Saturday, September 24, 2011

The Electric Razor Has a History

By Dave Lashier


We bet you own an electric razor. And we bet you prefer your electric razor to your standard razor. The electric razor was one of the most important inventions for men in the 20th century. Without them, many with less steady hands would face a far more dire shaving situation on a daily basis. They are exactly as their name implies: A razor that is powered by an electrical current that induces the motion/oscillations of a pivoting or rotating blade set. They are normally powered by batteries or plug into the wall, with newer ones having built-in rechargeable batteries; others are the combination of a traditional razor and electric beard-trimmer. This article will discuss the history and progression of the electric razor over the years.

So when was the first electric razor invented? Good question you say. The first ever electric razor patent was filed by American inventor Col. Jacob Schick in 1928. Many will instantly recognize this name because Schick continues to be one of the largest manufactures of safety razors in the world.

The initial design of the electric razor was meant to be used on dry skin and only plugged into a wall outlet. Other earlier mechanical razors that weren't electric had to employ more crude mechanisms like chord fly-wheels, or a crank-wind system for their mechanical energy. The electric razor supplants these systems with a DC motor, or an AC charged solenoid to create the desired motions and work. Despite Schick having the first commercial one out, the Remington Corporation would be the ones to build on Schick's earlier designs: Releasing their first razor in 1937. And they would continue to improve on the electric razor for generations to come.

With the different types of eletric razors today when did they start to become different from each other in design? The rotary electric razor was another huge advancement: Invented by Professor Alexandre Horowitz (an expert in mechanical and electrical engineering), while working in the Netherlands for the Philips company. Having been disappointed with Schick's reciprocating blade system and engineering, Horowitz developed one that utilized rotating blades. This lead to the rotary electric razor being released in 1939.

Currently there are a myriad of different electric razor makers. The most renowned and best-selling brands are Braun, Philips, Panasonic, Remington, and Wahl. These razors continue to push the edge of accuracy and comfort.




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