The great cartridge razor rip off - Change your shaving habits now & save a fortune
In January 2011, I blogged about why a double edge razor is technically better than a cartridge based razor system. Now there is yet another reason for men to ditch the horrid multi-bladed cartridge razor in favour of the single bladed razor.
According to an article on the Daily Mail website, the price of razor blade ‘cartridges’ has jumped by as much as 99% over the last three years.
“Replacement cartridges for Gillette’s Fusion ProGlide can be as much as £3.49 each,” the newspaper said.
It went on to say that blades for Gillette’s top-of-the-range Fusion ProGlide cost less than 10p to manufacturer, which in my book is a fairly decent profit margin.
The paper also blames Gillette, the world’s largest shaving company by quite a distance, for imposing a stealth price rise by cutting the number of replacement cartridges in its Mach3 Turbo packs from five to four.
“The smaller pack did not bring a corresponding cut in the price, leaving men paying at least 20 per cent more,” the article says.
It went on to blame the increasing cost of cartridge blades for men’s poor shaving habits.
“At the same time, men worried about making ends meet are either trying to make their razor blades last longer, with the resulting scrapes and cuts – or ditching their shaving regime and opting for designer stubble.”
A better quality shave with a long term saving
This all makes me rather angry as there is an easy solution – change your shaving habits and ditch the overpriced cartridge razor. Opt instead for a double edge safety razor and if you’re feeling really adventurous, a straight or cut throat razor (as its more commonly referred to).
Not only will both types of razor give you a better quality of shave, they are also much cheaper in the long run, as a number of the comments on the Daily Mail article point out.
“I switched from cartridge razors to a straight razor and have never looked back. True your initial investment is a little higher but the payback on these cartridge blades is 6 months or so. Have not had to buy a single razor blade in 18 months now,” commented Derrick Young, Wasaga Beach, Ontario.
Roy, from York, also pointed out the massive cost savings men could experience from switching to a DE razor: “I have used an old fashioned Double Edge safety razor for years and blades for that can cost as little as 10p. As they are cheap you can afford to change them regularly and get a good shave. With multi bladed cartridges because of the price people carry on using them when they are going blunt. With DE razors, OK the razor is more expensive but it lasts for many years, but one sharp blade every couple of shaves is better than a dull multi blade being stretched out over a week. People have had good shaves with single blades for centuries. Multi blades are a marketing gimmick.”
Roy’s last sentence is a very accurate one, “Multi blades are a marketing gimmick”. Let’s face it Gillette are excellent at marketing their products, they have pretty much convinced men that 3 blades are better than 1 and 5 blades are better than 3. They also spend millions of pounds on celebrity endorsements, with sports stars like Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, and Thierry Henry (who now wears a beard) fronting lavish TV and newspaper campaigns.
It was Gillete who first worked out that men would indeed fork out for overpriced cartridges as long as the initial cost, i.e. the handle, was affordable. It’s pretty much the same business model adopted by ink jet printer companies. Sell a cheap printer, then sell really expensive “cartridges” that run out quickly. It’s simple, but very effective.
Dollar Shave Club
It will be interesting to see how successful the much-hyped Dollar Shave Club will turn out to be. Dollar Shave Club’s business model is similar to LoveFilm, which sends subscribers movies in the post for a small monthly fee. Dollar Shave Club will send customers a monthly supply of disposable razor blades starting at $1 a month (however, when you add in delivery costs it’s more like the 4-Dollar Shave Club). A catchy brand name and I must say a pretty cool launch commercial, which has picked up nearly 5 million views on YouTube. And according to widespread media reports, more than 12,000 people have signed up for the service.
There is no question that the Dollar Shave Club YouTube video is hilarious. But aside from the online hype, can the Dollar Shave Club compete against the likes of Gillette in the long term? I’m guessing not…
Looking ahead, I really hope men will start to see through all this cleaver marketing and take a stand against the rising cost of cartridges. For those switching to the affordable yet luxurious world of double edged shaving, all I can do is welcome you to the real men’s club. And I will finish this article by saying; shaving should be regarded as a pleasure, not a chore.
Happy shaving.
Ask Aaron Q/A: Would you recommend the Muhle R89 Grande?
