National Razor

A gruesome engine that they facetiously called the National Razor -- invented and designed some years ago by one Dr. Guillotin -- is but an item in the changes that have been, yet an item that in its way has become a very factor.

The Trampling of the Lilies Rafael Sabatini 1912

Better for him that his beard had never grown, for the National Razor shaved him close.

A Tale of Two Cities 1859

It was the popular theme for jests; it was the best cure for headache, it infallibly prevented the hair from turning grey, it imparted a peculiar delicacy to the complexion, it was the National Razor which shaved close: who kissed La Guillotine, looked through the little window and sneezed into the sack.

A Tale of Two Cities 1859

Better for him that his beard had never grown, for the National Razor shaved him close.

A Tale of Two Cities Charles Dickens 1841