Electric shavers are surprisingly old, far predating the rash of domestic inventions that characterize images of home life in the 50s and 60s. In fact, the first electric shaver dates all the way back to a 1928 patent, filed by Col. Jacob Schick. Facts about Schick are hazy. One account has him inventing the electric shaver while battling dysentery, allowing him to avoid the painful trip to the sink each morning. Another account claims the invention was related to his dislike of shaving using frigid water during a stay in Alaska and British Columbia.
Regardless, electric razors were slow to catch on, and Schick’s company was sold quite a few times following his death in 1937 before finally settling into the familiar Phillips Norelco brand we know today. Following early prototypes that required the use of two hands by means of a flexible driveshaft, razor technology developed rapidly, popularity following along with it.
Philips Arctec Rotary Shaver
Despite competing models, there are consistencies among all electric razors. To begin with, unlike with manual razors, it is possible to use an electric razor when the skin is dry. Earlier models required that the DC motor be powered by a wall outlet, but newer shavers rely on cordless, rechargeable batteries for power. Though it used to be common to repair damaged shavers, warranties are such nowadays that most often razors are either replaced if still under coverage or simply thrown away by the user if they are older. Despite this, resources exist online both for do it yourself razor repair instructions and mail service razor repair.