rakblad

A rakblad, meaning "razor blade" in Swedish, is a sharp metal blade designed for shaving. It is mounted in a razor head or used in a straight razor and is manufactured to form a precise cutting edge that removes facial hair with minimal tugging.

Today the most common form is the double-edged blade used in safety razors. It has two sharpened edges and is sold in standardized sizes to fit compatible razor heads; the blade is replaced after several shaves. Some traditional razors use single-edged blades. Straight razors rely on a broad blade that is reground or replaced as needed.

Materials are typically high-carbon stainless steel or stainless steel. Blades may be coated with chromium, nickel, or polymers to improve hardness, reduce friction, and extend life.

The introduction of standardized interchangeable blades in the early 20th century, notably by Gillette, transformed shaving. Before that, straight razors were honed on a stone or strop. The rise of disposable blades and cartridge razors later diversified the market, including multiblade cartridge systems where multiple blades are mounted in a replaceable cartridge.

Safety and disposal: used blades are sharp; wrap and dispose in a suitable container or blade bank to prevent injuries. See also razor, shaving, safety razor, cartridge razor.