Razors and other odd things

I was getting my hair cut this morning, the first item on my list of errands to run. In the course of conversing with the stylist, I mentioned that one of the things I missed from the old days of hair care was that barbers would shave the back of your neck with a razor. Well, it turns out stylists have razors too. Not a plain old fashioned straight razor, but something very near to one. The only major difference is a guard that makes it much harder (if not impossible) to cut someone accidentally.

I also learned that shaving someone with straight razor is considered surgical hair removal in the state of Iowa, and that Cost Cutters insurance carrier won't let them do such things. Me, I don't see much difference between a straight razor and a safety razor, or why using or not using shaving cream matters (my stylist didn't use any on me).

I can't help but wonder how such a fine legal distinction came about. It also serves to remind us how the legal system intrudes into every aspect of our lives.