Electric Razors

A razor is a bladed tool primarily used in shaving. Razors were made from bronze in the early ages and is said to have been discovered in Europe. Nowadays, steel and disposable blades are the primary material for razors because they are inexpensive and easily mass produced. There are several types of razors:

Straight / Cut-throat razors were the most commonly used before the 20th century. They have to be honed and stropped to make sure the blades don't get dull or rust. But the advantages of using a straight blade are numerous. These include an excellent quality of shave, reduced razor burn and other skin blemishes because straight razors have an exfoliating effect on the skin and the skill of using a straight blade is an art that only few master in today's generation. Care should be taken to avoid possible slips and cuts.

Electric razors / electric dry shavers have an oscillating or rotating blade that is powered by a small DC motor with rechargeable batteries. The first electric razor was patented by American manufacturer Col. Jacob Schick. Early versions of electric razors could only be used effectively on dry skin. More recent developments have electric razors allowing for shaving cream and moisture.

Safety razors are razors where the skin is protected from all but the very edge of the blade. It was inexpensive and safer to use by those who disliked the cuts that came from using a straight blade without much practice. Soon disposable blades were invented to go with these safety razors and it was Gillette who realized what a profit could be made from it and what a big piece of market they could gain. Nowadays economics and convenience are main reasons why safety razors are still more commonly patronized.

Other razors are manufactured on the market although these aren't used for shaving. A single edge razor blade is often used in carpentry, in mechanical drawing, in plumbing and finish work and other applications. A utility knife is used in grocery stores and kitchens, smaller versions are used in arts and crafts. A potato peeler is used for peeling vegetables and a razor wire is used for security measures and is not as sharp as a true razor.