Coatings for razor blades

Abstract

The present invention discloses a razor blade, the razor blade comprising: a substrate having an end portion including an end region, a blade body including a base, and a first outer side and a second outer side that converge at the end and are arranged opposite to a dividing line of the substrate; and a first coating and a second coating, the first coating and the second coating being substantially arranged on the first outer side and the second outer side, respectively. A method of coating a razor blade is also provided, the method comprising: applying a first coating to at least a portion of the first outer side; and applying a second coating to at least a portion of the second outer side. The first coating and the second coating each extend from the end region toward the base and are substantially different from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to coatings of substrates and more particularly to improved coatings on razor components such as razor blades. Background Art

[0002] Razor blades are typically formed from a suitable base material such as stainless steel, wherein the cutting edge is formed with a wedge-shaped configuration having a radius of less than about 1000 angstroms at the final tip. For example, about One or more hard coatings such as diamond, amorphous diamond, diamond-like carbon (DLC) material, nitride, carbide, oxide or ceramic can be applied to substrate material (particularly on cutting edge) to improve strength, corrosion resistance and shaving ability and maintain required strength, while enabling the use of thinner blades with lower cutting force. One or more soft coatings, usually with polymeric materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), can be stacked on the top of the hard coating to impart lubricity and reduce friction. Interlayers containing niobium or chromium materials can help improve the combination between substrates and hard carbon coatings such as DLC, which are usually stainless steel, and help to prevent the end from becoming rounded. Any suitable method can be used to apply coating, for example, physical vapor deposition (PVD) technology for hard coating and dipping, spraying and / or brushing for soft coating. Examples of razor blades and manufacturing processes are described in U.S. Patents 5,295,305; 5,232,568; 4,933,058; 5,032,243; 5,497,550; 5,940,975; and 5,669,144; EP 0591339; and PCT 92 / 03330, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Conventional blades typically include generally equal amounts of material on both sides of the substrate, typically applied by vapor deposition parallel to the cutting edge. The coatings on these blades are highly symmetrical and include substantially similar compositions, coverage areas, microstructures, etc. on both sides of the cutting edge. Although current razor blades perform well enough, in order to make the next generation of products perform even better, the interactions between the blade and the skin and between the blade and the hair can be improved. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a razor blade is provided, comprising: a substrate having an end portion including an end region, a body including a base blade, and a first outer side and a second outer side arranged opposite to a dividing line of the substrate, wherein the first outer side and the second outer side converge at the end; a first coating, the first coating being substantially arranged on the first outer side and extending from the end region toward the base; and a second coating, the second coating being substantially arranged on the second outer side and extending from the end region toward the base, wherein the first coating and the second coating are substantially different.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for coating a razor blade is provided, wherein the razor blade includes a substrate having an end portion including an end region, a blade body including a base, and a first outer side and a second outer side arranged opposite to a dividing line of the substrate, wherein the first outer side and the second outer side converge at the end, the method comprising: applying a first coating to at least a portion of the first outer side, the first coating extending from the end region toward the substrate and substantially arranged on the first outer side; and applying a second coating to at least a portion of the second outer side, the second coating extending from the end region toward the base and substantially arranged on the second outer side, wherein the first coating and the second coating are substantially different. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly stating the subject matter regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals are used to designate substantially identical elements, and wherein:

[0007] Figure 1 is a front view of a razor system including a handle and a razor cartridge according to the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 2 is a side view of a razor blade having a symmetrical base according to the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a tip portion of another razor blade having a symmetrical base according to the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 , Fig.14 , Fig.15 , Fig.16 and Fig.17 is a coating comprising one or more coatings according to the present disclosure Figure 3 a side view of a distal portion of a razor blade;

[0011] Fig.18 is a side view of a razor blade having an asymmetric base according to the present disclosure;

[0012] Fig.19 is a side view of another razor blade having an asymmetric base according to the present disclosure;

[0013] Fig. 20 , Fig.21 , Fig. 22 , Fig.23 , Fig.24 , Fig.25 , Fig.26 , Fig. 27 , Fig.28 , Fig.29 , Fig.30 , Fig.31 , Fig.32 and Fig.33 is a coating comprising one or more coatings according to the present disclosure Fig.18 a side view of a distal portion of a razor blade;

[0014] Fig.34 yes Figure 4 and Fig. 20 A detailed side view of the end region of a razor blade;

[0015] Fig.35 , Fig.36 and Fig.37 is a razor blade according to the present disclosure comprising one or more coatings of the end region similar to Fig.34 Additional detailed side view of;

[0016] Fig.38 is a schematic diagram of a chamber showing a razor blade capable of being coated via a deposition technique in accordance with the present disclosure; and

[0017] Fig.39 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of coating a razor blade according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] As used herein, the term "asymmetric blade" refers to a blade defined by a base having a first portion including a blade body and a second portion including an end portion, wherein a dividing line passes through the end of the end portion, extends through the first portion and the second portion and divides the second portion into a substantially asymmetric first section and a second section. The outer surface of the first section of the second portion is asymmetric relative to the outer surface of the second section. The outer surface of the first section of the second portion can be used as a skin contact surface, and the outer surface of the second section can be used as a hair cutting surface.

[0019] As used herein, "partition line" refers to a line extending through the end of the end portion of the blade base, which divides the second portion into an asymmetrical first segment and a second segment, and is generally parallel to the generally parallel first and second outer surfaces of the first portion of the blade body defining the blade base.

[0020] refer to Figure 1 , the razor system 10 includes a handle 12 and a razor cartridge 14. In some examples, the razor cartridge 14 can be removably mounted to the handle 12 with a connector 20, as shown, and in other examples, the razor cartridge 14 can be permanently attached to the handle 12. The razor cartridge 14 can pivot relative to the handle 12. The razor cartridge 14 can include a cartridge housing 16 having one or more razor blades 18. Although in Figure 1 1, three blades are shown, but it should be understood that any number (more or less) of blades can be installed in the razor cartridge 14. As shown, the razor blades 18 can be installed in the cartridge housing 16 and fixed with clamps 24a and 24b. The cartridge housing 16 can also include a top cover 22 located near the rear of the cartridge housing 16 and one or more protective structures 26 located near the front of the cartridge housing 16. The top cover 22 may include one or more lubrication members (not labeled).

[0021] Figure 2 is a side view of a razor blade 8 according to the present disclosure, and Figure 3 and Figure 4 Detailed perspective and side views, respectively, of elements of a razor blade 18 according to the present disclosure. Figures 2 to 4The razor blades 8 and 18 shown in the drawings may each include a substrate 28 including a first portion having a blade body 30 and a second portion having an end portion 34. As used herein, a "substrate" refers to a substance or material that is acted upon by a deposition process in the present disclosure. The exemplary embodiments herein relate to a stainless steel substrate that is typically used for razor blade formation. It is contemplated that the substrate of the present invention may also be made of other metals, plastics, ceramics, or any other material. The blade body 30 may include a base 32, and the end portion 34 may include flanks 36 that converge at an end 40 to define a cutting edge 42 of the substrate 28 that performs cutting hair. As described herein, the flanks 36 may each include one or more bevels or facets 38.

[0022] exist Figures 2 to 4 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the base 28 is substantially symmetrical and may include a segmentation line SL passing through the end 40 and dividing or splitting the base 28 into substantially equal first and second segments or halves 44 and 46. 28 The first outer side 48 of the substrate 28 is opposite to the second outer side 50 and the separation line SL 28 As used herein, the terms "first" and "second" are used for reference only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0023] At least a portion of one outer side (e.g., first outer side 48) of substrate 28 may define a skin contact surface, and at least a portion of another outer side (e.g., second outer side 50) may define a hair cutting surface. It is determined that the two sides of a razor blade generally perform different functions (e.g., a bottom side that contacts the skin and a top side that performs hair cutting, wherein both sides perform hair cutting and the top side (e.g., away from the skin) has a greater impact). Studies have shown that placing Teflon on one bevel and not placing Teflon on the other bevel exhibits completely different cutting forces, depending on whether the Teflon-coated bevel is placed with the skin side facing up (e.g., away from the skin) or with the skin side facing down (e.g., closer to the skin). When a razor blade without Teflon coating on one side is placed so that the side (e.g., without Teflon coating) is skin side facing down, only a small cutting force increase is noted when compared to a blade with Teflon on both sides, but when a razor blade without Teflon coating is placed with the skin side facing up, a very significant cutting force increase is measured when compared to a blade with Teflon on both sides.

[0024] refer to Figure 4, the end portion 34 may include a first wing 36A defined by a portion of the first outer side 48 and a second wing 36B defined by a portion of the second outer side 50, wherein the first wing 36A and the second wing 36B converge at the end 40. The first wing 36A may include one or more first facets, such as the first facet 38A and the third facet 38C, and the second wing 36B may include one or more second facets, such as the second facet 38B and the fourth facet 38D. The first facet 38A is connected to the blade body 30 at the first junction 39-1 and extends between the blade body 30 and the third facet 38C on the first outer side 48 of the base 28. The third facet 38C is connected to the first facet 38A at the second junction 39-2 and extends between the first facet 38A and the end 40 on the first outer side 48. On the second outer side 50 of the base 28, the second facet 38B is connected to the blade body 30 at the third junction 39-3 and extends between the blade body 30 and the fourth facet 38D. The fourth facet 38D is connected to the second facet 38B at the fourth junction 39-4 and extends between the second facet 38B and the end 40 on the second outer side 50. The third facet 38C and the fourth facet 38D (also referred to as the end facet) converge at the end 40 to define the cutting edge 42. In other examples, the side wings 36 may each include a facet 38 (see Figure 2 8) or three or more facets (not shown). Figures 2 to 4 In the razor blades 8 and 18 shown in the drawings, the outer shape or geometry of the first outer side 48 may be substantially the same as the outer shape or geometry of the second outer side 50. For example, the first facet 38A may substantially correspond to the second facet 38B, and may include substantially similar lengths, as defined between the first joint 39-1 and the second joint 39-2 and between the third joint 39-3 and the fourth joint 39-4, respectively. The third facet 38C may similarly substantially correspond to the fourth facet 38D, and may include substantially similar lengths, as defined between the end 40 and the second joint 39-2 and between the end 40 and the fourth joint 39-4, respectively. Therefore, the angles at the joints 39-1 and 39-3 and the angles at the joints 39-2 and 39-4 may also be generally substantially similar.

[0025] Continue to see Figure 4, the razor blade 18 may include multiple outer surfaces, including a first blade body outer surface 31A and a second blade body outer surface 31B defined by the outer surfaces of the first part 30A and the second part 30B of the blade body 30, respectively; and a first facet outer surface 39A, a second facet outer surface 39B, a third facet outer surface 39C and a fourth facet outer surface 39D defined by the outer surfaces of the first facet 38A, the second facet 38B, the third facet outer surface 38C and the fourth facet 38D, respectively. The first outer side 48 of the base 28 includes the first blade body outer surface 31A and the first facet outer surface 39A and the third facet outer surface 39C. The second outer side 50 includes the second blade body outer surface 31B, the second facet outer surface 39B and the fourth facet outer surface 39D. The first blade body outer surface 31A and the second blade body outer surface 31B may be substantially parallel to each other, and the dividing line SL 28 The first outer side 48 and the second outer side 50 converge at the tip 40 to define the cutting edge 42 of the base 28 .

[0026] Fig.18 and Fig.19 1 is a side view showing an exemplary embodiment of a razor blade 118 and 118' according to the present disclosure. Each razor blade 118, 118' may include a substrate 128, 128' having a first portion including a blade body 130, 130' and a second portion including an end portion 134, 134'. The blade body 130, 130' may include a base 132 ( Fig.19 134, 134' may include flanks 136A, 136B and 136A', 136B' that converge at respective ends 140, 140' to define a cutting edge (not labeled) of respective base 128, 128'. Flanks 136, 136' may each include one or more respective bevels or facets, as described herein. Base 128, 128' may be asymmetrical, wherein the parting line SL 128 , SL 128’ Passing through the ends 140, 140'. Parting line SL 128 , SL 128’ Parallel to the blade body outer surfaces 131A and 131B, and dividing or splitting the base 128, 128' into asymmetrical first and second segments or halves 144, 144' and 146, 146'. Fig.18 The first outer side 148 of the substrate 128 is opposite to the second outer side 150 and the dividing line SL 128 Relative settings. Fig.19 The first outer side 148' of the substrate 128' is opposite to the second outer side 150' and the separation line SL 128’At least a portion of one outer side (eg, first outer side 148, 148') of each respective base 128, 128' may define a skin contacting surface, and at least a portion of the other outer side (eg, second outer side 150, 150') may define a hair cutting surface.

