With the invention of the safety razor in 1909 by
King C. Gillette, this type of razor was the mainstay of the men
in Greenbelt in the 30's and 40's.
King C. Gillete
Construction
Constructed of tempered 40-guage steel the razor blades measured
.880 to .883 inches wide and .006 inches thick. A pound of steel
could make 375 to 400 blades. The double-sided razor blade was
screwed into the blade carrage. The carrage was toped with
metal plate that only allowed a small portion of the blade to be
exposed. Under the blade, the shaving flange aided in guiding the
razor over the skin. The shaving head consisting of the protective
plate, the blade, the carrage, and the flange, was attached to a
molded handle, made of either metal or wood.
Razor Blade Manufacturers
American Steel & Wire
Crucible and Stanley
Athenia Steel Co.
Cold Metal Process
Cost
During the Depression, high-quality Gillette blades sold for a dime each.
After the Depression, razor blade prices went down to a modest 4 for a
dime. The shaving system, consisting of an instruction booklet,
a silver razor and twenty disposable blades ("a two years' supply")
cost about $5.00. The same system with a gold razor cost $12.00.
