How did people clip their toenails before the invention of nail clippers?

[JAR]

How did people clip their toe nails before the invention of nail clippers or how do people who don't have nail clippers clip their toe nails?

The only explanation I can come up with is that they used a primitive form of the file. Maybe they rubbed their toe nails against rocks for a long time or perhaps they used their teeth to bite the excess part of the toe nails off.

[Questioninggeller]

I would think that they bit their nails, it seems like it would be easier than most methods and safer than cutting it with a knife.

[Jon_in_london]

When I cant be bothered to do the old "find them dang nail clipperoos" I just use my teeth.

[ceo_esq]

Originally posted by Jon_in_london
When I cant be bothered to do the old "find them dang nail clipperoos" I just use my teeth. On your toenails?

[Jon_in_london]

yup

[armageddonman]

They use/d a nail scissor. Many people use them until today.

http://www.friends.com.pk/e1.jpg

Before that, little knives with curved blades were used (saw a roman one in a museum once).

Of course, if you use your hands in a way that you use your nails (like digging for food), the nails will be worn down. That's actually the reason why they are continually growing.

[Yahweh]

I would people bit their nails. Sometimes when I cant find nail clippers I will take a pair a scissors to work those pesky hangnails... I do anything I can to keep from putting my own dirty dirty dirty hands in my mouth.

[a_unique_person]

One of the great Political Issues of the new millenium.

I think the method I use is the best.

Make a little break on the edge of the nail, half way down, grab the top bit, then rip it across and down as hard as you can.

[Samus]

Originally posted by JAR
How did people clip their toe nails before the invention of nail clippers or how do people who don't have nail clippers clip their toe nails?
They didn't.

[Skeptical Greg]

Originally posted by dwb

They didn't.



I wonder how Cleopatra would feel if you used this for an avatar?

[richardm]

Originally posted by dwb

They didn't.




Ah. This no doubt explains the Mediaeval fashion for long, pointy shoes. And before that, of course, sandals were the vogue.

[Dancing David]

They trained thier pets to chew them, shouldn't this be in the Science forum?

[c0rbin]

On the blood of their fallen foes...

[JAR]

Originally posted by Dancing David
They trained thier pets to chew them, shouldn't this be in the Science forum?
I was conflicted over whether to put this in the science forum or the politics and history one. I chose this forum because the history of clipping toenails ties into history.

[Nikk]

Originally posted by a_unique_person
One of the great Political Issues of the new millenium.

I think the method I use is the best.

Make a little break on the edge of the nail, half way down, grab the top bit, then rip it across and down as hard as you can.

And spend two or three days limping because the nail takes some of the root with it at the side and the cut becomes infected. Or thats how that method works for me.

[demon]

Diogenes: "I wonder how Cleopatra would feel if you used this for an avatar?"

I`ve heard a wicked rumour that they are Hitler`s feet and toenails? ;)

[JAR]

Originally posted by armageddonman
They use/d a nail scissor. Many people use them until today.

http://www.friends.com.pk/e1.jpg

Before that, little knives with curved blades were used (saw a roman one in a museum once).

Of course, if you use your hands in a way that you use your nails (like digging for food), the nails will be worn down. That's actually the reason why they are continually growing.
Thanks for the input.

[3-toed-sloth]

Originally posted by a_unique_person
One of the great Political Issues of the new millenium.

I think the method I use is the best.

Make a little break on the edge of the nail, half way down, grab the top bit, then rip it across and down as hard as you can.

This method does work if your a bit carful with the ripping part. I can usually do this without hurting myself.


But the way, I just noticed the new smilies, very nice

:jaw:

[a_unique_person]

Originally posted by Nikk


And spend two or three days limping because the nail takes some of the root with it at the side and the cut becomes infected. Or thats how that method works for me.

The pain is part of the fun.