Razors

Razors are bladed implements used to remove body hair by cutting it at the surface of the skin. They range from manual designs such as straight razors and safety or cartridge razors to electric razors that use powered, rotating or oscillating heads. Manual razors require blade replacement or sharpening, while straight razors use a long, sharpened blade that is honed with a strop. Safety razors hold a replaceable blade and protect the skin, and cartridge razors fit multiple blades in a single, disposable unit. Electric razors cut hair with non-contact or close-contact blades and are often chosen for convenience and speed.

History and development: The practice of shaving with blades dates to ancient civilizations. The modern safety razor gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, notably with the introduction of disposable blades by King C. Gillette and mass production in the early 1900s. Cartridge razors and disposable blade formats became widespread in the late 20th century, while electric razors emerged in the mid-20th century with foil and rotary designs.

Materials and maintenance: Blades are typically steel, with stainless or carbon steel variants, often coated with chromium or other metals to enhance hardness and corrosion resistance. Handles may be metal or plastic. Manual blades require regular cleaning and thorough drying after use; straight razors need routine stropping and honing. Electric razors require periodic replacement of heads or blades and routine cleaning of the cutters.

Usage considerations: Proper preparation with warm water and shaving soap or cream reduces friction and irritation. Using light pressure, short strokes, and following the grain of the hair minimizes nicks and razor burn. Disposal of used blades should follow local guidelines, and environmental considerations influence choices such as blade recycling or opting for reusable handles.