[0027] exist Fig.18 In the example shown in , the end portion 134 of the base 128 may include a first wing 136A defined by a portion of the first outer side 148 and a second wing 136B defined by a portion of the second outer side 150. The first wing 136A may include one or more first facets, such as the first facet 138A and the third facet 138C, and the second wing 136B may include one or more second facets, such as the second facet 138B and the fourth facet 138D. On the first outer side 148 of the base 128, the first facet 138A is connected to the blade body 130 at the first joint 139-1 and extends between the blade body 130 and the third facet 138C; and the third facet 138C is connected to the first facet 138A at the second joint 139-2 and extends between the first facet 138A and the end 140. On the second outer side 150 of the base 128, the second facet 138B is connected to the blade body 130 at the third junction 139-3 and extends between the blade body 130 and the fourth facet 138D; and the fourth facet 138D is connected to the second facet 138B at the fourth junction 139-4 and extends between the second facet 138B and the end 140. The third facet 138C and the fourth facet 138D (also referred to as the end facet) converge at the end 140 to define the cutting edge of the base 128.

[0028] exist Fig.19In the example shown in , the end portion 134' of the base 128' may include a first flank 136A' defined by a portion of the first outer side 148' and a second flank 136B' defined by a portion of the second outer side 150'. The first flank 136A' may include one or more first facets, such as the first facet 138A and the third facet 138C', and the second flank 136B' may include one or more second facets, such as the second facet 138B'. On the first outer side 148' of the base 128', the first facet 138A' is connected to the blade body 130' at the first joint 139-1' and extends between the blade body 130' and the third facet 138C'; and the third facet 138C' is connected to the first facet 138A' at the second joint 139-2' and extends between the first facet 138A' and the end 140'. On the second outer side 150' of the base 128', the second facet 138B' meets the blade body 130 at the third joint 139-3' and extends between the blade body 130' and the tip 140'. The second facet 138B' and the third facet 138C' (also referred to as the end facet) converge at the tip 140' to define the cutting edge of the base 128'.

[0029] Because the bases 128, 128' are asymmetrical, the outer shape or geometry of the first outer side 148, 148' is different from the outer shape or geometry of the second outer side 150, 150'. Fig.18 , the first facet 138A may include a different length than the second facet 138B, wherein the lengths are respectively defined between the first joint 139-1 and the second joint 139-2 and between the third joint 139-3 and the fourth joint 139-4. In some examples, the length of the first facet 138A may be greater than the length of the second facet 138B, and in other examples, the length of the first facet 138A may be less than the length of the second facet 138B. The third facet 138C may similarly include a different length than the fourth facet 138D, wherein the lengths are respectively defined between the end 140 and the second joint 139-2 and the fourth joint 139-4. In some examples, the length of the third facet 138C may be greater than the length of the fourth facet 138D, and in other examples, the length of the third facet 138C may be less than the length of the fourth facet 138D.

[0030] refer to Fig.19, the first outer side 148' includes two facets 138A' and 138C', and the second outer side 150' includes only one facet 138B'. The third facet 138C' may similarly include a different length than the second facet 138B', wherein the length is defined between the end 140' and the second and third joints 139-2', 139-3', respectively. In some examples, the length of the third facet 138C' may be greater than the length of the second facet 138B', and in other examples, the length of the third facet 138C' may be less than the length of the second facet 138B'.

[0031] Each of the razor blades 118, 118' may include a plurality of outer surfaces. Fig.18 The razor blade 118 includes a first blade body outer surface 131A and a second blade body outer surface 131B defined by the outer surfaces of the first portion 130A and the second portion 130B of the blade body 130, respectively; and a first facet outer surface 139A, a second facet outer surface 139B, a third facet outer surface 139C, and a fourth facet outer surface 139D defined by the outer surfaces of the first facet 138A, the second facet 138B, the third facet outer surface 138C, and the fourth facet outer surface 138D, respectively. The first blade body outer surface 131A and the second blade body outer surface 131B may be substantially parallel to each other, and the dividing line SL 128 The first outer side 148 of the base 128 includes the first blade body outer surface 131A and the first facet outer surface 139A and the third facet outer surface 139C, and the second outer side 150 includes the second blade body outer surface 131B and the second facet outer surface 139B and the fourth facet outer surface 139D. The first outer side 148 and the second outer side 150 converge at the end 140 to define the cutting edge of the base 128. The second facet 138B and the fourth facet 138D can be positioned closer to the split line SL than the first facet 138A and the third facet 138C. 128 , such that the first half 144 of the base 128 is larger than the second half 146 .

[0032] refer to Fig.19 The razor blade 118' includes a first blade body outer surface 131A' and a second blade body outer surface 131B' defined by the outer surfaces of the first portion 130A' and the second portion 130B' of the blade body 130', respectively; and a first facet outer surface 139A', a second facet outer surface 139B' and a third facet outer surface 139C' defined by the outer surfaces of the first facet 138A', the second facet 138B' and the third facet 138C', respectively. The first blade body outer surface 131A' and the second blade body outer surface 131B' may be substantially parallel to each other, and the dividing line SL128’ The first outer side 148' of the base 128' includes the first blade body outer surface 131A' and the first facet outer surface 139A' and the third facet outer surface 139C', and the second outer side 150' includes the second blade body outer surface 131B' and the second facet outer surface 139B'. The first outer side 148' and the second outer side 150' converge at the end 140' to define the cutting edge of the base 128'. The second facet 138B' may be positioned closer to the split line SL than the first facet 138A' and the third facet 138C'. 128’ , such that the first half 144 ′ of the base 128 ′ is larger than the second half 146 ′.

[0033] A razor blade according to the present disclosure may include a coating substantially disposed on the outside of the razor blade. As used herein, a "layer" may refer to at least one material on a razor blade that satisfies a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the composition, morphology, or structure of the layer; the presence of boundaries between layers; whether the process used to manufacture the product is expected to result in one or more layers; and whether there is sufficient compositional or morphological variation to produce one or more layers. As an example, there may be only one type of material on a razor blade, but with distinguishable layers, each with a different morphology. As used herein, a "coating" may refer to one or more layers on a razor blade, wherein each layer includes one or more materials. Thus, the present invention "coating" may be defined by a single layer or multiple layers. The present invention also encompasses the term "coating" to refer to an overall or total coating on one side of a razor blade, which includes all layers on one side of the razor blade.

[0034] Specifically, "coating" as used herein includes all layers of material applied to one outer side of a razor blade. For example, the coating may include one or more layers as defined herein, such as a first layer substantially disposed on a portion or the entirety of one outer side of the razor blade; a second layer formed on top of at least a portion of the first layer; a third layer formed on top of at least a portion of the second layer; and so on. The coating may also include a plurality of segments substantially disposed on one outer side of the razor blade, wherein each segment may include one or more layers of material. For example, the coating may include a first segment that extends substantially from a first point or position on one outer side of the razor blade to a second point or position on one outer side; a second segment that extends substantially from a second point or position on one outer side to a third point or position; a third segment that extends substantially from a third point or position on one outer side to a fourth point or position; and so on, wherein each segment is substantially different from an adjacent segment, as described in detail herein.

[0035] As used herein, the phrases "substantially disposed on," "substantially extending from," and similar phrases are used to describe the location or orientation of each coating including one or more layers and / or segments thereof, and mean that a majority of the coating / layer / segment is disposed on the indicated outer side and / or surface of the razor blade and / or a majority of the coating / layer / segment extends between two indicated points or locations on the outer side and / or surface of the razor blade. Figure 34 to Figure 37 As described, these phrases may encompass structures in which a portion of the coating / layer / segment extends over the end and onto another outer side or surface; overlaps onto an adjacent outer side or surface; extends slightly beyond two indicated points or locations on the surface; or extends slightly past an identified junction between adjacent facets or between a blade body and a facet, or stops slightly short of that junction.

[0036] According to the present disclosure, the coating on one exterior side of the razor blade is substantially different than the coating on another exterior side of the razor blade. Figures 4 to 17 An exemplary coating is shown relative to an asymmetric razor blade 18 having a symmetric substrate 28, and Figures 20 to 33 An exemplary coating is shown relative to an asymmetric razor blade 118 having an asymmetric substrate 128. Figures 5 to 17 and Figures 20 to 33 Some of the markings in the figure illustrate other aspects of the structure in detail.

[0037] As used herein, the terms "symmetrical," "asymmetrical," and derivatives thereof may refer to the outer shape of a substrate defining a razor blade and / or a coating formed thereon, as determined relative to a dividing line of the substrate. For example, Figure 4 The substrate 28 in the embodiment is substantially symmetrical (ie, the dividing line SL 28 The substrate 28 is divided into substantially equal sections / halves 44 and 46, wherein the substantially similar exterior shapes are generally mirror images of each other), but the coating formed on the substrate 28 in accordance with the present disclosure is asymmetrical (i.e., the coating formed on the exterior side 48 is different from the coating formed on the exterior side 50, as described in detail herein), such that the razor blade 18 is asymmetrical. Fig.18 Both the substrate 128 and the coating formed thereon are asymmetrical, as described herein, such that the razor blade 118 is asymmetrical.

[0038] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown in , the razor blade 18 may include a first coating 60 disposed substantially on the first outer side 48 of the substrate 28 and a second coating 62 disposed substantially on the second outer side 50 of the substrate 28. In some examples, the first coating 60 and the second coating 62 may each include a single layer of material, such as Figure 4In other examples, at least one of the first coating 60 or the second coating 62 may include multiple material layers, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first coating 60 and the second coating 62 are arranged along the first outer side 48 and the second outer side 50 of the substrate 28 from the end region 35 toward the base 32 (see Figure 4 ) extension. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. , the end portion 34 of the substrate 28 includes an end region 35, wherein the end region 35 surrounds (i.e., includes) the end 40 plus a portion of the substrate 28 extending about 1 μM from the end 40 toward the base 32 along the first outer side 48 and the second outer side 50, as shown in FIG. Fig.34 as shown in .

[0039] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, one or both of the first coating 60 and the second coating 62 may include multiple layers of material, and the difference between the first coating 60 and the second coating 62 may be a plurality of layers of material on each outer side 48 and 50 of the substrate 28. In some aspects, the first coating 60 may include a first number of layers, and the second coating 62 may include a second number of layers that is different from the first number of layers. Figure 5 As shown in , the first coating 60 may include at least one of the first layer 60A or the second layer 60B, and the second coating 62 may include at least one of the third layer 62A or the fourth layer 62B, wherein the second layer 60B is formed on top of at least a portion of the first layer 60A, and the fourth layer 62B is formed on top of at least a portion of the third layer 62A. In some examples, Figure 5 The first outer side 48 of the substrate 28 in the embodiment may include a first coating 60 having two layers 60A and 60B, and the second outer side 50 may include a second coating 62 having fewer layers (e.g., only a third layer 62A, such as Figure 5 , the fourth layer 62B is shown in dashed lines on the right side of the figure, indicating that the fourth layer 62B is optional). In another example, Figure 5 The second outer side 50 in the embodiment may include two layers 62A and 62B, and the first outer side 48 may include a first coating 60 having fewer layers (e.g., only the first layer 60A, such as Figure 5 ).

[0040] refer to Figure 6, the first coating 60 may include at least one of the first, second, or third layers 60A-60C, and the second coating 62 may include at least one of the fourth, fifth, or sixth layers 62A-62C, wherein the second layer 60B is formed on top of at least a portion of the first layer 60A, the third layer 60C is formed on top of at least a portion of the second layer 60B, the fifth layer 62B is formed on top of at least a portion of the fourth layer 62A, and the sixth layer 62C is formed on top of at least a portion of the fifth layer 62B. In some examples, Figure 6 The first outer side 48 of the substrate 28 in the embodiment may include a first coating 60 having three layers 60A-60C, and the second outer side 50 may include a second coating 62 having fewer layers (e.g., only the fourth layer 62A and the fifth layer 62B, as in Figure 6 , a sixth layer 62C is shown in dashed lines on the right side of the 4th layer 62A, indicating that the sixth layer 62C is optional or only the fourth layer 62A. In another example, Figure 6 The second outer side 50 in the embodiment may include a second coating 62 having three layers 62A-62C, and the first outer side 48 may include a first coating 60 having fewer layers (e.g., only a first layer 60A and a second layer 60B, as in Figure 6 The third layer 60C is shown in dotted lines on the left side of the , indicating that the third layer 60C is optional or only the first layer 60A).

[0041] In other embodiments, reference Figures 4 to 6 , the difference between the first coating 60 and the second coating 62 can be the material and / or one or more layers 60A-60C and / or 62A-62C constituting each coating 60 and 62. For example, the first coating 60 can include one or more first materials, and the second coating 62 can include one or more second materials, wherein at least one second material is different from at least one first material. The difference in materials can be used alone or in combination with a difference in the number of layers 60A-60C and 62A-62C formed on the first outer side 48 and the second outer side 50 of the substrate 28. For example, the first coating 60 can include the same number of layers as the second coating 62 (e.g., Figure 4 A coating layer 60 and 62 having one layer; Figure 5 or Figure 6 The invention may include three layers 60A-60C and 62A-62C) or a different number of layers, as described herein, wherein at least one second material is different from at least one first material.

