You can freely build on How King Gillette Invented the Modern Disposable Safety Razor
This patent expired in 1921. Every claim — 0 independent, 0 dependent — is now unenforceable. Anyone can use, reproduce, manufacture, sell, or offer for sale this technology without a license.
Original assignee
FED TRUST Co
Patent granted
1904
Expired
1921
Forward citations
11
What this patent covers
The patent describes a safety razor design featuring a thin, flexible, double-edged blade held securely between a guard and a handle. By using a clamping mechanism, the device forces the thin metal blade to curve slightly, which provides the necessary rigidity for shaving while keeping the sharp edge at a safe angle against the skin. This design allows the user to dispose of the blade once it becomes dull, rather than needing to sharpen a heavy, permanent straight razor.
What is now free to use
All 0 claims of US 775134 are in the public domain. Specifically:
The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.
What is NOT covered
Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.
Does not cover traditional straight razors that require manual honing and stropping.
Does not cover electric shaving devices or motorized hair-cutting mechanisms.
Does not cover razors that use a single, thick, non-replaceable blade integrated into the handle.
Does not cover the chemical composition of the steel used in the blades.
Who is building on this today
The Gillette Company, now a subsidiary of Procter & Gamble, remains the dominant player in this space. Many boutique manufacturers continue to produce classic safety razors that rely on the fundamental mechanical principles established in this original 1904 patent.
Products built on expired version of this technology
Gillette safety razors
Modern double-edge safety razors
Disposable cartridge razor systems
How to cite this patent in your documentation
FED TRUST Co. US Patent 775134. Razor.. Granted 1904, expired 1921. Now in the public domain.
Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.
PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.