Looking for the best shave ever?

Over the years there has been a progressive development in shaving technology and thus a number of various instruments have been created in search of the perfect close shave. That being said the tools of the trade so to speak can be broken out into the following categories.

Straight razors also known quite often as open razors or cut-throat razors are open steel blades sharpened on one edge that can be folded back into the handle, not to far in concept from pocket knifes. Sharpness of the blade is critical in achieving a close shave with these instruments; a dull blade would most likely results in cuts to one’s skin. Made from either high carbon steel or stainless steel, shaving with a straight razor is an art and typically the handling of such razors is often left up to the barber.

Construction: The blade rotates on a pin through its tang between two protective pieces called scales: when folded into the scales, the blade is protected from damage, and the user is protected from injury. Handle scales are made of various materials, including mother-of-pearl, celluloid, bone, plastic and wood. They were once made of ivory, but this has been discontinued, though fossil ivory is still used occasionally.

There is also a sub category of straight razors known as disposable straight razors. These are similar in look and function but which use either a standard double edged blade or specially made disposable blades. Many razors of this type are referred to as "shavettes" although this name was originally restricted to a razor manufactured by Dovo in Germany.

A Safety Razor protects the skin from all but the very edge of the razor and was invented back in the 18th century by a guy named Jean-Jacques Perret. In 1875 the enterprising Kampfe Brothers took the concept one step further and mass marketed the product as an alternative to the “Straight steel edge” razor. It wasn’t until 1901 when American inventor King Camp Gillette with the assistance of William Nickerson, invented a safety razor with disposable blades. Gillette realized that a profit could be made by selling an inexpensive razor with disposable blades. This has been called the Razor and blades business model, or a "loss leader", and has become a very common practice for a wide variety of products.

As with everything in the modern world, life has become incredibly busy for everyone and the need to do more work in a shorter amount of time has become a daily reality for countless millions. Nowadays Electric razors promise a clean close comfortable shave in record time. (Example: Philips Norelco 7240XL Cord/Cordless Rechargeable Shaver.)

Electric Razors feature either a rotating or oscillating blade, and usually do not require the assistance of shaving cream, soap or water (picture). Usually powered by a small DC motor or rechargeable battery system these razors come in a variety of styles and colours. Some electric razors still run on regular household current while others offer cordless operation. Either way, it is still quite possible to receive a close smooth comfortable feeling shave without the nuisance of razor bumps since typically these razors roll forward the skin ahead of the follicle, pulling it above the un-stretched skin line where the rotating, or oscillating foil cuts it off.

So when it comes to shaving those particularly sensitive areas of the body, many people routinely turn to the use of personal shavers. There are a variety of personal shavers on the market and each comes with its own style and set of different accessories. Personal shavers have been designed to meet the needs of both men and women, the most prominent manufacturers are Seiko, Panasonic and Deak’s. Specifically designed for shaving the most sensitive or delicate skin like the pubic area, bikini lines or other sensitive areas like the underarms. These shavers do not create rashes or bumps and are particularly adept at reaching those hard to get at areas of the body.