[0042] One or both outer sides 48 and 50 of the substrate 28 may include Figure 5 and Figure 6In the example of two or more layers 60A-60C and / or 62A-62C shown in FIG, the layers 60A-60C on the first outer side 48 may include one or more materials that are the same or different than the materials forming the one or more layers 62A-62C on the second outer side 50, and may be applied in any desired combination, so long as the first coating 60 is substantially different from the second coating 62. For example, referring to Figure 5 , the first layer 60A and the third layer 62A may include a first (same) material; the second layer 60B may include a second material different from the first material; and the fourth layer 62B may include a third material different from the first material and the second material. In other examples, Figure 5 The first layer 60A and the third layer 62A may include different materials (compared to each other), and the second layer 60B and the fourth layer 62B may include the same material. Figure 6 In the three-layer example depicted in , the first layer 60A and the fourth layer 62A may include a first (same) material; the second layer 60B and the fifth layer 62B may include a second (same) material different from the first material; the third layer 60C may include a third material different from the first material and the second material; and the sixth layer 62C may include a fourth material different from the first material, the second material, and the third material. In another example, Figure 5 and Figure 6 All of the layers 60A-60C and / or 62A-62C may include different materials.

[0043] The material may include one or more carbon-containing materials (e.g., diamond, amorphous diamond, nanocrystalline diamond, or diamond-like carbon (DLC)); nitrides (e.g., boron nitride, niobium nitride, chromium nitride, titanium nitride, aluminum nitride, titanium carbon nitride), carbides (e.g., silicon carbide or chromium carbide), oxides (e.g., aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide), titanium diboride, one or more ceramic materials, fluorinated polymers (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)), polyolefins (e.g., polypropylene), niobium, chromium, and platinum chromium. The carbon-containing material may be doped with other elements such as tungsten, titanium, or chromium by, for example, including these additives in the target during coating by sputtering. These materials may also contain hydrogen, such as hydrogenated DLC. The material may include one or more nanocomposites, such as carbon-based nanocomposites, metal-based nanocomposites, and / or ceramic-based nanocomposites; for example, diamond and carbon and nanocomposites.

[0044] In one example, the first material may include DLC and the second material may include platinum chromium. In another example, the first material may include a metal and the second material may include a ceramic. In a further example, one or both of the first coating 60 or the second coating 62 may include one or more layers having niobium. In some aspects, the first coating 60 may include a layer 60A that includes one of platinum chromium, chromium nitride, or chromium carbide; and the second coating 62 may include a layer 62A of niobium substantially disposed on the second outer side 50 of the substrate 28, a layer 62B of DLC disposed on at least a portion of the layer 62A of niobium (also referred to herein as a hard coating), and a layer 62C of chromium disposed on at least a portion of the hard coating 62B (also referred to herein as an outer coating). In other aspects, the first coating 60 may include a layer 60A of niobium disposed substantially on the first outer side 48 of the substrate 28, a hard coating 60B of DLC disposed on at least a portion of the layer 60A of niobium, and an outer coating 60C of chromium disposed on at least a portion of the hard coating 60B; and the second coating 62 may include a layer 62A of niobium disposed substantially on the second outer side 50 of the substrate 28, a hard coating 62B of DLC disposed on at least a portion of the layer 62A of niobium, and an outer coating 62C of niobium disposed on at least a portion of the hard coating 62B.

[0045] The one or more materials comprising the first coating 60 and the second coating 62 may be selected based at least in part on the coefficient of friction of the materials. For example, the first coating 60 may include a first material having a first coefficient of friction, and the second coating 62 may include a second material having a second coefficient of friction different from the first coefficient of friction. In some aspects, the first coating 60 may include a material having a lower coefficient of friction, such as PTFE, and particularly when the first outer side 48 of the substrate 28 defines a skin contacting surface, the second outer side 50 of the substrate 28 may include a second coating 62 having a higher coefficient of friction (compared to the first material). For example, the second coating may be free of PTFE or may include a material having a higher coefficient of friction than PTFE, such as polypropylene.

[0046] The first coating 60 may have a first morphology, and the second coating 62 may have a second morphology different from the first morphology. For example, the first morphology may include a first microstructure, and the second morphology may include a second microstructure. The microstructure may include, for example, an amorphous microstructure or a columnar or crystalline microstructure. In some examples, the microstructure may be dense or porous, wherein the porous microstructure may improve the adhesion of the polymer coating. In some aspects, the first coating 60 may include a material having one morphology, and the second coating 62 may include the same material having a different morphology. In other aspects, the first coating 60 and the second coating 62 may include different materials having different morphologies. As described herein, the desired morphology may be obtained, for example, by applying the coatings 60 and 62 via different application techniques or via the same application techniques with different application speeds.

[0047] The first coating 60 may have a first texture, and the second coating 62 may have a second texture different from the first texture. For example, the first texture may include a substantially smooth texture, particularly where the first outer side 48 of the substrate 28 defines a skin contacting surface, and the second texture may include a discontinuous or rough texture, which may include protrusions. As described herein, the desired texture may be obtained by applying the coatings 60 and 62, for example, via different application techniques or via the same application technique with different application speeds. The texture may also be altered via one or more post-application treatment methods, as described herein.

[0048] The materials constituting the first coating 60 and the second coating 62 may be selected based at least in part on the hardness of the materials. The first coating 60 may have a first hardness, and the second coating 62 may have a second hardness different from the first hardness. In some examples, the first hardness may be greater than about 7 GPa, and the second hardness may be greater than about twice the first hardness, for example, greater than about 15 GPa. In other examples, the first hardness may be between about 7 GPa and about 10 GPa, and the second hardness may be between about 15 GPa and about 60 GPa. As used herein with respect to hardness, the term "about" may mean ± 0.5 GPa.

[0049] In other examples, at least certain sections of the first coating and / or the second coating may be subjected to one or more post-application treatments (e.g., modification of the coating surface and / or modification of one or more layers of the coating). For example, one or more sections of the first coating and / or the second coating may be subjected to ion implantation. Fig.16 and Fig.32, at least a portion of one coating (e.g., the first coating 60' / 160') may include an ion implanted material 61 / 161, and the other coating (e.g., the second coating 62 / 162) may include a non-ion implanted material. In some aspects, the first coating 60' / 160' and the second coating 62 / 162 may include the same base material, wherein only one coating (i.e., the first coating 60' / 160') is subjected to ion implantation. In other aspects, the first coating 60' / 160' and the second coating 62 / 162 may include at least one different material. In other aspects, at least certain sections of the first coating 60' / 160' and the second coating 62 / 162 may be ion implanted using the same or different ions. The ion implanted material 61, 161 may include, for example, a plasma nitrided material or a plasma borided material. The ion implantation may be performed as described herein, and may be performed on all or part of the first coating 60' / 160' and / or the second coating 62 / 162.

[0050] The one or more post-application treatments may also include changing the texture of at least a certain section of the first coating and / or the second coating. For example, one or more sections of the first coating and / or the second coating may be subjected to chemical modification (e.g., solvent treatment) and / or mechanical modification (e.g., ion etching, ion implantation, grinding, rubbing, polishing, etc.) to change the surface texture of one or more sections.

[0051] One or more post-application treatments may also include, for example, partially removing one or more portions of the first coating and / or the second coating by solvent treatment, ion etching, etc. Partial removal may include, for example, removing all or part of the thickness of the first coating and / or the second coating along one or more sections of the first coating and / or the second coating (i.e., in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lower portion of the substrate), wherein at least a portion of the first coating and / or the second coating remains intact. In some examples, the partial removal of one or more portions of the first coating and / or the second coating may be followed by one or more additional post-application treatments, including selectively applying a material to the first coating and / or the second coating, partially removing the material from the first coating and / or the second coating. The selectively applied material may be applied using any suitable method. The selectively applied material may include, for example, a polymer or an organic compound, such as a fluoropolymer, PTFE, or polypropylene. In some specific examples, the portion of the first coating and / or the second coating to which the material is selectively applied may define the skin contact surface of the razor blade.

[0052] exist Figures 4 to 6 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , coatings 60 and 62 and layers 60A-60C and 62A-62C thereof are depicted extending from the tip region 35 onto the blade body 30 along the respective first outer side 48 or second outer side 50 of the substrate 28, and in some cases extending all the way to the tip region 35 as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The base 32 of the razor blade 18 is shown. In other examples, the coating and / or one or more layers thereof may stop at a position shorter than the blade body 30 and / or the base 32. Figure 7 and Figure 4 38D. For example, the first coating 64 may include one or more layers including a first layer 64A that is substantially disposed on the first outer side 48 of the substrate 28 and extends a first distance D1 from the end region 35 toward the substrate 32 along a portion of the first outer side of the substrate; and a second layer 64B that is formed on top of at least a portion of the first layer 64A and extends a second distance D2 from the end region 35 toward the base 32. The second coating 66 may include one or more layers including a third layer 66A that is substantially disposed on the second outer side 50 of the substrate 28 and extends a third distance D3 from the end region 35 toward the substrate 32 along a portion of the second outer side of the substrate; and a fourth layer 66B that is formed on top of at least a portion of the third layer 66A and extends a fourth distance D4 from the end region 35 toward the base 32.

[0053] exist Figure 7 In the example shown in , the first distance D1 and the third distance D3 can be substantially the same, and the second distance D2 and the fourth distance D4 can be substantially the same. In some aspects, the second distance D2 and the fourth distance D4 can be smaller than the corresponding first distance D1 and the third distance D3. For example, referring to Figure 7 and Figure 4 28, the first layer 64A and the third layer 66A may each extend from the end region 35 to the blade body 30 and toward the base 32 along the corresponding first outer side 48 or the second outer side 50; and the second layer 64B and the fourth layer 66B may be substantially disposed on the facets 38A-38D, wherein the second layer 64B extends from the end region 35 to the vicinity of the first junction 39-1 between the first facet 38A and the blade body 30, and the fourth layer 66B extends from the end region 35 to the vicinity of the third junction 39-3 between the second facet 38B and the blade body 30. In other aspects, the first coating 64 and the second coating 66 may each include only a single layer, for example, layers 64B and 66B (wherein Figure 7The first layer 64A and the third layer 66A shown in dashed lines in the figure indicate that they are optional), which are basically arranged on the corresponding first outer side 48 or the second outer side 50, and may include substantially the same features as described above. In another example (not shown), layers 64B and 66B may be formed only on the second facet 38B and the fourth facet 38D (with or without layers 64A and 66A), wherein the second layer 64B extends from the end region 35 to the vicinity of the second junction 39-2 between the first facet 38A and the second facet 38B, and the fourth layer 66B extends from the end region 35 to the vicinity of the fourth junction 39-4 between the second facet 38B and the fourth facet 38D. Figure 7 In all examples, layers 64B and 66B include different materials compared to each other, and when present, layers 64A and 66A may include the same or different materials as described herein.

[0054] refer to Figure 8 In other embodiments, the difference between the first coating 68 and the second coating 70 can be the distance that the coatings 68 and 70 or one or more of their layers 68A, 68B, 70A, and 70B extend along the respective first outer side 48 or second outer side 50 of the substrate 28. Such a difference can be used alone or in combination with a difference in material, as described herein. The first coating 68 can include a first layer 68A that is substantially disposed on the first outer side 48 of the substrate 28 and along a portion of the first outer side of the substrate from the end region 35 toward the base (not shown; see Figure 4 The base 32 in the embodiment extends a first distance D 1’ and a second layer 68B formed on top of at least a portion of the first layer 68A and extending from the end region 35 toward the base by a second distance D 2’ The second coating 70 may include a third layer 70A that is substantially disposed on the second outer side 50 of the substrate 28 and extends a third distance D3 from the end region 35 toward the substrate along a portion of the second outer side of the substrate; and a fourth layer 70B that is formed on top of at least a portion of the third layer 70A and extends a fourth distance D3 from the end region 35 toward the base. 4’ .

[0055] exist Figure 8 In the example depicted in FIG. , the second distance D 2’ Different from the fourth distance D 4’ For example, the fourth distance D 4’ Can be less than the second distance D 2’ . refer to Figure 4 and Figure 8, the second layer 68B and the fourth layer 70B may be substantially disposed on the end portion 34 of the substrate 28, wherein the second layer 68B is substantially disposed on the first facet 38A and the third facet 38C and extends from the end region 35 to the vicinity of the first junction 39-1, and the fourth layer 70B is substantially disposed on the fourth facet 38D and extends from the end region 35 to the vicinity of the fourth junction 39-4. In other aspects (not shown), the second distance D 2’ Can be less than the fourth distance D 4’ , for example, the second layer 68B may be substantially disposed on the third facet 38C, and the fourth layer 70B may be substantially disposed on the second facet 38B and the fourth facet 38D. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. , the second distance D 2’ and the fourth distance D 4’ are respectively different from (for example, smaller than) the first distance D 1’ and the third distance D 3’ In other examples (not shown), the second distance D 2’ 'Can be with the first distance D 1’ Basically the same, or the fourth distance D 4’ The third distance D 3’ In other examples, the first coating 68 and the second coating 70 may each include only a single layer, for example, layers 68B and 70B (where Figure 8 The first layer 68A and the third layer 70A shown in dashed lines indicate that they are optional), which are basically disposed on the corresponding first outer side 48 or the second outer side 50, and may include substantially the same features as described above.

