This has always confused me - perhaps it's my background combined with a lack of understanding of how these things used to work, but...

I've always been under the (perhaps incorrect) impression that seven day razor sets were typically the domain of rich gentlemen from times long past. I don't understand why a rich gentleman, given that he's rich, would require razors at all. Why wouldn't he avoid the time and trouble and just pay a barber for a daily shave? Am I confusing mere wealth with "enormously rich"; or wealth with idleness? Or does this refer to a time before barbers were invented?

A trivial question, I know, but if anyone can enlighten me I'd appreciate it.

James.