I've read about early societies shaving with flaked obsidian, which is remarkably sharp, but not everybody lives near an extinct volcano. Was there long-distance trade in obsidian for this purpose? What was shaving like before the advent of stainless steel? How long ago did people start to recognize the need to shave with boiled water?
Shaving has been a common practice for thousands of years. The earliest recorded instances of shaving date back to ancient Egypt around 4,000 years ago. In those days, both men and women would shave their heads and faces to prevent the spread of lice and other parasites.
In ancient times, people would have used whatever sharp tools they had available to them to remove facial hair. This could have included flaked obsidian, sharpened flint, or even seashells. These tools would have been relatively primitive and would have required frequent sharpening to maintain their edge. In some cases, people may have used natural materials such as plant sap or honey as a way to soften the beard and make it easier to shave. Some cultures may also have used animal fat or other oils to lubricate the skin and prevent irritation.
As human societies developed, they began to use more sophisticated tools for shaving, such as razors made from bronze or copper. These materials were sharper and more durable than obsidian, and allowed for a closer, cleaner shave. However, these razors were still fairly primitive, and would have required frequent sharpening to maintain their edge. Shaving with these tools would have been a challenging and potentially hazardous process, and would have required a great deal of skill and practice to do effectively.
The invention of stainless steel greatly improved the quality and durability of razors, and made it easier for people to get a clean shave. This allowed for the development of the modern razor, with its replaceable blades and comfortable handles. Today, people can choose from a wide range of razors and other shaving tools, each with its own unique features and benefits.
In terms of hygiene, people have long recognized the need to cleanse the skin before shaving to prevent infection and irritation. In ancient times, this would have been done using water, perhaps boiled to sterilize it, and possibly combined with other ingredients such as herbs or oils. Today, people commonly use soap, shaving cream, or other products to soften the beard and prepare the skin for shaving