[0056] exist Figure 8 In all examples of the coatings 68 and 70 and / or their layers 68A, 68B, 70A, and 70B may include the same or different materials as described herein. In some aspects, the first layer 68A and the third layer 70A may include a first (same) material, and the second layer 68B and the fourth layer 70B may include a second (same) material different from the first material. In other aspects, the first layer 68A and the third layer 70A may include a first (same) material, the second layer 68B may include a second material different from the first material, and the fourth layer 70B may include a third material different from the first and second materials. Although Figure 8 Specific examples of different extensions of the first coating 68 and the second coating 70 are depicted in FIG. 1 , but it should be understood that the first coating 68 and the second coating 70 and / or one or more layers 68A, 68B, 70A, and 70B thereof may extend along any portion of the substrate 28 as long as the first coating 68 (or at least one layer 68A and 68B thereof) extends a distance D along the first outer side 48 of the substrate 28. 1’ and D 2’The second coating 70 (or at least one layer 70A and 70B thereof) extends along the second outer side 50 of the substrate 28 by a corresponding distance D 3’ and / or D 4’ .

[0057] refer to Figures 9 to 13 In other embodiments, the difference between the first coating 72 and the second coating 74 can be that one or both of the first coating 72 and the second coating 74 includes two or more sections, wherein each section is substantially different from the adjacent or neighboring portions on the same outer sides 48 and 50 of the substrate 28. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown in , one outer side of the substrate 28 (e.g., the first outer side 48) may include a first coating 72 having one or more segments (e.g., a first segment 72-1 and a second segment 72-2); and the other outer side of the substrate 28 (e.g., the second outer side 50) may include a second coating 74 that may be substantially continuous (i.e., a single segment). The first segment 72-1 of the first coating 72 may extend along the first outer side 48 substantially from a first point or position 73-1 on the first outer side 48 that may substantially correspond to the end region 35 of the substrate 28 to a second point or position 73-2; and the second segment 72-2 may extend substantially from the second position 73-2 on the first outer side 48 to a third point or position 73-3. Reference Figure 4 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , the first section 72-1 may be substantially located on one or both of the facets 38A and 38C on the first outer side 48, and the second section 72-2 may be substantially located on the blade body 30. In some examples, the second location 73-2 may be located near a junction between a facet and the blade body 30 (e.g., a junction 39-1 between the first facet 38A and the blade body 30), as shown. In other examples, the second location 73-2 may be located near a junction between two adjacent facets, such as a junction 39-2 between the first facet 38A and the third facet 38C (not shown; see Fig.12 and Fig.13 ). The third position 73-3 can be spaced apart from the second position 73-2 and can be positioned, for example, toward or near the base 32 of the substrate 28, such as Fig. 9 The second coating 74 may extend from the end region 35 toward the base 32 .

[0058] Continue to refer Fig. 9 and Fig.10, the first section 72-1 is substantially different from the second section 72-2. For example, the first section 72-1 may include one or more first materials, and the second section 72-2 may include one or more second materials, at least one of which is different from the one or more first materials, as described herein. In some examples, Fig. 9 As shown in , the second section 72-2 and the second coating 74 may include the same material as each other, and the first section 72-1 may include at least one different material. In other examples, such as Fig.10 As shown in , the first segment 72-1 and the second coating 74 may include the same material as compared to each other, and the second segment 72-2 may include at least one different material. In another example (not shown), the first segment 72-1 and the second segment 72-2 and the second coating 74 may each include at least one different material as compared to each other. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 72 - 1 and 72 - 2 and / or the second coating 74 may also include two or more layers, as described herein.

[0059] Figures 11 to 13 An example is shown in which the first coating layer 72 and the second coating layer 74 each include two or more segments. Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the first coating 72 on the first outer side 48 of the substrate 28 may include a first section 72-1 and a second section 72-2, and the second coating 74 on the second outer side 50 of the substrate 28 may include a third section 74-1 and a fourth section 74-2. The first section 72-1 of the first coating 72 may extend along the first outer side 48 substantially from a first point or position 73-1 on the first outer side 48 that may substantially correspond to the end region 35 of the substrate 28 to a second point or position 73-2; and the second section 72-2 may extend substantially from the second position 73-2 on the first outer side 48 to a third point or position 73-3. The third section 74-1 of the second coating 74 may extend along the second outer side 50 substantially from a fourth point or position 75-1 on the second outer side 50 that may also substantially correspond to the end region 35 of the substrate 28 to a point or fifth position 75-2; and the fourth section 74-2 may extend substantially from a fifth position 75-2 on the fifth outer side 50 to a sixth point or position 75-3.

[0060] refer to Figure 4 , Fig.11 and Fig.12, the first segment 72-1 and the third segment 74-1 may be substantially located on one or both sets of facets 38A, 38C and 38B, 38D on the respective first outer side 48 or second outer side 50. For example, in Fig.11 In the embodiment, the second position 73-2 can be positioned near the junction 39-1 between the first facet 38A and the blade body 30, and the fifth position 75-2 can be positioned near the junction 39-3 between the second facet 38B and the blade body 30, wherein the second section 72-2 and the fourth section 74-2 are substantially located on the blade body 30. Fig.12 , the second position 73-2 may be positioned near the junction 39-2 between the first facet 38A and the third facet 38C, and the fifth position 75-2 may be positioned near the junction 39-4 between the second facet 38B and the fourth facet 38D, wherein the second section 72-2 and the fourth section 74-2 are substantially located on the first facet 38A and the second facet 38B, respectively, and on the blade body 30. Fig.11 and Fig.12 In the third position 73-3 and the sixth position 75-3 ( Fig.12 ) may be spaced apart from the second position 73-2 and the fifth position 75-2, respectively, and may be positioned, for example, toward or near the base 32 of the substrate 28.

[0061] Fig.11 and Fig.12 The first section 72-1 of the first coating 72 in the embodiment is substantially different from the second section 72-2, and the third section 74-1 of the second coating 74 is substantially different from the fourth section 74-2. For example, the first section 72-1 may include one or more first materials, and the second section 72-2 may include one or more second materials, at least one of the one or more second materials being different from the one or more first materials, as described herein. The third section 74-1 may similarly include one or more third materials, and the fourth section 74-2 may include one or more fourth materials, at least one of the one or more fourth materials being different from the one or more third materials. In some examples, the first section 72-1 and the third section 74-1 may include the same material as compared to each other, and the second section 72-2 and the fourth section 74-2 may include at least one different material as compared to each other. In other examples, the first section 72-1 and the third section 74-1 may include at least one different material as compared to each other, and the second section 72-2 and the fourth section 74-2 may include the same or different materials as compared to each other. Although the segments 72-1, 72-2, 74-1 and 74-2 are Fig.11 and Fig.1272 - 1 , 72 - 2 , 74 - 1 , and 74 - 2 may also include two or more layers, as described herein.

[0062] refer to Fig.13 , the first coating 74 on the first outer side 48 of the substrate 28 may include a first section 72-1, a second section 72-2, and a third section 72-3, and the second coating 74 on the second outer side 50 of the substrate 28 may include a fourth section 74-1, a fifth section 74-2, and a sixth section 74-3. The first section 72-1 of the first coating 72 may extend along the first outer side 48 substantially from a first point or position 73-1 on the first outer side 48 that may substantially correspond to the end region 35 of the substrate 28 to a second point or position 73-2; the second section 72-2 may extend substantially from the second position 73-2 on the first outer side 48 to a third point or position 73-3; and the third section 72-3 may extend substantially from the third position 73-3 on the first outer side 48 to a fourth point or position (not shown). The fourth segment 74-1 of the second coating 74 may extend along the second outer side 50 substantially from a fifth point or position 75-1 on the second outer side 50 which may also substantially correspond to the end region 35 of the substrate 28 to a sixth point or position 75-2; the fifth segment 74-2 may extend substantially from a sixth position 75-2 on the second outer side 50 to a seventh point or position 75-3; and the sixth segment 74-3 may extend substantially from a seventh position 75-3 on the second outer side 50 to an eighth point or position (not shown).

[0063] Fig.13 The first section 72-1, the second section 72-2, the fourth section 74-1 and the fifth section 74-2 in the embodiment may be substantially located on the facets 38A-38D, and the third section 72-3 and the sixth section 74-3 may be substantially located on the blade body 30 (see Figure 4 ). For example, the second position 73-2 may be positioned near the junction 39-2 between the first facet 38A and the third facet 38C; the third position 73-3 may be positioned near the junction 39-1 between the first facet 38A and the blade body 30; the sixth position 75-2 may be positioned near the junction 39-4 between the second facet 38B and the fourth facet 38D; and the seventh position 75-3 may be positioned near the junction 39-3 between the second facet 38A and the blade body 30. The fourth position and the eighth position (not shown; see Fig.11 The positions 73-3 and 75-3 in the figure may be spaced apart from the third position 73-3 and the seventh position 75-3, respectively, and may be positioned, for example, toward or near the base 32 of the substrate 28.

[0064] Continue to refer Fig.13, the first section 72-1 of the first coating 72 is substantially different from the second section 72-2, and the third section 72-3 is substantially different from the second section 72-2. The fourth section 74-1 of the second coating 74 is substantially different from the fifth section 74-2, and the sixth section 74-3 is substantially different from the fifth section 74-2. As described herein, the sections 72-1 to 72-3 and 74-1 to 74-3 may include at least one different material compared to adjacent or neighboring sections on the same outer sides 48 and 50. In some examples, the first section 72-1 and the fourth section 74-1 may include the same material as compared to each other; and at least one of the second section 72-2 and the fifth section 74-2 (as compared to each other) or the third section 72-3 and the sixth section 74-3 (as compared to each other) may include at least one different material. In other examples, the first section 72-1 and the fourth section 74-1 may include at least one different material than each other, and the second section 72-2, the third section 72-3, the fifth section 74-2, and the sixth section 74-3 may include the same or different materials than each other. Fig.13 72 - 1 to 72 - 3 and 74 - 1 to 74 - 3 may also include two or more layers, as described herein.

[0065] refer to Fig.14 and Fig.15 In other embodiments, the difference between the first coating 76, 76' and the second coating 78, 78' can be the thickness of the coatings 76, 76' and 78, 78'. The first coating 76, 76' can have a first thickness T1, T2 1’ , and the first coating 78, 78' may have a second thickness T2, T 2’ , wherein thicknesses T1, T2 are measured between outer surfaces 76A, 76A′ and 78A, 78A′ of respective coatings 76, 76′ and 78, 78′ and outer surface 28A of substrate 28. 1’ , T2 and T 2’ The second thickness T2, T 2’ Different from the first thickness T1, T 1’ .like Fig.14 As shown in , the first thickness T1 and the second thickness T2 are substantially constant in a direction extending from the end 40 of the substrate 28 toward the base 32 of the substrate 28, wherein the first thickness T1 is greater than the second thickness T2. Fig.15 The second thickness T 2’ The first thickness T is substantially constant in a direction extending from the end 40 toward the base 32 of the substrate 28, and the first thickness T 1’The first coating 76' varies along at least a portion of the first coating 76' in a direction extending from the tip 40 toward the base 32, wherein the first thickness T 1’ The first coating 76' has a thickness T different from the second coating thickness T at least in a certain section thereof. 2’ In some aspects, the first thickness T 1’ The first coating 76' may be increased along at least a portion of the first coating 76' extending in a direction from the tip 40 to the base 32, ie, a first thickness T of the first coating 76'. 1’ The tip 40 tapers gradually in a direction extending from the base 32 toward the tip 40 . Fig.14 and Fig.15 The first coating 76, 76' and the second coating 78, 78' in the embodiment may comprise the same or different materials, as described herein. Fig.14 and Fig.15 76, 76' and 78, 78' may include two or more layers. Fig.14 and Fig.15 In the example shown in , the outer shape of coatings 76 , 76 ′ and 78 , 78 ′ may generally conform to and / or reflect the outer shape of an underlying portion of substrate 28 on which coatings 76 , 76 ′ and 78 , 78 ′ are formed.

