As early as antiquity, shaving was a means of distinguishing oneself from the bearded barbarians. In 19th century Germany, certain types of beard were worn to give public expression to one’s political leanings. During the reign of William II, a moustache with its tips curled upwards was a symbol of loyalty to the German emperor, which had to be kept in shape using all manner of appliances as well as being kept free of crumbs and suchlike.
Even way back in the Bronze Age, specially devised razors were employed in Central Europe. Shaving was a painful business that first became somewhat more bearable with the application of soap-lather from the middle of the 16th century onwards. For a long time, the cutting of beards remained the preserve of the barber. The dangers involved in shaving oneself were simply too great. However, as the 18th and 19th centuries brought with them improvements in the quality of razors thanks to more advanced techniques of steel production, many men opted to undertake the task of shaving themselves. |
