The result of over four years of careful study and experimentation. Made after secret formula, and with a superlatively keen edge. So hard it will cut glass. Keener and more durable. And no, I’m not referring to the ad copy of the latest multi-blade plastic horror to be peddled by Gillette. I’m referring to the ad copy from a 1908 advertisement for their “new process” blade.

Claiming to be made from superfine steel – whatever that was – the new process allegedly gave a blade keener, harder, and longer lasting than the original Gillette blade. This in turn was supposed to make the blade last longer. Which would be a good thing, seeing as how the blades were not cheap.

The blades was a dollar a pack, which is about twice of what the old blades cost in 1906. To us today a dollar for a dozen blades don’t sound bad. But you have to take inflation into account – it would be the equivalent of almost three dollars. Three dollars per blade, that is.

So you better hope the blade lasts, to eke out the most shaves from each blade.