[0066] refer to Fig.17 In another embodiment, the difference between the first coating 80 and the second coating 82 may be an outer shape. The first coating 80 and the second coating 82 may extend from the end region 35 toward the base (not shown) along the first outer side 48 or the second outer side 50 of the substrate 28, respectively. The outer shape of the first coating 80 may have a first outer shape, and the outer shape of the second coating 82 may have a second outer shape different from the first outer shape. Fig.17 As shown in , the second coating 82 can substantially conform to and / or reflect the shape of one or more underlying portions of the substrate 28 on which the second coating 82 is formed, such that the outer shape of the second coating 82 is substantially similar to the outer shape of the underlying portion of the substrate 28. For example, referring to Figure 4 and Fig.17 , the outer shape of the second coating 82 can be substantially conformed to the outer shape of the second facet outer surface 39B and the fourth facet outer surface 39D and the second blade body outer surface 31B. The first coating 80 may include at least one section that does not conform to the shape of one or more underlying portions of the substrate 28 on which the first coating 80 is formed. For example, referring to Figure 4 and Fig.17, first coating 80 may include thickened section 80A, wherein first coating 80 protrudes outward from substrate 28 and forms an outer shape that is different from the outer shape of one or more of the underlying portions of substrate 28 (e.g., first facet outer surface 39A and third facet outer surface 39C). Because substrate 28 is substantially symmetrical, the outer shape of first coating 80 may also be different from the outer shape of corresponding portions of second coating 82, such as portions of second coating 82 positioned above second facet outer surface 39B and fourth facet outer surface 39D. Fig.17 As shown in , the first coating 80 may optionally include a second segment 80B having an outer shape that more closely conforms to the outer shape of an underlying portion of the substrate 28 (eg, the first blade body outer surface 31A).

[0067] Reference now Figures 20 to 33 , the razor blade 118 may include one or more coatings that are substantially similar to Figures 4 to 17 The razor blade 18 is depicted in FIG. 1 and described in detail herein. Figure 20 to Figure 22 As shown in FIG. 1 , the razor blade 118 may include a first coating 160 disposed substantially on the first outer side 148 of the substrate 128 and a second coating 162 disposed substantially on the second outer side 150. The first coating 160 and the second coating 162 extend from the end region 135 along the respective first outer side 148 and the second outer side 150 of the substrate 128 toward the base (not shown; see FIG. 1 ). Fig.18 In some examples, the first coating 160 and the second coating 162 may each include a single layer of material, such as Fig. 20 In other examples, at least one of the first coating 160 or the second coating 162 may include multiple material layers, such as Fig.21 and Fig. 22 and described in detail herein.

[0068] like Fig.21 and Fig. 22 As shown in , in some embodiments, one or both of the first coating 160 and the second coating 162 may include multiple material layers, and the difference between the first coating 160 and the second coating 162 may be a plurality of material layers on each outer side 148 and 150 of the substrate 128. In some aspects, the first coating 160 may include a first number of layers, and the second coating 162 may include a second number of layers that is different from the first number of layers. Fig.21, the first coating 160 may include at least one of the first layer 160A or the second layer 160B, and the second coating 162 may include at least one of the third layer 162A or the fourth layer 162B, wherein the second layer 160B is formed on top of at least a portion of the first layer 160A, and the fourth layer 162B is formed on top of at least a portion of the third layer 162A. Fig. 22 , the first coating 160 may include at least one of the first, second, or third layers 160A-160C, and the second coating 162 may include at least one of the fourth, fifth, or sixth layers 162A-162C, wherein the second layer 160B is formed on top of at least a portion of the first layer 160A, the third layer 160C is formed on top of at least a portion of the second layer 160B, the fifth layer 162B is formed on top of at least a portion of the fourth layer 162A, and the sixth layer 162C is formed on top of at least a portion of the fifth layer 162B. As described herein with respect to Figure 5 and Figure 6 As described in detail, in some examples, Fig.21 and Fig. 22 The first outer side 148 of the substrate 128 in the embodiment may include a first coating 160 having two or three layers 160A-160C, and the second outer side 150 may include a second coating 162 having fewer layers (in Fig.21 and Fig. 22 In other examples, the second outer side 150 of the substrate 128 may include two or three layers 162A-162C, and the first outer side 148 may include a first coating 160 having fewer layers (shown in dashed lines on the top side). Fig.21 and Fig. 22 ) is shown with a dotted line on the bottom side of the .

[0069] In other embodiments, reference Figure 20 to Figure 22 , the difference between the first coating 160 and the second coating 162 can be the material constituting each coating 160 and 162 and / or one or more layers 160A-160C and / or 162A-162C thereof, as described herein with respect to Figures 4 to 6 148 and the second coating 150 of the substrate 128. For example, the first coating 160 may include one or more first materials and the second coating 162 may include one or more second materials, wherein at least one second material is different from at least one first material. The difference in materials may be used alone or in combination with a difference in the number of layers 160A-160C and 162A-162C formed on the first outer side 148 and the second outer side 150 of the substrate 128. For example, the first coating 160 may include the same number of layers as the second coating 162 (e.g., Fig. 20 A coating layer 160 and 162 having one layer; Fig.21The two layers 160A, 160B and 162A, 162B in FIG. 1 ; and Fig. 22 The coatings 160 and 162 may comprise any material having any of the properties and characteristics described herein (e.g., coefficient of friction, morphology, texture, hardness, etc.). Additionally, at least certain sections of one or both of the coatings 160 and 162 may be subjected to one or more post-application treatments, as described in detail herein.

[0070] exist Figure 20 to Figure 22 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the coatings 160 and 162 and their layers 160A-160C and 162A-162C are depicted as extending from the tip region 135 to the blade body along the respective first outer side 148 or second outer side 150 of the substrate 128 (not shown; see FIG. 1 ). Fig.18 130 in the razor blade body 130), and in some cases extends all the way to the base 132 of the razor blade 118 (see Fig.18 In other examples as described herein, one or more of the coatings 160 and 162 and / or one or more of the layers 160A-160C and 162A-162C thereof may stop at a position shorter than the blade body 130 and / or the base 132 (see Fig.23 and Fig.24 ). refer to Fig.18 , Fig.23 and Fig.24 , the substrate 128 may include a first coating 164, 168 and a second coating 166, 170 and / or one or more layers thereof, which are substantially disposed only on the end portion 134 of the substrate 128, such as on one or more of the facets 138A-138D. For example, the first coating 164, 168 may include one or more layers, including a first layer 164A, 168A, which is substantially disposed on the first outer side 148 of the substrate 128 and extends a first distance D from the end region 135 toward the substrate 132 along a portion of the first outer side of the substrate 10 , D 10’ and a second layer 164B, 168B formed on top of at least a portion of the first layer 164A, 168A and extending from the end region 135 toward the base 132 by a second distance D 20 , D 20’ The second coating 166, 170 may include one or more layers including a third layer 166A, 170A that is substantially disposed on the second outer side 150 of the substrate 128 and extends along a portion of the second outer side of the substrate from the end region 135 toward the substrate 132 a third distance D 30 , D 30’and a fourth layer 166B, 170B formed on top of at least a portion of the third layer 166A, 170A and extending from the end region 135 toward the base 132 a fourth distance D 40 , D 40’ .

[0071] The first layer 164A, 168A and the third layer 166A, 170A may each extend from the tip region 135 onto the blade body 130 and toward the base 132 along the respective first outer side 148 or second outer side 150; and the second layer 164B, 168B and the fourth layer 166B, 170B may be substantially disposed only on the facets 138A-138D. Fig.23 In the example shown in , the second layer 164B may extend from the end region 135 to the vicinity of the first joint 139-1 between the first facet 138A and the blade body 130, and the fourth layer 166B may extend from the end region 135 to the vicinity of the third joint 139-3 between the second facet 138B and the blade body 130. Fig.24 In the example shown in , the second layer 168B may extend from the end region 135 to the vicinity of the first joint 139-1 between the first facet 138A and the blade body 130, and the fourth layer 170B may extend from the end region 135 to the vicinity of the fourth joint 139-4 between the second facet 138B and the fourth facet 138D. In other examples (not shown), Fig.23 and Fig.24 The second layer 164B, 168B may be substantially disposed only on the third facet 138C, and may extend from the end region 135 to the vicinity of the second bonding portion 139 - 2 between the first facet 138A and the third facet 138C.

[0072] because Fig.23 and Fig.24 The substrate 128 in FIG. 1 is asymmetric, so the distance that the second layers 164B, 168B extend along the first outer side 148 of the substrate 128 may be different from the distance that the corresponding fourth layers 166B, 170B extend along the second outer side 150 of the substrate 128. For example, referring to Fig.18 and Fig.23 , the length of the first face 138A and the third face 138C may be greater than the length of the second face 138B and the fourth face 138D, so that the second distance D 20 Greater than the fourth distance D 40 Similarly, refer to Fig.24 , wherein the second layer 168B is disposed on both facets 138A and 138C, and the fourth layer 170B is disposed only on facet 138D, the second distance D 20’ Greater than the fourth distance D 40’In other examples (not shown) where the second layer 164B, 168B is disposed substantially only on the third facet 138C, the second distance D 20 Less than Fig.23 The fourth distance D 40 , and the second distance D 20’ But still greater than Fig.24 The fourth distance D 40’ .

[0073] although Fig.23 and Fig.24 Depicted as having two layers on each outer side, in some examples, the first coating 164, 168 and the second coating 166, 170 may each include only a single layer, such as only the second layer 164B, 168B and the fourth layer 166B, 170B (in Fig.23 and Fig.24 ), which is substantially disposed on the corresponding first outer side 148 or second outer side 150 of the substrate 128, and may include substantially the same features as described above. Fig.23 , the second layer 164B and the fourth layer 166B may include different materials or the same materials as compared to each other, and the first layer 164A and the third layer 166A (when present) may include the same or different materials as compared to each other. In some aspects, the materials constituting the first layer 164A and the third layer 166A may be the same as the materials constituting one or both of the second layer 164B and the fourth layer 166B, and in other aspects, the materials constituting the first layer 164A and the third layer 166A may be different from the materials constituting one or both of the second layer 164B and the fourth layer 166B. Fig.24 Layers 168A, 168B, 170A, and 170B in may similarly comprise the same or different materials.

[0074] refer to Figure 25 to Figure 29 In other embodiments, the difference between the first coating 172 and the second coating 174 can be that one or both of the first coating 172 and the second coating 174 includes two or more sections, wherein each section is substantially different from adjacent or neighboring portions on the same outer sides 148 and 150 of the substrate 128. Fig.25 and Fig.26As shown in , one outer side of the substrate 128 (e.g., the first outer side 148) may include a first coating 172 having one or more segments (e.g., a first segment 172-1 and a second segment 172-2); and the other outer side of the substrate 128 (e.g., the second outer side 150) may include a second coating 174 that may be substantially continuous (i.e., a single segment). The first segment 172-1 of the first coating 172 may extend along the first outer side 148 substantially from a first point or position 173-1 on the first outer side 148 that may substantially correspond to the end region 135 of the substrate 128 to a second point or position 173-2; and the second segment 172-2 may extend substantially from the second position 173-2 on the first outer side 148 to a third point or position 173-3.

[0075] refer to Fig.18 , Fig.25 and Fig.26 , the first section 172-1 may be substantially located on one or both of the facets 138A and 138C on the first outer side 148, and the second section 172-2 may be substantially located on the blade body 130. In some examples, the second location 173-2 may be located near a junction between a facet and the blade body 130 (e.g., a junction 139-1 between the first facet 138A and the blade body 130), as shown. In other examples, the second location 173-2 may be located near a junction between two adjacent facets, such as a junction 139-2 between the first facet 138A and the third facet 138C (not shown; see Fig.28 and Fig.29 ). The third position 173-3 can be spaced apart from the second position 173-2 and can be positioned, for example, toward or near the base 132 of the substrate 128, such as Fig.25 The second coating 174 may extend from the end region 135 toward the base 132. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Described in detail, Fig.25 and Fig.26 The first section 172-1 of the first coating 172 in the embodiment is substantially different from the second section 172-2. Although the sections 172-1 and 172-2 and the second coating 174 are substantially different from the second section 172-2, Fig.25 and Fig.26 1 and 172 - 2 and / or the second coating 174 may also include two or more layers.

[0076] Figure 27 to Figure 29 An example is shown in which the first coating layer 172 and the second coating layer 174 each include two or more segments. Fig. 27 and Fig.28, the first outer side 148 of the substrate 128 may include a first coating 172 having a first section 172-1 and a second section 172-2, and the second outer side 150 of the substrate 128 may include a second coating 174 having a third section 174-1 and a fourth section 174-2. The first section 172-1 of the first coating 172 may extend along the first outer side 148 substantially from a first point or position 173-1 on the first outer side 148 that may substantially correspond to the end region 135 of the substrate 128 to a second point or position 173-2; and the second section 172-2 may extend substantially from the second position 173-2 on the first outer side 148 to a third point or position 173-3. The third section 174-1 of the second coating 174 may extend along the second outer side 150 substantially from a fourth point or position 175-1 on the second outer side 150 which may also substantially correspond to the end region 135 of the substrate 128 to a fifth point or position 175-2; and the fourth section 174-2 may extend substantially from a fifth position 175-2 on the fifth outer side 150 to a sixth point or position 175-3.

