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Is shaving with this laser shaver kosher? I don't keep a beard and not looking forward to keeping one at all but I don't use razors etc, only electric shaver etc.

This "razor" uses a laser for "shaving" so it's not a blade and doesn't permanently destroys the hair so I "think" it's ok, any thoughts anyone?

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/skarp/the-skarp-laser-razor-21st-century-shaving?ref=video

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    NB: Regardless of what's posted here, please consult your rabbi on whether this product is OK for you to use.
    – Isaac Moses ♦
    Sep 30, 2015 at 13:41
  • Interesting note: the 'Skarp' laser shaver mentioned seems to have never been made as of today, and the backers seem pretty upset. $4 MILLION raised on kickstarter, and called a scam. I read some technical excuses by the creators on indiegogo, where they also sought funding.
    – Wilbur Whateley
    Mar 4, 2020 at 23:38

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The question actually involves whether the laser is considered a "blade" that cuts the hair or a "fire" that burns the hair off. However, the gemoro in nazir talks about the hashchasa (destruction) of the beard as being forbidden which would mean that the use of the laser is similar to the cutting of the hair by a razor. Note that even a razor is not "permanent" as it grows back. I deal with the similar question of using a laser to cut during shechita at If you shecht with a light saber, is the animal kosher?. In spite of the title, the concept can be dealt with seriously.

Note that the Rambam states in H. Avodas Zarah 12:8:

ואינו חייב עד שיגלחנו בתער--שנאמר "ולא תשחית, את פאת זקנך" (ויקרא יט,כז), גילוח שיש בו השחתה; לפיכך אם גילח זקנו במספריים, פטור. ואין המתגלח לוקה, עד שיסייע.

One is liable only when one shaves with a razor, as [implied by Leviticus 19:27]: "Do not destroy the corners of your beard." [We can infer that this applies only] to shaving which utterly destroys [one's facial hair]. Therefore, a person who removes his beard with scissors is exempt.

This can imply that "shaving" with a device such as this, which uses light as a "blade" may be similar enough to a razor, to be asur in the same way. The Gemoro in Nazir 40 - 41 discusses the reason that a razor is required and why other kinds of "shaving" are not asur. I have not yet seen a discussion of "burning" off the hair of a beard yet and cannot reach a conclusion on that matter.

I do not actually know if the halacha has been dealt with yet, but it may also involve the concept of ma'aris ayin (appearance of doing something wrong).

My own personal opinion would be that it should at least be avoided since it does appear to be hashchasa (destruction) of the hair and is more like a razor than a chemical depilation. However, this is not definite.

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  • The laser isn't constant as far as I understood so it would resemble scissors and not a blade. It appears the laser "exists" only when the hair is there etc...
    – Jake Armstrong
    Oct 2, 2015 at 12:13
  • about marit ayin, I strongly believe that shamaim knows the truth and others shouldn't be nosing too much around but leaving the box on the sink should suffice, as is with a parve hamburger eaten with real cheese etc...
    – Jake Armstrong
    Oct 2, 2015 at 12:14
  • "...shaving, which utterly destroys..." I think it's ironic that chemical hair removal, which weakens the hair to the point that you can easily pull it out, and it takes a while to grow back, and seems more like destruction, is somehow allowed in some cases, but a razor, which with modern means we know does not actually destroy anything (folicle and hair are intact) is forbidden in almost all cases.
    – Wilbur Whateley
    Mar 4, 2020 at 23:34

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