Razor

Razor, sharp-edged instrument used to shave hair from the skin. Razors in crude forms, such as clam shells and flints, have been used since prehistoric times. They evolved into the 3 basic types in use today. Straight-edged razors (blades 3–4 in (8–10 cm) long encased in a safety handle) and safety razors (hoe-shaped with shorter blades and protected cutting surface) manually remove hair from a lathered surface. Electric razors, powered by motors, move a series of small, sharp blades over unlathered skin. Many electric razors are “cordless,” able to operate on batteries.