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Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

-0001

1927

  • Work on this object began.

2014

2025

  • You found it!

Sketch For A Safety Razor With Notes (USA)

This is a Sketch for a safety razor with notes. It was made by Joseph B. Friedman. It is dated December 1927. Its medium is ink on paper.

Joseph Friedman’s best-known invention is the flexible straw, but the range of his inventive activities encompassed writing implements, improvements to engines, and household products. He frequently sketched on loose scraps of paper—he was especially fond of envelopes—working out ideas and solving problems, like this sketch for a safety razor. He explained this ingenious invention thusly: "One purpose is a convenient and readily accessible place for carrying additional blades; another to combine in one article the razor and the blade container box; and a further purpose is to provide a large comfortable handle which is very easy to grasp and effects a good grip and perfect control of the movements of the razor-head."

It is credited Joseph B. Friedman Papers, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, 2001.3031.

Our curators have highlighted 3 objects that are related to this one.

  • Imperial No. 2 Razor
  • nickle-plated metal, steel, stone, leather; simulated leather case.
  • Gift of Stephen Van Dyk.
  • 2007-35-1-a,b

Its dimensions are

H x W (drawing): 21 x 28 cm (8 1/4 in. x 11 in.)

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Tools: Extending Our Reach.

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<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-6.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/51682399/ |title=Sketch For A Safety Razor With Notes (USA) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=25 March 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>