Patent attributes
An elongated flat strip of martensitic stainless steel material for use in manufacturing razor blades is provided with an elongated weakened portion. The weakened portion is provided after hardening, sharpening and cutting edge coating processes are performed. The weakened portion is provided by the application of laser energy that forms a groove along a side of the razor blade and converts previously tempered martensite to untempered martensite in the weakened portion. The razor blade is attached to a support and removed at the weakened portion. The weakened portion can be provided before or after the razor blade is attached to the support.