Shaving used to be a solely male activity, until modern days which result in females requiring the occasional shave. This is largely attributed to fashion (shaving arms, legs and armpits) or nuclear radiation and genetic mutation (shaving face, hands, feet, etc.)

The earliest known razor blades have been found in Egypt, strangely enough bronze. This has presented something of a dilemma: How did the ancient Egyptians keep bronze, a very soft metal, so sharp? A lot of strange people have concluded that it was done by placing a blunt razor blade under a perfectly aligned pyramid. I think this theory is rubbish; my personal theory is that they did not keep them sharp at all. They were made and buried to confuse us. View my Conspiracy Theories guide entry for more details.

Barber's shops, in ancient times, could be dangerous places. The obvious example is Sweeney Todd who lived in London, and sliced customer's throats. A long time before that, in AD 192, the Roman Emperor Commodus had a delightful pastime of secretly taking over a barber's shop, and when the customers came in he would cut off all their noses.

The modern disposable razor was invented by K. C. Gillette in 1903, who very quickly became obscenely rich. Another example of our modern disposable society. Don't get me started on THAT.

Finally, a couple of examples of people who don't shave: Orthodox Jews believe God gave Man the beard to distinguish him from women. However, Saint Wilegfort was a Portuguese princess who grew a beard overnight. She prayed that she might become ugly so she wouldn't have to marry against her will.