[0077] refer to Fig.18 , Fig. 27 and Fig.28 , the first segment 172-1 and the third segment 174-1 may be substantially located on one or both sets of facets 138A, 138C and 138B, 138D on the respective first outer side 148 or second outer side 150 of the substrate 128. For example, Fig. 27 In the embodiment, the second position 173-2 can be positioned near the joint 139-1 between the first facet 138A and the blade body 130, and the fifth position 175-2 can be positioned near the joint 139-3 between the second facet 138B and the blade body 130, wherein the second section 172-2 and the fourth section 174-2 are substantially located on the blade body 130. Fig.28 , the second position 173-2 may be positioned near the junction 139-2 between the first facet 138A and the third facet 138C, and the fifth position 175-2 may be positioned near the junction 139-4 between the second facet 138B and the fourth facet 138D, wherein the second segment 172-2 and the fourth segment 174-2 are substantially located on the first facet 138A and the second facet 138B, respectively, and are located on the blade body 130. The third position 173-3 and the sixth position 175-3 may be spaced apart from the second position 173-2 and the fifth position 175-2, respectively, and may be positioned, for example, toward or near the base 132 of the substrate 128, as shown in FIG. Fig. 27 shown.

[0078] refer to Fig.29, the first outer side 148 of the substrate 128 may include a first coating 172 having a first section 172-1, a second section 172-2, and a third section 172-3, and the second outer side 150 of the substrate 128 may include a second coating 174 having a fourth section 174-1, a fifth section 174-2, and a sixth section 174-3. The first section 172-1 of the first coating 172 may extend along the first outer side 148 substantially from a first point or position 173-1 on the first outer side 148 that may substantially correspond to the end region 135 of the substrate 128 to a second point or position 173-2; the second section 172-2 may extend substantially from the second position 173-2 on the first outer side 148 to a third point or position 173-3; and the third section 172-3 may extend substantially from the third position 173-3 on the first outer side 148 to a fourth point or position (not shown). The fourth segment 174-1 of the second coating 174 may extend along the second outer side 150 substantially from a fifth point or position 175-1 on the second outer side 150, which may also substantially correspond to the end region 135 of the substrate 128, to a sixth point or position 175-2; the fifth segment 174-2 may extend substantially from a sixth position 175-2 on the second outer side 150 to a seventh point or position 175-3; and the sixth segment 174-3 may extend substantially from the seventh position 175-3 on the second outer side 150 to an eighth point or position (not shown).

[0079] Fig.29 The first segment 172-1, the second segment 172-2, the fourth segment 174-1 and the fifth segment 174-2 in the embodiment may be substantially located on the facets 138A-138D, and the third segment 172-3 and the sixth segment 174-3 may be substantially located on the blade body 130 (see Fig.18 ). For example, the second position 173-2 can be positioned near the joint 139-2 between the first facet 138A and the third facet 138C; the third position 173-3 can be positioned near the joint 139-1 between the first facet 138A and the blade body 130; the sixth position 175-2 can be positioned near the joint 139-4 between the second facet 138B and the fourth facet 138D; and the seventh position 175-3 can be positioned near the joint 139-3 between the second facet 138B and the blade body 130. The fourth position and the eighth position (not shown) can be spaced apart from the third position 173-3 and the seventh position 175-3, respectively, and can be positioned, for example, toward or near the base 132 of the substrate 128 (see Fig. 27 Positions 173-3 and 175-3).

[0080] As this article about Figures 11 to 13 Described in detail, Figure 27 to Figure 29The first section 172-1 of the first coating 172 in the embodiment is substantially different from the second section 172-2; the third section 172-3 is substantially different from the second section 172-2; the fourth section 174-1 of the second coating 174 is substantially different from the fifth section 174-2; and the sixth section 174-3 is substantially different from the fifth section 174-2. Although the sections 172-1 to 172-3 and 174-1 to 174-3 are substantially different from the fifth section 174-2, the first section 172-1 to 172-3 and the third section 172-3 are substantially different from the second section 172-2. Figure 27 to Figure 29 1 to 174 - 3. Although each of the sections 172 - 1 to 172 - 3 and 174 - 1 to 174 - 3 is depicted as including one layer, it should be understood that one or more of the sections 172 - 1 to 172 - 3 and 174 - 1 to 174 - 3 may also include two or more layers.

[0081] refer to Fig.30 and Fig.31 In other embodiments, the difference between the first coating 176, 176' and the second coating 178, 178' can be the thickness of the coatings 176, 176' and 178, 178'. The first coating 176, 176' can have a first thickness T 10 , T 10’ , and the first coating 178, 178' may have a second thickness T 20 , T 20’ , wherein the thickness T is measured between the outer surface 176A, 176A′ and 178A, 178A′ of the respective coatings 176 , 176 ′ and 178 , 178 ′ and the outer surface 128A of the substrate 128 10 , T 10’ , T 20 and T 20’ The second thickness T 20 , T 20’ Different from the first thickness T 10 , T 10’ .like Fig.30 As shown in FIG. , the first thickness T 10 and the second thickness T 20 The first thickness T is substantially constant in a direction extending from the end 140 of the substrate 128 toward the base 132 of the substrate 128 . 10 Greater than the second thickness T 20 .exist Fig.31 The second thickness T 20’ The first thickness T is substantially constant in a direction extending from the end 140 of the substrate 128 toward the base 132 of the substrate 128, and the first thickness T 10’ The first coating 176' varies along at least a portion of the first coating 176' in a direction extending from the tip 140 toward the base 132, wherein the first thickness T 10’ The first coating 176' has a thickness T different from the second coating 176' along at least a certain section thereof. 20’ In some aspects, the first thickness T 10’The first coating 176' may increase along at least a portion of the first coating 176' in a direction extending from the tip 140 to the base 132, that is, the first thickness T of the first coating 176'. 10’ The structure gradually decreases in a direction extending from the base 132 toward the end 140 . Fig.30 and Fig.31 The first coating 176, 176' and the second coating 178, 178' in the embodiment may comprise the same or different materials, as described herein. Fig.30 and Fig.31 176, 176' and 178, 178' may include two or more layers. Fig.30 and Fig.31 In the example shown in , the outer shape of coatings 176 , 176 ′ and 178 , 178 ′ may generally conform to and / or reflect the outer shape of an underlying portion of substrate 128 on which coatings 176 , 176 ′ and 178 , 178 ′ are formed.

[0082] refer to Fig.33 In another embodiment, the difference between the first coating 180 and the second coating 182 may be an outer shape. The first coating 180 and the second coating 182 may extend from the end region 135 toward the base (not shown) along the first outer side 148 or the second outer side 150 of the substrate 128, respectively. The outer shape of the first coating 180 may have a first outer shape, and the outer shape of the second coating 182 may have a second outer shape different from the first outer shape. Fig.33 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second coating 182 can substantially conform to and / or reflect the shape of one or more underlying portions of the substrate 128 on which the second coating 182 is formed, such that the outer shape of the second coating 182 is substantially similar to the outer shape of the underlying portion of the substrate 128, such as the second facet outer surface 139B and the fourth facet outer surface 139D and the second blade body outer surface 131B (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.18 ). The first coating 180 may include at least one section that is not conformed to the shape of one or more underlying portions of the substrate 128 on which the first coating 180 is formed. For example, referring to Fig.18 and Fig.33, the first coating 180 may include a thickened section 180A, wherein the first coating 180 protrudes outwardly from the substrate 128 and forms an outer shape that is different from the outer shape of one or more of the lower portions of the substrate 128 (e.g., the first facet outer surface 139A and the third facet outer surface 139C). The first coating 180 may optionally include a second section 180B having an outer shape that more closely conforms to the outer shape of the lower portion of the substrate 128 (e.g., the first blade body outer surface 131A).

[0083] Figure 34 to Figure 37 is a detailed view of the end region 35 of the substrate 28, which can be seen Figures 4 to 17 and Figures 20 to 33 In all examples described herein, the first coating 60 (and / or its layer) may abut and contact at least a portion of the second coating 62 (and / or its layer) at the end region 35 of the substrate 28. Fig.34 An idealized representation of the interface 84 between the first coating 60 and the second coating 62 is depicted, wherein the first coating 60 is located only on the first outer side 48 of the substrate 28, that is, at the dividing line S of the substrate 28. 28 The second coating 62 is located only on the second outer side 50, that is, on the dividing line S 28 on the right side of .

[0084] However, if Figure 35 to Figure 37 As shown, applying the material to substrate 28 may produce slightly imperfect interfaces 284, 284' and 284". Figure 35 to Figure 37 In the embodiment, the first outer side 248 of the substrate 228 (defined by the dividing line SL 228 The substrate 228 may include a first coating 260 (represented by a solid circle) having a first layer 260A and a second layer 260B, and the second outer side 250 of the substrate 228 may include a second coating 262 (represented by a hollow circle) having a third layer 262A and a fourth layer 262B. Fig.35 As shown in FIG. , in some examples, a small portion of the second coating 262 (which may include one or both of the third layer 262A and the fourth layer 262B) may be disposed on the first outer side 248 of the substrate 228 at the interface 284 between the first coating 260 and the second coating 262, that is, a small portion of the second coating 262 (extending less than or equal to about 1 μM backward from the end 240 toward the base) may be located at the dividing line SL 228 Alternatively or additionally, a small portion of the first coating 260 (which may include one or both of the first layer 260A and the second layer 260B) may be disposed on the second outer side 250 of the substrate 228, i.e., a small portion of the first coating 260 (extending less than or equal to about 1 μM from the end 240 back toward the base) may be located at the dividing line SL 228on the right side. Fig.36 Another example is provided in which a slightly larger portion of the second coating 262 is disposed on the first outer side 248 of the substrate 228 at the interface 284 ′. Fig.37 Another example is provided in which one or both of the first coating 260 and the second coating 262 stop slightly shorter than the end 240. As shown, the second coating 262 extends up to near the end 240, but the first coating 260 stops shorter than the end 240, so that there is a small gap (less than or equal to about 1 μM) between the first coating 260 and the second coating 262.

[0085] Thus, the terminal region 235 may include interfaces 284 and 284' (which include a small amount of mixing between the first coating 260 and the second coating 262) and an interface 284", where one or both of the coatings 260 and / or 262 stop slightly shorter than the terminal 240. In the examples described herein, although a small amount (less than or equal to about 1 μM extending back from the terminal 240 toward the bottom) of the first and second coatings and / or gaps (less than or equal to about 1 μM) in one or both of the coatings in the terminal region overlap or mix, the first coating (including all of its layers) is considered to be "substantially" disposed on the first outer side of the substrate and "extends from the terminal region" when a majority of the first coating is disposed on the first outer side of the substrate; and the second coating (including all of its layers) may be considered to be "substantially" disposed on the second outer side of the substrate and "extends from the terminal region" when a majority of the second coating is disposed on the second outer side of the substrate.

[0086] In examples where the first coating and / or the second coating comprises two or more segments (see e.g. Figures 9 to 13 and Figure 25 to Figure 29 ), each segment extends from one point or location to another point or location on the substrate, and may abut and contact at least a portion of an adjacent segment on the same outer side of the substrate. Fig. 9 As described in detail, the first section 72-1 of the first coating 72 substantially extends along the first outer side 48 between the first position 73-1 and the second position 73-2, and the second section 72-2 substantially extends between the second position 73-2 and the third position 73-3 on the first outer side 48. Fig. 9 The first segment 72-1 and the second segment 72-2 in the blade body 30 abut and / or contact each other at an interface (not labeled) defined at a second location 73-2, wherein the second location 73-2 is located at or near the first joint 39-1 between the first facet 38A and the blade body 30 (see Figure 4 ). Similar to Fig.35 and Fig.36, the interface at the second location 73-2 may be slightly incomplete and may include a small amount (less than or equal to about 1 μM extending back from the end 40 toward the base 32) of overlap and / or mixing of the materials constituting the two adjacent segments, e.g. Fig. 9 A small portion of the first section 72-1 in the embodiment may extend through the joint 39-1 and onto the blade body 30, and / or a small portion of the second portion 72-2 may extend through the joint 39-1 and onto the first face 38A. Fig.37 In the structures depicted in FIG. 1 , there may be a small gap (less than or equal to about 1 μM) between the materials constituting two adjacent segments. In the examples described herein, each segment can be considered to extend "substantially" from one location to another when a majority of the segment is disposed between two identified locations, despite a small amount of overlap or mixing of materials from adjacent segments at the interface between the segments and / or a small gap between the materials constituting two adjacent segments.

[0087] As described in detail herein, a point or location on the substrate may include a junction between adjacent ones of the facets or a junction between the blade body and one of the facets. Each coating / layer may be considered to be "substantially" disposed on one or more facets when a majority of the coating / layer is disposed on the identified facets, even though a small area (less than or equal to about 1 μM) of the coating / layer stops at or extends slightly past the identified junction between adjacent ones of the facets or between the blade body and the facets.

