subject: The History Of The Razor. [print this page] Did you know that before the razors came to be, people would use two clam shells to drag their unwanted facial hair out? Down the line the method of using objects such as shark teeth and sharpened flint became prevalent. Drawings of these razors can still be found today in some prehistoric caves. There are also still tribes around today which use some of these materials including sharpened flint. Recently archaeologists have unearthed solid gold razors in Egypt. Some are believed to date back to around 4000 BC. Around 3000 BC throughout the Bronze Age, the introduction of copper tools resulted in copper and bronze razors being made.
Historians think that the ancient roman king Lucius Priscus was responsible for the use of the razor around 600 BC. It was only a century later that razors entered general use. Alexander the great was also a historic figure that helped develop the practice of shaving. It really became a rule enforced on his soldiers to remain clean shaven. He thought that it would prevent your enemy from grabbing your beard in battle.
In the 18th Century the first modern straight razor was created. The razor came complete with decorated handles and a blade which was ground to some specific angle. It had been manufactured in Sheffield, England, that was then the centre for the cutlery industry. Shaving was a common practice for the wealthy through this era, as they had servants who could shave them. The affluent also had enough money to frequently visit barber shops. As you can see it was merely a select few which could regularly shave during this period, so it is safe to visualize that the majority of the male population never shaved. It only became an everyday practice for the average man on the street in the early 20th century.
The majority of shaving was done using straight razors until the late 1950s. To be a barber back then was considered a unique skill. Some barbers still use straight razors, but the practice is becoming very rare. It was the first double edged safety razor with replaceable blades introduced by Gillette that saw the death for the straight razor. Gillette had a very successful marketing campaign which questioned the effectiveness and safety of the straight razor. It gave way to the use of razors by pretty much every male under western culture, requiring little or no instruction or skill.
Around Razors have changed over time, so has got the advancement in the gels and aftershave lotions we use. There's such a wide range available, utilising both chemical and organic ingredients. To get a smooth and pleasurable shave, the shaving gel you use is just as important as the quality of the razor. There are also a range of Mens Shaving Products which can be applied to the skin both before and after a shave. For more information on finding the best products for ones skin, visit http://www.zirh.com. We also have an extensive selection of Anti Aging Products For males, and Moisturizers For Men.
