King Camp Gillette invented the bestselling safety razor with disposable blades, but did not originate the razor and blades business model.
King Camp Gillette, an American businessman, invented the bestselling safety razor with a thin, inexpensive, disposable blade of stamped steel. He recognized the market potential in creating a razor that could be discarded when the blade dulled, leading to a profitable business model.
In 1890, King C. Gillette married Alanta Ella Gaines, also known as Lantie. They later had a son named King Gaines Gillette.
In 1894, Gillette published The Human Drift, advocating for all industry to be owned by a single public corporation and proposing a giant city called Metropolis powered by Niagara Falls.
In 1895, King Camp Gillette patented the safety razor, revolutionizing the shaving industry.
In 1900, King C. Gillette created the prototype of the disposable razor blade after realizing the inefficiency of permanent blade razors. He envisioned a flattened piece of steel with a sharp tip on both sides that could be easily and quickly replaceable, providing men with safety and personal freedom in achieving their desired looks.
Gillette founded the American Safety Razor Company on September 28, 1901, which later changed its name to Gillette Safety Razor Company in July 1902.
On December 2, 1901, King C. Gillette began selling safety razor blades, revolutionizing the shaving industry.
In 1903, the Gillette Safety Razor Company made its first sale, consisting of 51 razors and 168 blades. This marked the beginning of a successful business venture for King C. Gillette.
On November 15, 1904, King Gillette was granted a patent for his safety razor design.
In 1906, the parent company absorbed Townsend and Hunt for US$300,000, which handled sales and distribution.
In 1910, King C. Gillette offered former president Theodore Roosevelt a million dollars to act as president of an experimental 'World Corporation' in the Arizona Territory.
In 1913, King Gillette retired from management of the Gillette Company after its success in the market.
In 1915, razor sales reached 450,000 units and blade sales exceeded 70 million units.
In 1917, during World War I, the company provided all American soldiers with a field razor set, paid for by the government.
Gillette® introduced mechanical innovations to improve the blade angle accuracy, grip, and opening/closing adjustments, creating the first 'instrument of precision'.
In 1924, Gillette co-authored The People's Corporation with Upton Sinclair, inspiring future endeavors.
In 1926, King C. Gillette purchased property in the Santa Monica Mountains near Calabasas, California, where the King Gillette Ranch was established.
After the 1929 stock market crash, King Gillette's personal fortune was ruined.
In 1931, King C. Gillette retired from active management of his company, although he remained president until that year.
King Camp Gillette, the inventor of the disposable safety razor, passed away on July 9, 1932 in Los Angeles, California at the age of 77.
In 1953, the Gillette Safety Razor Company expanded its product line with the introduction of Foamy shaving cream. This marked a diversification of their offerings beyond just razor blades.
Gillette® launched the first adjustable razor with three settings for different beard types, later expanding to nine settings. This marked the company's mechanical effort to enhance blade angle adjustment.
In 1960, Gillette introduced Right Guard antiperspirant as part of their personal care product line. This further expanded the company's reach into the personal hygiene market.
The Techmatic razor was introduced by Gillette®, showcasing further advancements in razor technology.
In 1971, Gillette produced the Trac II, which was the first twin-blade shaving system. It revolutionized shaving by introducing a system razor with a 'continuous band,' spooled and retractable, eliminating the need for users to touch the blade.
In 1972, Gillette produced the Trac II®, which was the first twin-blade shaving system.
In 1977, Gillette introduced the Atra/Contour system, the first twin-blade shaving cartridge with a pivoting head. This innovation allowed the blades to better follow the contours of the face for a closer shave.
In 1985, Gillette launched the Atra Plus/Contour Plus, which was the first razor with a lubricating strip. This advancement in razor technology provided a smoother and more comfortable shaving experience.
In 1986, the King C. Gillette Razor Blade was added to the collection of the National Museum of American History. The razor blade was a personal hygiene product marketed to men for hair removal.
The Sensor razor was introduced by Gillette in 1990. It was another milestone in shaving technology, although specific details were not provided in the input.
In 1999, Gillette launched the Mach 3 triple-blade razor, which was a significant advancement in shaving technology. This product contributed to Gillette's continued success and global sales.
Gillette introduced the Fusion5™ ProGlide with FlexBall Technology in 2014, incorporating a pivot between the blades and handle for better shaving experience.