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2024-09-22 08:20:01

King C. Gillette

American businessman and inventor
American businessman and inventor

King Camp Gillette invented the bestselling safety razor with disposable blades, but did not originate the razor and blades business model.

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1855-01-05
Invention of the Safety Razor by King Camp Gillette

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.

1890
Gillette marries Alanta Ella Gaines

In 1890, King C. Gillette married Alanta Ella Gaines, also known as Lantie. They later had a son named King Gaines Gillette.

1894
Publication of The Human Drift

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.

1895
King Gillette Patents Safety Razor

In 1895, King Camp Gillette patented the safety razor, revolutionizing the shaving industry.

1900
Prototype of Disposable Razor Blade

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.

1901-09-28
Founding of American Safety Razor Company

Gillette founded the American Safety Razor Company on September 28, 1901, which later changed its name to Gillette Safety Razor Company in July 1902.

1901-12-02
King C. Gillette starts selling safety razor blades

On December 2, 1901, King C. Gillette began selling safety razor blades, revolutionizing the shaving industry.

1903
First Sale of Gillette Safety Razors

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.

1904-11-15
Granting of Patent to King Gillette

On November 15, 1904, King Gillette was granted a patent for his safety razor design.

1906
Acquisition of Townsend and Hunt

In 1906, the parent company absorbed Townsend and Hunt for US$300,000, which handled sales and distribution.

1910
Offered Theodore Roosevelt a Million Dollars

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.

1913
King Gillette's Retirement from Management

In 1913, King Gillette retired from management of the Gillette Company after its success in the market.

1915
Record Razor and Blade Sales

In 1915, razor sales reached 450,000 units and blade sales exceeded 70 million units.

1917
Providing Field Razor Set to American Soldiers

In 1917, during World War I, the company provided all American soldiers with a field razor set, paid for by the government.

1920
Improvements in Razor Design

Gillette® introduced mechanical innovations to improve the blade angle accuracy, grip, and opening/closing adjustments, creating the first 'instrument of precision'.

1924
Publication of The People's Corporation

In 1924, Gillette co-authored The People's Corporation with Upton Sinclair, inspiring future endeavors.

1926
Purchase of property for King Gillette Ranch

In 1926, King C. Gillette purchased property in the Santa Monica Mountains near Calabasas, California, where the King Gillette Ranch was established.

1929
King Gillette's Personal Fortune Ruined

After the 1929 stock market crash, King Gillette's personal fortune was ruined.

1931
Retired from Active Management

In 1931, King C. Gillette retired from active management of his company, although he remained president until that year.

1932-07-09
Death of King Camp Gillette

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.

1953
Introduction of Foamy Shaving Cream

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.

1957
Introduction of Adjustable Razor

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.

1960
Introduction of Right Guard Antiperspirant

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.

1965
Introduction of Techmatic Razor

The Techmatic razor was introduced by Gillette®, showcasing further advancements in razor technology.

1971
TRAC II

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.

1972
TRAC II®

In 1972, Gillette produced the Trac II®, which was the first twin-blade shaving system.

1977
ATRA

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.

1985
ATRA PLUS

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.

1986
Introduction of King C. Gillette Razor Blade

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.

1990
SENSOR

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.

1999
Introduction of Mach 3 Triple-Blade Razor

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.

2014
Fusion5™ ProGlide with FlexBall Technology

Gillette introduced the Fusion5™ ProGlide with FlexBall Technology in 2014, incorporating a pivot between the blades and handle for better shaving experience.

End of the Timeline
King C. Gillette
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