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source_url: "https://sharpologist.com/the-science-behind-the-vibrating-blade/"
title: "The Science Behind The Vibrating Blade? - Sharpologist"
mirrored_at: 2026-08-28T01:31:41.738Z
host: sharpologist.com
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mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/sharpologist.com/the-science-behind-the-vibrating-blade/index"
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> **Original source:** https://sharpologist.com/the-science-behind-the-vibrating-blade/

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 Reader Larry sent me this link about the science behind vibrating razors: [Mad Physics](http://www.madphysics.com/ask/vibrating_gillette_razors_1.htm). According to the article its a combination of physics (the vibrations) and biology (the _[arrector pili](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrector_pili),_ which is responsible for raising hairs on the skin, like “goose bumps”). It sounds plausible I suppose, but I have not been able to find other references to the connection. In fact, I found a number of references (here’s the NY Times [reference](http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/19/fashion/thursdaystyles/19skin.html) which is an interesting article in itself) to a lawsuit that forced Gillette to drop its claim that the Mach3 Power “lifted the hair for a better shave.” The most common explaination I’ve read basically says the vibrations really just numb the tissue under the skin making it “feel” like you’re getting a more comfortable shave. Any scientists out there reading me?

By the way, the Gillette “power” razors are not the first to use vibrating technology. Check out the [Stahly Live Blade](http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Stahly_Live_Blade).

![Author](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3f4be61f98d712df16c82dcae10d0e00f6e6d79efbd61f91a921229ff4357a08?s=96&d=wavatar&r=g)

Mantic59 is co-founder of Sharpologist and has been advocating traditional wet shaving for over 20 years. He specializes in single-blade shaving, including safety razors, straight razors, and traditional lathering techniques, with a focus on real-world performance and how tools and technique interact. His work has been featured by The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Lifehacker.[View Author posts](https://sharpologist.com/author/mantic59gmail-com/)