Sharp objects have been popularized into stylish tattoos in recent years.
One common object is the razor. You can find tattoo fans, mostly men, with a symbol of the blade on their skin.
While this image is controversial as razor blades can cause injury or damage, the razor blade tattoo meaning is sometimes associated with positive things.
Razor Blade Tattoo Meaning
For centuries, men have used razors for grooming, like shaving hair and the beard. Today, barber blades are the primary tools used by barbers. In the tattooing world, many barbers ink the razor to signify their profession. They use it to express their shaving expertise to the world and show they are proud of what they do.
Barbers and blade tattoos aside, razor tattoos are often associated with bad things. Inmates, gangsters, and thugs mostly used razors to commit different crimes. A single show of the razor would scare an innocent victim and let the thug get his way. Over the years, prisoners have used this small tool to defend themselves in attacks with fellow inmates.
The razor blade also gets its bad reputation from its association with suicide. People would commit suicide by slitting through their veins with this object in ancient times. In this regard, some people tattoo this image to symbolize their ability to cut everything that brings trouble to their lives.
Razor Blade tattoos have been associated with drugs and addictions for the longest time. You can have it to show your past and the wrong position you were in when you had bad habits. It signifies the history of coping with depression and mutilation to some people.
The sharp edges of the razor can represent the unknown dangers in the world. Women can draw it to portray a seductive and dangerous aura in a sexy way. For this purpose, it is tattoed as a whip or in combination with flames instead of a plain razor.
Why Razor Blade Tattoos Are Popular
Like aforementioned, the razor blade has two opposite meanings, which often vary from one wearer to another. On one side is its association with grooming professionals, and on the other side is the representation of personal harm and drug addictions.
Many people go for this tattoo design because of its shocking nature, which makes it unique. Most of us would cringe at the sight of this object on someone’s skin. When you look at the razor, you’ll notice it has two sharp edges. It can represent the wearer as smarter and braver than anyone, besides possessing strong infinity to pain.
Many people battle different addictions, ranging from drugs to other bad habits that can be tough to overcome. This tattoo is often inked to symbolize breakthrough after surviving addictions, suicide, and depression.
Interestingly, razor blade tattoos come in different designs that change their meaning. For instance, a razor cutting through a heart symbolizes a painful relationship. It reminds the wearer they survived the heartbreak and hope they will never experience that again. This tattoo can also seamlessly blend into other tattoo designs to form a unique, insightful piece.
Some Native Americans made arrowheads out of razor blades. Razors were purposefully used as a ritual to protect them against bad omens and evil spirits. Since then, some people have tattooed this symbol to remember and appreciate the ancient culture.
Who is Razor Blade Tattoo For?
If you’re a guy and consider your beard a symbol of honor, you can express your love for grooming by inking a razor blade tattoo. They possess a unique touch of masculinity and show a deep appreciation of the daily routine of being a man. It is a good choice design for barbers to show their shaving skills.
Razor Blade tattoos appeal to both men and women who have unique personalities. These people are often fearless and have weird character traits. Some have very opposite opinions on what they feel is normal against what society sees as normal.
Have you battled and survived life challenges like addiction, depression, or something that almost killed you? If yes, you can have it to signify a breakthrough. It shows you survived a near-death situation. You can depict it as cutting your wrist to indicate risk-taking.
In some cases, couples ink similar blade tattoos to represent commitment. The two people swear to be loyal and faithful to each other in their loving relationship.
Best Placement for Razor Blade Tattoo
The most popular location for drawing razor blade tattoos is the upper arm, chest, or hands. This is due to its association with strength, masculinity, confidence, and power. Many people believe this object can destroy or protect, depending on the holder.
Due to its nature, it is essential to draw it somewhere you can conceal it if needed. You can easily hide it for work by embracing high necklines and long-sleeved clothes. Like any other tattoo, the razor can be a little painful. Be sure to prepare in advance and explore options like numbing creams.
Conclusion
The history of razor blades doesn’t really date back to shaving objects. They were initially used in bloodletting from veins. Today, individuals interested in the darker side of life find it a unique tattoo design to show power, fearlessness, and strength. You should not assume that all wearers of this tattoo are in the hair-cutting industry. Be extremely careful about this tattoo symbol due to its strong association with negative energy.
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