King C. Gillette, the Man and His Wonderful Shaving Device

If you want a good historical book on King Gillette and the company, this is it.

I am a "wetshaver" and collector of vintage Gillete razors and memorabillia. This is a fascinating look at the development of modern shaving courtesy of King C. Gillette. If not for this mans vision and perseverance in developing double edge razor technology, we would still be going to the barber for a straight razor shave or stropping and honing our "cutthroat" razors at home. Up until Gillette first marketed his three-piece razor handle and disposable double-edge razor blades, the only options available for a smooth, close shave were to visit the barber every day or to do it yourself with a straight razor which required constant stropping and honing to keep a sharp edge. With Gillette's razors, everybody could shave safely, quickly, and easily at home. Gillette was savvy enough to market different razor handles at different price points, from the very simple and inexpensive to rather ornate sets which cost quite a bit of money back in the early 20th century. Gillette was also the first to market razors that were designed just for women. King C. Gillette would never recognize his company today, which exists in name only after being bought by Proctor & Gamble a few years ago.