How to Check if a Patent is Expired

[YesThatPrettyGirL]

So, as it pertains to patent expiration on the razor, I wasn't clear on the video when u said something like "should not stop anyone from creating
a device that is like that particular razor and/or if it's okay to use the patents' description of the razor but unfortunately, it wouldn't stop any competitors from doing so as well. BUT, can you use the exact description verbatim and make almost an exact razor? I don't see how companies can make something as we, the consumers know as a knock-off or the more glamorous term; designer-inspired versions, but at MUCH lower price points without any legal reprocussions?
What if you make something that is SIMILAR to an item that has a valid patent in force, like the "designer-inspired" items that I just spoke about? Can they get by with just altering it's design ever-so-slightly?
Geeze, I've been a medical professional for almost 23 years and after long and arduous path, I finally completed my graduate studies and earned an MBA-HCM degree about a year and a half ago, which all began as I grew more and more frustrated with America's Healthcare system, or lack thereof ratger. Through the progression of my career, and with the attainment of more certificates and advanced degrees, I was able to move into an administrative role for the past several years of my career and this is where the real magic failed to launch. As a direct patient care provider, I didn't put a whole lot of thought into the nitty gritty, if you will about health insurance, how things are worded in a patient's medical chart, and so many other variables that go are considered for the approval or disapproval of services, medications, , and/or medical equipment devices for them at discharge so they have a successfull acute care hospital to home transfer. I just didn't. As a clinician, we have our hands full and really, would not be afforded such information unless they advanced upward into an administrative role in their hospital network system or go back to further their education with a more concentrated study of the financial, legal, and ethical aspects of patient care.
I quickly determined that I could not make a difference in a patient's life like I wanted to advocate for them, if I were to stay at the level I was without pursuing higher education. That was just not an acceptable answer for me.
So now as I delve into bringing my ideas from pen and paper, to prototype, to patent, and then ultimately to Market, I think to myself, perhaps I'm in the wrong business and I should have pursued a legal career concentrating in corporate law, specifically in patents and copyright law - where the big money is. Lol

Any pointers, tips or other information you can provide to me is tremendously appreciated.