For Romans shaving was very serious business. Shaving set set them apart from mustache-wearing barbarians and bearded Greeks.
The very first shavings in the Roman Empire probably happened with primitive metal razors. Another option was obsidian, a volcanic glass, used for thousands of years to make cutting tools. Furthermore flint was sometimes made into very sharp blades for the same purpose.
Roman men who belonged to the upper classes would have a skilled live-in servant to shave them. The common folk would start their day with a trip to the tonsor, or barber, who would shave their face with an iron Novacila.
There was, however, one problem with these blades: They corroded very quickly leading to many cuts. This was not a problem as the barber would apply a special lotion comprised of perfumed ointment and spider webs soaked in oil and vinegar.
After this was done you were ready to face the day with a clean shaven face.
Blog Smith is inspired by the myth of Hephaestus in the creation of blacksmith-like, forged materials: ideas. This blog analyzes topics that interest me: IT, politics, technology, history, education, music, and the history of religions.