A novel application of the atomic layer deposition (ALD) process for producing a conformal coating on a razor blade is disclosed where a uniform, conformal, dense coating is deposited on an entire surface of a blade flank and at least a portion or an entire surface of a blade body. To improve the shaving ability of the coated blade edge (e.g., decrease the blade tip radius), the ALD-produced coating may be etched during, after, or both during and after, the ALD process.