The Durham Safety Razor Co. was founded in 1908 in N.Y. by Thomas C. Durham. This design was easier to use. There was a less chance of nicking yourself. You didn't have to worry about sharpening your Cut Throat razor which was a pain to do. You could hone this disposable razor blade for many more shaves too. The stropping attachment allows you to shave like a regular straight razor. The comb attachment is like using training wheels. The original blades shave really well. I have several packs of the original blades. They shave well as a straight razor or with the brush attachment. The carpet blades shave ok, but need to be sharpen by honing. This razor was safer and easier to shave with. He stated in 1917 there were 5 million happy customers and by 1920 there was 8 million happy customers. These sold for about .35 cent., which is about 7.00 today. His Hoe style double edge razor sold well too in the 1920's and onward. This style of shaving instrument was a step up from the Cut Throat razor and affordable.