There are two basic types of historical beard, which need to be carefully distinguished. 

I know that razors etc have existed for a long time, but even so we have been spoilt by electric shavers, and even "old fashioned" razors now have more blades than a unit of samuri, and we have hi tech shaving foam and well lit mirrors.  Being clean shaven or having a "sculpted" beard is very much easier than it was in the past....and 'clean shaven' is a lot more hairless than it was: as an example, that elegant pampered and highly groomed Louis the "Sun King" was shaved every other day. 

The "does not shave" beard is whatever comes out and should not be messed about with: you did not get this type of beard with shaved edges for example....an occasional trim is all that is allowed. 

The fashion beard changed rapidly, and was probably only worn by a tiny percentage of the population.  Unless you are of a status where you had numerous servants this is probably not for you.