[0088] One or more techniques may be used to apply or selectively remove the coatings described herein. Fig.38 302-1 to 302-n, which can be used to apply one or more coatings to one or more portions of a plurality of razor blades 318 and / or perform one or more post-application treatments after applying the one or more coatings. As shown, the razor blades 318 can be positioned within a first chamber 302-1 for applying the one or more coatings using one or more techniques, such as vacuum deposition, spraying, dipping, brushing, molding, sintering, printing, etching, application via a pad or lacquer, inkjet nozzles, or any combination thereof, any of which may or may not include masking one or more portions of the razor blades 318. In some examples, chamber 302-1 can include a vacuum chamber with a vacuum pump 390. The system 300 can optionally include one or more additional chambers 302-n for performing different coating techniques and / or performing different post-application treatments.

[0089] Razor blade 318 can represent any razor blade described herein.Razor blade 318 can be arranged in chamber 302-1 in any way.As shown, razor blade 318 can be positioned adjacent to each other with the arrangement that can be called razor blade main axis.Blade 318 can also be arranged to have interval (not shown) between each other using spacer, and this can allow the coating coverage on blade body 330 of razor blade 318 to increase.Blade 318 can also be arranged to face opposite direction or different angles (not shown) from each other with edge (not marked) and end 340.Any feasible orientation of razor blade 318 is all contained in the present disclosure.

[0090] System 300 can be used to apply a coating to a razor blade, wherein the razor blade includes a substrate having a first outer side and a second outer side disposed opposite a parting line. The first coating and the second coating are applied to at least a portion of the first outer side and the second outer side, wherein the first coating and the second coating extend from an end region of the substrate toward the base and are substantially disposed on the respective first outer side or the second outer side. The coatings can each include one or more layers.

[0091] As described herein, the system 300 can be configured to accommodate the application of a variety of different types of materials, including metals, fluorinated polymers, etc. The first coating and the second coating can be applied simultaneously or sequentially, and can be applied using the same or different techniques. In some examples, the selective application of one or more materials can be achieved by, for example, masking one or more portions of the substrate and applying the materials to the unmasked portions of the substrate. The system 300 can also be configured to apply the first coating and the second coating to generate one or more desired characteristics for each coating, having a specific thickness, external shape, morphology, texture, etc. as described herein. The system 300 can also be configured to perform one or more post-application treatments on at least one section of the first coating or the second coating, including ion implantation and / or changing the texture of the coating.

[0092] Fig.39 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 400 of coating a razor blade according to the present disclosure. Figure 4 and Fig.18 The razor blade 18, 118 may include a substrate 28, 128 having an end portion 34, 134 including an end region 35, 135, a blade body 30, 130 including a base 32, 132, and a separation line SL from the substrate 28, 128. 28 , SL 128The first outer side 48, 148 and the second outer side 50, 150 are arranged oppositely, wherein the first outer side 48, 148 and the second outer side 50, 150 converge at the end 40, 140 to define the cutting edge 42. The method 400 begins by applying a first coating to at least a portion of the first outer side at step 410, wherein the first coating extends from the end region toward the base and is substantially disposed on the first outer side. At step 420, a second coating is applied to at least a portion of the second outer side, after which the method can end. The second coating extends from the end region toward the base and is substantially disposed on the second outer side. As described in detail herein, the first coating and the second coating are substantially different.

[0093] In some examples, the first coating includes one or more first materials and the second coating includes one or more second materials, wherein at least one of the second materials may be different from at least one of the first materials.

[0094] In other examples, the first coating may be applied such that the first coating has a first thickness, and the second coating may be applied such that the second coating has a second thickness different from the first thickness. The first thickness and the second thickness may be substantially constant in a direction extending from the end region of the razor blade toward the base of the razor blade, or the first thickness may vary along at least a certain section of the first coating in a direction extending from the end region of the razor blade toward the base of the razor blade, and the second thickness may be substantially constant.

[0095] The first coating and the second coating can be applied simultaneously or sequentially. The first coating and the second coating can be applied using the same technique or via different techniques.

[0096] In some examples, a first coating may be applied such that the first coating has a first morphology, and a second coating may be applied such that the second coating has a second morphology different from the first morphology. The first morphology may include a first microstructure, and the second morphology may include a second microstructure.

[0097] In other examples, the first coating may be applied such that the first coating has a first texture, and the second coating may be applied such that the second coating has a second texture different from the first texture. In further examples, the first coating may be applied such that the first coating has a first outer shape, and the second coating may be applied such that the second coating has a second outer shape different from the first outer shape.

[0098] like Figure 4 and Fig.18As shown in , the end portion 34, 134 of the substrate 28, 128 may include a first wing 36A, 136A defined by a portion of the first outer side 48, 148 and a second wing 36B, 136B defined by a portion of the second outer side 50, 150. The first wing 36A, 136A may include one or more first facets 38A, 138A and / or 38C, 138C and the second wing 36B, 136B includes one or more second facets 38B, 138B and / or 38D, 138D, wherein the first wing 36A, 136A and the second wing 36B, 136B may converge at the end 40, 140. In some examples, applying the first coating and / or applying the second coating may include: applying the first coating to at least a portion of at least one of the first facets; or applying the second coating to at least a portion of at least one of the second facets.

[0099] In other examples, applying the first coating may include: applying a first section of the first coating, wherein the first section may extend substantially from a first position on the first outer side to a second position; and applying a second section of the first coating, wherein the second section may extend substantially from the second position on the first outer side to a third position. The first section of the first coating may be substantially different from the second section, wherein the first position includes an end region, and the second position includes: (i) a junction between two adjacent first facets in the first facet or (ii) a junction between the blade body and one of the first facets. Applying the second coating may include: applying a third section of the second coating, wherein the third section may extend substantially from a fourth position on the second outer side to a fifth position; and applying a fourth section of the second coating, wherein the fourth section may extend substantially from a fifth position on the second outer side to a sixth position. The third section of the second coating may be substantially different from the fourth section, wherein the fourth position includes an end region, and the fifth position includes: (i) a junction between two adjacent second facets in the second facet or (ii) a junction between the blade body and one of the second facets.

[0100] In further examples, applying the first coating may include applying a first section and a second section, wherein the first section may extend substantially from a first position at an end region on the first outer side to a second position, and the second section may extend substantially from the second position on the first outer side to a third position, wherein the first section may be substantially different from the second section. Applying the second coating may include applying a third section and a fourth section, wherein the third section may extend substantially from a fourth position at an end region on the second outer side to a fifth position, and the fourth section may extend substantially from a fifth position on the second outer side to a sixth position, wherein the third section may be substantially different from the fourth section.

[0101] In yet another example, a first coating may be applied such that the first coating extends a first distance along a first outer side from the end region toward the base, and a second coating may be applied such that the second coating extends a second distance along a second outer side from the end region toward the base, the second distance being different from the first distance.

[0102] The method 400 may include an optional step 430 of performing one or more post-application treatments on at least a section of the first coating or the second coating after applying the first coating and the second coating, after which the method may end.

[0103] In some examples, at least one section of the first coating or the second coating can include at least one of the first facet or the second facet.

[0104] In some cases, the one or more post-application treatments may include subjecting at least a section of at least one of the first coating or the second coating to ion implantation.

[0105] In other cases, one or more post-application treatments may include changing the texture of at least one of the first coating or the second coating.

[0106] In other cases, the one or more post-application treatments may include partially removing one or more portions of at least one of the first coating or the second coating. In some examples, the one or more post-application treatments may include selectively applying a material to the first coating or the second coating after partially removing the first coating or the second coating. The selectively applied material may include a polymer or an organic compound. At least a portion of the first outer side or the second outer side having the selectively applied material may define a skin contacting surface.

[0107] The representative embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be described as follows:

[0108] A. A razor blade, comprising:

[0109] a substrate having an end portion including an end region, a blade body including a base, and a first outer side and a second outer side disposed opposite a dividing line of the substrate, wherein the first outer side and the second outer side converge at a tip;

[0110] a first coating, the first coating being substantially arranged on the first outer side and extending from the end region towards the base; and

[0111] - A second coating, the second coating being substantially disposed on the second outer side and extending from the terminal region towards the substrate, wherein the first coating and the second coating are substantially different.

[0112] B. The razor blade of paragraph A, wherein the first coating comprises one or more first materials and the second coating comprises one or more second materials, at least one of the second materials being different from at least one of the first materials.

[0113] C. The razor blade of paragraph B, wherein at least one of the first material or the second material comprises DLC, amorphous diamond, or nanocrystalline diamond.

[0114] D. The razor blade of paragraph B, wherein the one or more first materials comprise a metal and the one or more second materials comprise a ceramic.

[0115] E. The razor blade of paragraph B, wherein the one or more first materials and the one or more second materials are selected from the group consisting of platinum chromium, chromium nitride, chromium carbide, and nanocomposites.

[0116] F. The razor blade of any of paragraphs A to E, wherein the first coating has a first thickness and the second coating has a second thickness different from the first thickness.

[0117] G. The razor blade of paragraph F, wherein the first thickness and the second thickness are substantially constant in a direction extending from the end region of the razor blade toward the base of the razor blade.

[0118] H. A razor blade according to paragraph F, wherein the first thickness varies along at least a certain section of the first coating in a direction extending from the end region of the razor blade toward the base of the razor blade, and the second thickness is substantially constant.

[0119] I. The razor blade of any of paragraphs A to H, wherein at least one of the first coating or the second coating comprises an ion implanted material.

[0120] J. The razor blade of paragraph I, wherein the ion implanted material comprises at least one of a plasma nitrided material or a plasma borided material.

[0121] K. A razor blade according to any of paragraphs A to J, wherein the first coating comprises a first material having a first coefficient of friction and the second coating comprises a second material having a second coefficient of friction different from the first coefficient of friction.

[0122] L. The razor blade of paragraph K, wherein the first coating comprises a fluorinated polymer and the second coating comprises a polyolefin.

[0123] M. The razor blade of paragraph L, wherein the fluorinated polymer comprises polytetrafluoroethylene and the polyolefin comprises polypropylene.

[0124] N. The razor blade of paragraph K, wherein the one or more first materials comprise polytetrafluoroethylene and the one or more second materials do not contain polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0125] O. The razor blade of any of paragraphs A to N, wherein the first coating has a first morphology and the second coating has a second morphology different from the first morphology.

[0126] P. The razor blade of paragraph O, wherein the first form comprises a first microstructure and the second form comprises a second microstructure.

[0127] Q. A razor blade according to any of paragraphs A to P, wherein the first coating has a first texture and the second coating has a second texture different from the first texture.

[0128] R. The razor blade of any of paragraphs A to Q, wherein the first coating has a first hardness and the second coating has a second hardness different from the first hardness.

[0129] S. The razor blade of paragraph R, wherein the first hardness is greater than about 7 GPa and the second hardness is greater than about twice the first hardness.

[0130] T. The razor blade of any of paragraphs A to S, wherein at least a portion of one of the first outer side or the second outer side defines a skin contacting surface.

[0131] U. The razor blade of any of paragraphs A to T, wherein the first coating defines a first outer shape and the second coating defines a second outer shape different from the first outer shape.

[0132] V. The razor blade of any of paragraphs A to U, wherein the dividing line divides the substrate into two substantially equal halves.

[0133] W. The razor blade of any of paragraphs A to U, wherein the dividing line divides the substrate into two asymmetrical halves.

[0134] X. A razor blade according to any of paragraphs A to W, wherein the end portion of the base includes a first side wing defined by a portion of the first outer side and a second side wing defined by a portion of the second outer side, the first side wing includes one or more first facets, and the second side wing includes one or more second facets, and the first side wing and the second side wing converge at the end.

[0135] Y. A razor blade according to paragraph X, comprising at least one of the following:

[0136] a first coating, said first coating being substantially disposed on at least one of said first facets; or

[0137] A second coating, which is substantially arranged on at least one of the second facets.

[0138] Z. A razor blade according to paragraph X, wherein the first coating comprises:

[0139] a first section extending substantially from a first position on the first outer side to a second position; and

[0140] a second section extending substantially from the second position on the first outer side to a third position, the first section being substantially different from the second section,

[0141] • wherein the first location includes the end region, and the second location includes (i) a junction between two adjacent ones of the first facets or (ii) a junction between the blade body and one of the first facets.

[0142] AA. A razor blade according to paragraph Z, wherein the second coating comprises:

[0143] a third section extending substantially from a fourth position to a fifth position on the second outer side; and

[0144] a fourth section extending substantially from the fifth position to a sixth position on the second outer side, the third section being substantially different from the fourth section,

[0145] wherein the fourth position includes the end region and the fifth position includes (i) a junction between two adjacent ones of the second facets or (ii) a junction between the blade body and one of the second facets.

[0146] BB. A razor blade according to paragraph X, wherein:

[0147] the first coating comprises a first section and a second section, the first section extending substantially from a first position at the end region on the first outer side to a second position, the second section extending substantially from the second position on the first outer side to a third position, the first section being substantially different from the second section; and

[0148] The second coating includes a third section and a fourth section, the third section extending substantially from a fourth position at the end region on the second outer side to a fifth position, the fourth section extending substantially from the fifth position on the second outer side to a sixth position, the third section being substantially different from the fourth section.

