safety razor

American  

noun

1. a razor with a guard to prevent the blade from cutting the skin.

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safety razor British  

noun

1. a razor with a guard or guards fitted close to the cutting edge or edges so that deep cuts are prevented and the risk of accidental cuts reduced

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Etymology

Origin of safety razor

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

Relatedly, in 1904, King C. Gillette patented his safety razor in the U.S. and by 1937, Oldstone-Moore writes, shaving cream and related accessories had estimated sales of $80 million in the U.S. alone.

From National Geographic • Nov. 7, 2023

If you’re happily married to a three- or five-blade cartridge, consider a fling with an old-school double-edge safety razor.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2020

In one poster, a former smoker named Shawn is posed with a lathered face, facing the camera as if it were a mirror while shaving his neck with a safety razor.

From Slate • Mar. 8, 2019

I don’t think you could do anything with your safety razor, and shampoo would not be effective.

From Washington Post • Nov. 3, 2017

He trimmed his beard with the scissors while a pan of water heated and then he shaved himself with a plastic safety razor.

From "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy

Related Words

• blade