Thread: Historic Razors

I'm curious about ancient razors. Does anyone know what was used before the straight razor? I saw a razor on ebay recently that was claimed to be from the American Revolution era. It looked nothing like a traditional straight. What did they shave with before that?

I know that the ancient celts shaved with a flattened disk of copper or bronze. I've heard that certain cultures burned their facial hair off and others plucked facial hair off with seashells. I don't know which cultures or what time though.

I don't want to put words in his mouth, but I believe on the DVD Mr. Abrams says they used to use shells and rocks???

Can't wait to see my wife's expression the next trip we take to the Cape..."honey, move the sea shell away from your face...sea weed does not make a good pre-shave!

Yeah, brass came after bronze and copper. Stones were used before sea shell I think. I guess the short answer is that people have always used the best technology they had available to shave ... right up until Gillette.

X

Thank your for your responses. I was aware that native Americans pulled their hairs out (ouch!) but I didn't know about the Celts with their flat discs nor was I aware that anyone burned it off except Superman. If anyone knows of any books on the subject, I'd love to hear about them.

I'm a bit more interested in 1400-1700.
Ebay occasionally has a piece from the late 1700's
but I've yet to see razors prior to this period.

I'd love to see some pictures.