[0149] CC. A razor blade according to any of paragraphs A to Y, wherein the first coating extends a first distance along a portion of the first outer side from the end region toward the base, and the second coating extends a second distance along a portion of the second outer side from the end region toward the base, the second distance being different from the first distance.

[0150] DD. A method of coating a razor blade, the razor blade comprising a substrate having a tip portion including a tip region, a blade body including a base, and a first outer side and a second outer side disposed opposite a parting line of the substrate, wherein the first outer side and the second outer side converge at a tip to define a tip region, the method comprising:

[0151] applying a first coating to a portion of the first outer side, the first coating extending from the terminal region towards the base and being substantially disposed on the first outer side; and

[0152] - applying a second coating to a portion of the second outer side, the second coating extending from the terminal region towards the base and being substantially disposed on the second outer side, wherein the first coating and the second coating are substantially different.

[0153] EE. The method of paragraph DD, wherein the first coating comprises one or more first materials and the second coating comprises one or more second materials, at least one of the second materials being different from at least one of the first materials.

[0154] FF. The method of paragraph DD or EE, wherein the first coating is applied such that the first coating has a first thickness, and the second coating is applied such that the second coating has a second thickness different from the first thickness.

[0155] GG. The method of paragraph FF, wherein the first thickness and the second thickness are substantially constant in a direction extending from the end region of the razor blade toward the base of the razor blade.

[0156] HH. The method of paragraph FF, wherein the first thickness varies along at least a certain section of the first coating in a direction extending from the end region of the razor blade toward the base of the razor blade, and the second thickness is substantially constant.

[0157] II. The method of any of paragraphs DD to HH, wherein the first coating and the second coating are applied simultaneously.

[0158] JJ. The method of any of paragraphs DD to HH, wherein the first coating and the second coating are applied sequentially.

[0159] KK. A method according to any of paragraphs DD to JJ, wherein the first coating and the second coating are applied using the same technique.

[0160] LL. The method of any of paragraphs DD to JJ, wherein the first coating is applied using a first technique and the second coating is applied using a second technique different from the first technique.

[0161] MM. The method of any of paragraphs DD to LL, wherein the first coating is applied such that the first coating has a first morphology, and the second coating is applied such that the second coating has a second morphology different from the first morphology.

[0162] NN. A method according to paragraph MM, wherein the first morphology includes a first microstructure and the second morphology includes a second microstructure.

[0163] OO. The method of any of paragraphs DD to NN, wherein the first coating is applied such that the first coating has a first texture, and the second coating is applied such that the second coating has a second texture different from the first texture.

[0164] PP. A method according to any of paragraphs DD to OO, wherein the first coating is applied so that the first coating has a first external shape, and the second coating is applied so that the second coating has a second external shape different from the first external shape.

[0165] QQ. The method of any of paragraphs DD to PP, wherein the end portion of the substrate includes a first wing defined by a portion of the first outer side and a second wing defined by a portion of the second outer side, the first wing includes one or more first facets, and the second wing includes one or more second facets, the first wing and the second wing converge at the end, and wherein at least one of applying the first coating or applying the second coating includes:

[0166] applying the first coating to at least a portion of at least one of the first facets; or

[0167] - Applying the second coating to at least a portion of at least one of the second facets.

[0168] RR. The method of any of paragraphs DD to PP, wherein the end portion of the substrate includes a first wing defined by a portion of the first outer side and a second wing defined by a portion of the second outer side, the first wing includes one or more first facets, and the second wing includes one or more second facets, the first wing and the second wing converge at the end, and wherein applying the first coating includes:

[0169] applying a first section of the first coating, the first section extending substantially from a first position to a second position on the first outer side; and

[0170] applying a second section of the first coating, the second section extending substantially from the second position to a third position on the first outer side, wherein the first section is substantially different from the second section,

[0171] • wherein the first location includes the end region, and the second location includes (i) a junction between two adjacent ones of the first facets or (ii) a junction between the blade body and one of the first facets.

[0172] SS. The method of paragraph RR, wherein applying the second coating comprises:

[0173] applying a third section of the second coating, the third section extending substantially from a fourth position to a fifth position on the second outer side; and

[0174] applying a fourth section of the second coating, the fourth section extending substantially from the fifth position to a sixth position on the second outer side, wherein the third section is substantially different from the fourth section,

[0175] wherein the fourth position includes the end region and the fifth position includes (i) a junction between two adjacent ones of the second facets or (ii) a junction between the blade body and one of the second facets.

[0176] TT. A method according to any one of paragraphs DD to PP, wherein:

[0177] wherein the end portion of the substrate comprises a first wing defined by a portion of the first outer side and a second wing defined by a portion of the second outer side, the first wing comprising one or more first facets, and the second wing comprising one or more second facets, the first wing and the second wing converging at the end;

[0178] applying the first coating comprises applying a first section and a second section, wherein the first section extends substantially from a first position at the end region on the first outer side to a second position, and the second section extends substantially from the second position on the first outer side to a third position, the first section being substantially different from the second section; and

[0179] Applying the second coating includes applying a third section and a fourth section, wherein the third section extends substantially from a fourth position at the end region on the second outer side to a fifth position, and the fourth section extends substantially from the fifth position to a sixth position on the second outer side, the third section being substantially different from the fourth section.

[0180] UU. A method according to any one of paragraphs DD to PP, wherein the first coating is applied so that the first coating extends a first distance along the first outer side from the end region toward the base, and the second coating is applied so that the second coating extends a second distance along the second outer side from the end region toward the base, and the second distance is different from the first distance.

[0181] VV. The method according to any one of paragraphs DD to UU, further comprising:

[0182] After applying the first coating and the second coating, performing one or more post-application treatments on at least a section of the first coating or the second coating. WW. The method of paragraph VV, wherein the end portion of the substrate includes a first wing defined by a portion of the first outer side and a second wing defined by a portion of the second outer side, the first wing including one or more first facets, and the second wing including one or more second facets, the first wing and the second wing converging at the end, wherein the at least one section of the first coating or the second coating includes at least one of the first facets or the second facets.

[0183] XX. The method of paragraph VV or WW, wherein the one or more post-application treatments include subjecting at least a section of at least one of the first coating or the second coating to ion implantation.

[0184] YY. The method of any of paragraphs VV to XX, wherein the one or more post-application treatments comprise changing the texture of at least one of the first coating or the second coating.

[0185] ZZ. The method of any of paragraphs VV to YY, wherein the one or more post-application treatments comprise partially removing one or more sections of at least one of the first coating or the second coating.

[0186] AAA. The method of paragraph ZZ, wherein the one or more post-application treatments further comprise selectively applying a material to the first coating or the second coating after partially removing the one or more sections of the first coating or the second coating.

[0187] BBB. The method of paragraph AAA, wherein the material comprises a polymer or an organic compound.

[0188] CCC. The method of paragraph BBB, wherein at least a portion of the first outer side or the second outer side having the material defines a skin-contacting surface.

[0189] The illustrations presented herein are not intended to be actual views of any particular substrate, apparatus (eg, device, system, etc.), or method, but are merely idealized and / or schematic representations used to describe and illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0190] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​cited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

[0191] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or the benefit of, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art to any of the present invention disclosed or claimed herein, or an admission that it, by itself or in combination with any one or more of the references, proposes, suggests, or discloses any such invention. In addition, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this invention shall govern.

[0192] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention be covered in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A razor blade, comprising: a substrate having a distal portion including a distal region, a blade body including a base, and a first outer side and a second outer side disposed opposite a dividing line of the substrate, wherein the first outer side and the second outer side converge at a distal end; a first coating disposed on the first outer side and extending from the terminal region toward the base; and a second coating disposed on the second outer side and extending from the terminal region toward the base, wherein the material of the first coating and the material of the second coating are substantially different, The first coating layer comprises a first material having a first coefficient of friction, and the second coating layer comprises a second material having a second coefficient of friction different from the first coefficient of friction.

2. The razor blade of claim 1, wherein the first coating comprises one or more first materials and the second coating comprises one or more second materials.

3. The razor blade of claim 2, wherein at least one of the first material or the second material comprises diamond-like carbon (DLC), amorphous diamond, or nanocrystalline diamond.

4. The razor blade of claim 2, wherein the one or more first materials comprise a metal and the one or more second materials comprise a ceramic.

5. The razor blade of claim 2, wherein the one or more first materials and the one or more second materials are selected from the group consisting of platinum, chromium, chromium nitride, chromium carbide, and nanocomposites.

6. The razor blade of claim 1, wherein the first coating has a first thickness and the second coating has a second thickness different from the first thickness.

7. The razor blade of claim 6, wherein the first thickness and the second thickness are constant in a direction extending from the end region of the razor blade toward the base of the razor blade, or wherein the first thickness varies along at least a certain section of the first coating in a direction extending from the end region of the razor blade toward the base of the razor blade, and the second thickness is constant.

8. The razor blade of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first coating or the second coating comprises an ion implanted material.

9. The razor blade of claim 1 wherein said first coating comprises a fluorinated polymer and said second coating comprises a polyolefin.

10. The razor blade of claim 1 wherein said one or more first materials comprise polytetrafluoroethylene and said one or more second materials are free of polytetrafluoroethylene.

11. The razor blade of claim 1 , wherein the first coating has a first morphology and the second coating has a second morphology different from the first morphology, or wherein the first coating has a first texture and the second coating has a second texture different from the first texture, or wherein the first coating defines a first outer shape and the second coating defines a second outer shape different from the first outer shape.

12. The razor blade of claim 1 wherein the first coating has a first hardness and the second coating has a second hardness different from the first hardness.

13. The razor blade of claim 12, wherein the first hardness is greater than 7 GPa, and the second hardness is greater than twice the first hardness.

14. The razor blade of claim 1, wherein the dividing line divides the substrate into two equal halves, or wherein the dividing line divides the substrate into two asymmetrical halves.

15. The razor blade of claim 1 , wherein the end portion of the substrate comprises a first side wing defined by a portion of the first outer side and a second side wing defined by a portion of the second outer side, the first side wing comprising one or more first facets and the second side wing comprising one or more second facets, the first side wing and the second side wing converging at the end, and the first coating is disposed on at least one first facet of the first facets or the second coating is disposed on at least one second facet of the second facets.

16. The razor blade of claim 15, wherein the first coating comprises: a first section extending from a first position on the first outer side to a second position; and a second section extending from the second position on the first outer side to a third position, the first section being substantially different from the second section, The first position includes the end region, and the second position includes (i) a junction between two adjacent first facets among the first facets or (ii) a junction between the blade body and one of the first facets.

17. The razor blade of claim 16, wherein the second coating comprises: a third section extending from a fourth position on the second outer side to a fifth position; and a fourth section extending from the fifth position to a sixth position on the second outer side, the third section being substantially different from the fourth section, The fourth position includes the end region, and the fifth position includes (i) a junction between two adjacent second facets among the second facets or (ii) a junction between the blade body and one of the second facets.

18. The razor blade of claim 15, wherein: the first coating comprises a first section and a second section, the first section extending from a first position at the end region on the first outer side to a second position, the second section extending from the second position on the first outer side to a third position, the first section being substantially different from the second section; and The second coating includes a third section and a fourth section, the third section extending from a fourth position at the end region on the second outer side to a fifth position, the fourth section extending from the fifth position on the second outer side to a sixth position, the third section being substantially different from the fourth section.

19. The razor blade of claim 1, wherein the first coating extends a first distance along a portion of the first outer side from the end region toward the base, and the second coating extends a second distance along a portion of the second outer side from the end region toward the base, the second distance being different from the first distance.

20. A method of coating a razor blade, the razor blade comprising a substrate having a tip portion including a tip region, a blade body including a base, and a first outer side and a second outer side disposed opposite a parting line of the substrate, wherein the first outer side and the second outer side converge at a tip, the method comprising: applying a first coating to a portion of the first outer side, the first coating extending from the terminal region toward the base and disposed on the first outer side; as well as applying a second coating to a portion of the second outer side, the second coating extending from the terminal region toward the base and disposed on the second outer side, wherein the material of the first coating and the material of the second coating are substantially different, The first coating layer comprises a first material having a first coefficient of friction, and the second coating layer comprises a second material having a second coefficient of friction different from the first coefficient of friction.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: After applying the first coating and the second coating, one or more post-application treatments are performed on at least a section of the first coating or the second coating.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the one or more post-application treatments comprise subjecting at least one segment of at least one of the first coating or the second coating to ion implantation, wherein the one or more post-application treatments comprise changing the texture of at least one of the first coating or the second coating, wherein the one or more post-application treatments comprise partially removing one or more segments of at least one of the first coating or the second coating, or wherein the one or more post-application treatments further comprise selectively applying a polymer or an organic material to the first coating or the second coating after partially removing the one or more segments of the first coating or the second coating.

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