Rising early each day to dress and shave, George Washington scrupulously maintained the clean-shaven appearance expected of a gentleman in the late eighteenth century. This straight razor, encased in ivory with silver rivets, met Washington's criteria for elegant but plain possessions. Washington may have also valued the razor as a token of French support during the American Revolution. The stamped mark on the blade "Langlois/[C * D]UROY" identifies the maker, Langlois, as "Coutelier du Roy" [cutler to the king], a prestigious title that suggests he enjoyed royal patronage.