Classification and Analysis

There are many ways of classifying the individual items within a given constellation of objects. One can, for example, arrange the objects according to materials used, date of manufacture, technological sophistication, decorative elements, or any other common characteristic. The choice ultimately depends on the purpose of the categorization. One particularly robust approach, and the one employed here, is the use of formal sequences comprising a 'Prime Object' and subsequent replications, as enunciated by George Kubler in The Shape of Time (1962). By first identifying such sequences, we can both analyse the characteristics within each range as well as discern any significant differences or similarities between the sequences.

Major Sequences

Through an examination of a wide selection of razors produced in the last two hundred years, we can identify two primary formal sequences: the manual or 'wet' razor, and the electric or 'dry' shaver. Within in the first of these sequences, there also exists a sub-division of sufficient importance between the straight ('cut-throat') razor and the safety razor that we can profitably make the distinction at the outset. The resulting high-level classification is therefore three-fold: the straight razor, the safety razor and the electric razor. In the latter two categories, we are able to identify with some precision the Prime Object on which the series' are based. The prototype of the straight razor is more difficult to locate, but its essential characteristics can be extrapolated fairly easily from the replications available.
Within these primary sequences, there are also a number of distinct secondary series requiring individual consideration. A complete typology, going generally from earliest to latest style, is shown (click on the highlighted text for examples and descrpitions of each type):
1 STRAIGHT RAZORS
1.1 - straight or 'cut-throat'
2 SAFETY RAZORS
2.1 - 'T-shaped' or double-sided
2.2 - 'hoe-shaped' or single-sided
3 ELECTRIC RAZORS
3.1 oscillating blades (top-mounted)
3.2 rotary blades (front-mounted)

Analysis

Considered as a unique series, men's razors reveal a singular persistence of design characteristics across the entire object range. The shape is almost always considerably elongated, with the edges squared or extremely abruptly turned. Colours are restricted to black or earth-neutral tones, and decorative elements are sparing used, usually taking the form of manufacturers' names or logos. Where pure decoration is applied - particularly in the handles of the more expensive straight razors - the images used are most frequently those associated with masculine activities such as hunting or sailing. In some instances, notably in the earliest safety razors and in many electric models, the 'technological' aspect of the razors is stressed through the exaggerated use of elements such as metal teeth or control buttons. Taken together, the values expressed by these design elements conforms very closely to a traditional nineteenth-century set of masculine attributes: sober, erect, practical, efficient, restrained and 'scientific'.
From this evidence alone, it might be possible to argue that some of these elements are intrinsic to efficient razor design. After all, a handle is required for gripping, so the elongated form is only 'natural'. However, any such claim is immediately dispelled by comparing these razors with their 'female' counterparts. The first ladies' razor advertised in the Eaton's mail order catalogue (Spring/Summer 1936, p. 186) is described as follows:
"Women's Tiny Safety Razor with two-section handle and two blades in a miniature Vanity Case. Gold color." Note that the new model must be 'tiny' - although the blades used are the same - and the box is 'miniature' and a 'Vanity Case' rather than a Dressing Case or Razor Case. Note also how the verbal descriptions reinforce the physical design elements to underline the gender distinction being drawn.
When we compare the entire range of women's razors with the masculine models, it becomes abundantly clear that these objects have been created to reflect a list of values antithetical to the male attributes identified above. The example at left, which is the "ladies" version of the item shown above, provides a perfect illustration of the differentiation involved. The shapes has been compressed and reduced, the edges rounded, a lighter colour used, all angular elements are made curvilinear, and major decorative elements added. The case in fact resembles a face-powder box rather than a tool box. In this particular instance, one model features an oscillating blade, the other a rotary, but either could be - and have been - used in either design.
Not every razor displays the entire range of differentiating elements, nor necessarily to the same degree, but every case examined to date exhibits enough compliance with one or the other of these value sets to enable us to generalize with considerable confidence that twentieth century razors universally and deliberately incorporate gender-distinguishing design elements. Moreover, we can costruct at least a partial list of the binary polarities informing the distinction:
MEN WOMEN
elongated rounded
rectilinear curvilinear
dark light
sober frivolous
efficient decorative
Note that the illustrations flanking the table are the 'male' and 'female' versions of the same razor - the Gillette Sensor Excel - and there is no obvious difference in the blade construction itself between the two. Notice also the design of the 'grip' - perfectly straight on the male version, curved or 'ribbed' on the female.


Last updated: 10 March 1998