Electric Razors

Men have probably been shaving as soon as he evolved from the Neanderthals. Some say they used sharpened stones, flints, and clam shells to remove unwanted facial hair. Egyptian priests may have used copper razors to remove their facial hair for aesthetic and hygienic reasons. Alexander the Great also shaved for the same reasons, and he strongly encouraged his soldiers to do the same. He had one more reason to shave though - he wanted to avoid beard-grabbing in combat.

Over time, shaving implements evolved from copper and bronze razors, to straight razors, disposable blade straight razors, and safety razors. These continue to be in production today although the straight and disposable blade straights are on the way out. Safety razors are still popular mainly because of the innovations incorporated into the newer models.

In 1928, Col. Jacob Schick patented the first electric razor. One design of this device consists of a thin perforated metal foil covering an oscillating or rotating blade. When the razor is held against the skin, whiskers penetrate into the foil's perforations and are cut by the moving blade. Another design is the rotary style which features rotating circular blade structures. Usually there are three arranged in a triangle.

The razor is operated by a small motor encased below the metal foil and blades. Modern razors are powered by rechargeable batteries, although there are still a few that rely on electric current like the earlier models.

With a few exceptions, mens electric razors are designed to be used dry. No shaving cream nor even water is necessary. Shaving is quicker and cuts to the skin are minimized. And if you use batteries, you can shave wherever you are. Some shave in their cars on the way to work, or in their private offices so they arrive at the board room for important meetings looking clean and tidy. The only downside to electric razors is it is not as close as in wet shaving. And you need to recharge your batteries periodically.