In a razor having a handle and a blade cartridge containing one or more blades, a system is provided for selectively heating the blades to a controlled temperature range. The blade heating system includes an electric circuit with a battery power source for controlled direction of current flow through the one or more blades in order to heat the blades. The electric circuit further includes an on/off switch, a visual indicator for indicating on/off status, a heat controller for selectively adjusting the temperature of the blades, and an automatic turn off switch for opening the circuit after an elapsed period or some action or non-action of physical movement of the razor for preserving battery life. In a preferred embodiment, all of the components of the electric circuit are housed on the blade cartridge, with the battery power source, switches and heat controller contained within a waterproof casing.