Why a double edge razor is technically better than a cartridge based razor system
As Gillette launches its much-hyped Fusion ProGlide Power razor in the UK - I take a quick look at why a double edge razor is still technically superior to a ProGlide or any other cartridge based razor system out there.
For those who use double edge safety razors for shaving on a regular basis, the answer to the question “Why is a double edge razor technically better than a cartridge based razor system?” may seem quite obvious: ‘because you get better results’. However, for the rest of the men out there who use multi-bladed cartridges instead - and let’s face it that includes the vast majority of men in the Western world - they may wonder why they should ever consider changing their shaving method?
Well, the real answer to the question above lies within the technology of the types of razor on offer. From a scientific standpoint double edge safety razors certainly have the edge over cartridge based razor systems like the Fusion ProGlide Power razor, Wilkinson Sword Hydro and the King of Shaves Azor.
I recently spoke to American wet shaving expert Mike Sandoval, who runs the Shaving101 website, about why the cartridge razor system was so popular.
Gillette has unveiled the new Fusion ProGlide Power razor in the UK
“The cartridge razor system is appealing to many men because it is advertised to be modern and high performing with innovative designs and multi-blade cutting action,” he said. “High-dollar marketing campaigns feature celebrity athletes that promote modern cartridges as the only masculine option.”
So why do double edge razors produce a closer and more rewarding shave?
The cartridge system razor generally works by using its hinge or pivot point to maintain a constant angle on the face while shaving. And while there may be many other features or gimmicks they offer, this pivoting mechanism is the most important aspect of the razor at making the shave quick and easy to use – which is the key advantage of these razors.
“The problem is that the blades of a cartridge are close together with extremely small spacing between each cutting edge,” explains Mike. “The razor is unable to cleanly cutting hair without requiring multiple passes along your skin, catching and pulling long stubble, as well as constantly clogging during the shave.”
On the other hand, while double edge razors may take longer to get used too – with a short learning curve to overcome – you have far more control over the razor and the closeness of the shave itself. Therefore, with DE shavers the process may take longer, with shorter strokes, but you will notice an improvement in the (even more crucial) performance aspect of the shave.
Mike adds: ”The double edge safety razor uses a single cutting edge that tracks along the skin at a much more comfortable angle and cuts the hair cleanly without grabbing or pulling excessively (provided you choose the right blade for your beard and skin type).
”Although you won’t find many celebrity athletes promoting the double edge razor, there has been a strong resurgence in traditional shaving. Many men are returning to old-school shaving because it is more comfortable and more economical.”
If time really is the most important factor when shaving, a Hydro, Azor or ProGlide may be the answer, but if you are a man who likes to work with engineering excellence that has stood the test of time and has the patience to learn, then maybe it is time to think about leaving those expensive cartridges behind and opt for a results-proven double edged razor.
Gillette launched the new Fusion ProGlide Power razor in the UK this month. It is the latest addition to its growing family of Fusion razors with Gillette’s thinnest-ever blades. The firm says the ProGlide outperforms its existing Fusion razor.
There are two versions of the Gillette ProGlide, a battery-powered model and a manual version. The battery-powered Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power comes with one blade cartridge and is available priced £12.99. The manual version comes with two blade cartridges and costs £9.99.
The Goodfella Safety Razor
Over the last few years, I have used many different brands of cartridge based razor system, including the Azor, Gillette Fusion Power Stealth and Gillette Mach 3 Turbo, Wilkinson Sword Quattro Titanium Energy and Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 and Boots’ Hydro and Titanium Triple Razor, but personally still prefer the excitement and closeness of a DE razor.
The Merkur 33C Classic will always be my all-time favourite, but I would also highly recommend the Merkur Futur 760, Goodfella, Muhle R89 and the relatively new Bluebeards Revenge “Scimitar” Double Edge Razor.
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WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DE RAZOR? LET US KNOW BY COMMENTING BELOW
More articles by Nick Gibbens
Nick is a wet-shaving enthusiast and men’s grooming expert. He is a football fanatic and supports Arsenal for his sins. He also loves playing cricket, darts, rugby, badminton, tennis and squash. Nick, 29, has been wet shaving for three years and says he would never go back to the "awful" electric shaver. He loves his trusty Merkur 33c Classic far too much!!
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9 Responses to “Why a double edge razor is technically better than a cartridge based razor system”
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It surely has to be the Feather AS-D1 Double-Edge Razor. This is the most beautiful razor I have ever had the pleasure to shave with. Expensive, but worth the investment
Merkur Slant (vintage) would be my choice….
A Gillette Fatboy, Feather brand blades and Proraso Shaving Cream. This combination is simply the best.
Gillette New (comb head) from 1936. 75 years old but outshaves anything else I’ve tried…The Ikon Bulldog would be my second choice!!
Merkur 38C with feather blades gives a much better shave and is more satisfying than cartridges.
Merkur 34C HD for me.
I started shaving with a triple blade Mach 3 so had never used a single blade rasor before.
After completing research for a book I used every disposable razor from single blade to 5 blade.
Single blade won easy. After that I was hooked, hinted-at / received the 34C HD for christmas and love it. Plus I find the shave will last a few days before I need to shave again.
Another vote for the Feather AS-D1. Simply exquisite.
Gillette Fat Boy, Derby Platinum Blades, Truefitt & Hill Pre-Shave Oil, Taylor of Bond Street ‘Mr Taylors’ Shaving Cream…………..Best Shave EVER!
And cheap; £10.00 for 100 blades form Amazon!
Oddly enough, my favourite double edge razor is the Wilkinson Sword Classic. I used this razor in the 1990s after having previously used a twin blade cartridge razor (Gillette Contour). I then went back to using twin blade cartridges around 10 years ago, then returned to DE shaving last year. I now use an Edwin Jagger razor, it’s good but a little aggressive though.