our journey of flipping houses, we find ourselves captivated by the hidden stories that lie within these old properties. Whether it’s stumbling upon forgotten treasures or unraveling the mysteries of peculiar design features, each discovery adds to the excitement of our work.

So, the next time you renovate an old home, keep an eye out for these intriguing relics of the past. Who knows what hidden gems you might uncover along the way?