Shaving history – from straight razors to replaceable blades

Traditional wet shaving combines a cutting tool with water and lubricating lather. Surviving tools, patents and advertising help trace its development. These examples focus on European and North American developments; they do not represent every shaving tradition worldwide.

Straight razors and barbers

Steel straight razors were used during the nineteenth century, often by barbers. A permanent edge required care: stropping and, when needed, honing. Museum collections document the tools and their place in personal care and professional services. For a practical introduction, see Straight razors.

Replaceable blades

A safety razor covers part of its edge with its head construction. It remains a sharp tool. A significant development was the thin, replaceable blade. The Smithsonian describes King C. Gillette developing his idea in 1895 and working with engineer William Emery Nickerson to manufacture it. Production began in 1903, and an associated patent followed in 1904. This does not imply that earlier safety razors did not exist.

Replaceable blades changed maintenance: a dull blade could be replaced instead of repeatedly restoring a permanent edge. The Science Museum also preserves historical blade-sharpening accessories. These illustrate that users approached consumable blades in different ways.

Understanding historical claims

Advertising, cost and fashion influenced the adoption of shaving tools. Historical advertising is not evidence of present-day skin suitability. For practical use, condition, a suitable blade and technique matter. Start with Care and maintenance when considering an old razor.

Names and marks on old Solingen razors are not always unambiguous. Understanding historic Solingen straight-razor makers uses August Ern, Friedr. Herder, Fritz Bracht and Wüsthof to show why the maker, the brand and a later owner must be considered separately.

Sources and further reading

• Smithsonian: Gillette Razor Blade
• Smithsonian Lemelson Center: razors and patents
• Science Museum Group: glass hone

Sources checked on 9 October 2026. Find manufacturers and shops in the link collection.