Aaron answers a question about the Muhle R89 Grande Long Handled safety razor
Andrew Horwell, from the UK, asks:
“I have a Edwin Jagger DE89L razor and have recently aquired a Merkur Future razor cheap from a well know auction web site. I like the head of the EJ but I like the weight of the Merkur (the merkur head seems a little too bulky when shaving under the nose). For someone with sensitive skin, what razor could I look at that would be the best of both?. I have been looking at the Muhle R89 Grande, what do you think?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Horwell,
Your comment of the head profile being hard to shave under the nose with is a common complaint with the Merkur Futur and Vision razors.
The Muhle R89 Grande is a good alternative and I would also suggest you look at the Merkur 38c and the Merkur Progress long handle razors.
The Progress is honestly my favorite and my daily go-to razor. It’s head has a slimmer profile than the Vision or Futur and I think you’ll find you have no problem shaving under your nose with it. Thanks for your question!!
Happy Shaving,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Do double-edged safety razors provide a superior shaving experience?
Aaron answers a question about whether a DE safety razor offers a better shave than a cartridge razor
Benny Saelens, from Belgium, asks:
“Dear Aaron, I have been shaving for many years using a Gillette Mach 3 and for the last year on a regular basis with the Fusion. I would like to have a better shave but also a safe one. Would you advise me to swap a cartridge type razor to a DE safety razor, and if yes, which one? I have rather sensitive skin. Many thanks in advance for your appreciated advise, Benny.”
AARON SAYS
“Benny,
With a little attention and technique the DE razor is just as safe as the modern cartridge razor such as the Mach 3 and Fusion you mention. I recommend the Merkur 34c, the Edwin Jagger DE86 or DE89, Parker 94R, or the Bluebeard’s Revenge Scimitar. These all are recommended for beginning shavers due to their mild blade exposure, which would be ideal for your sensitive skin. I think you will find the shave with a DE very rewarding and enjoyable.
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: How to select the right double edge razor blade
Aaron is asked to recommend a double edge razor blade
John Marsburg, from UK, asks:
“What’s the quickest way to find a double edge razor blade that seems right for me? I’m a newbie and would like to settle on one fairly quickly. Any suggestions welcome. Reverend John.”
AARON SAYS
“Reverend John,
The quickest and easiest way to find the right blade for you is to purchase sample packs of blades. These samples packs usually include one box of 5 blades of several different brands to give you a good idea of what works best for your beard and skin type. I would recommend you start there. Also, try purchasing single packs of different brands and blade types if there are not samplers available.
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Switching to a double edge safety razor
Aaron is asked to recommend a double edge razor for someone who suffers from thick hair growth
James Walthall, from UK, asks:
“I want to migrate away from a Mach 3 to a DE razor but I’m unsure as to what brand to choose and whether to go for an open comb or closed comb razor. I have thick hair growth and suffer with irritation at the collar line on a daily basis. I use a silver tip Edwin Jagger brush with Edwin Jagger aloe vera shave soap. Any advice regarding the type of razor to choose and how to avoid the collar line irritation would be most welcome. Many thanks, James.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Walthall,
I’m glad to hear you want to make the switch over to a safety razor! Since you are already using other Edwin Jagger products the DE89, DE86, or DE87 are all good razors to look at. The Merkur 34C and the Bluebeards Scimitar are also worthy razors for consideration.
As for the irritation around your collar there are several things your can try: shave only with the grain and across the grain in that area; use a good moisturizing balm as an aftershave not an alcohol based splash; make sure you are wearing the proper collar size and not one that is too tight; and use a light exfoliating scrub to help reveal and open the ingrown hairs.
Also, if you can try not shaving for a few days to help your skin heal and the ingrown hairs time to find their way to the surface. These tips should help you find some relief, and a good starting De to shave with!
Happy Shaving,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Switching from a cartridge razor to a safety razor
Aaron answers a question about switching from a cartridge razor to a double edge razor
Shaun Lancaster, from UK, asks:
“Hi Aaron! Its about time I switched from a cartridge razor, and started shaving properly, and stopped throwing away cash! What would you recommend for a ‘newbie’ with a steady hand? Maybe something solid, but not breaking the bank? I do have some minimal scar tissue under my chin, so I’m slightly wary of catching it with a DE razor. Is there a starter pack c/w shave stick or some soap you would recommend? Many thanks. Shaun.”
AARON SAYS
“Hello Shaun!
We’re very happy to hear you want to join the ranks of wet-shavers around the globe! There are many great products out there to choose from, but for a beginners set I do have a couple of recommendations. The first is the Bluebeard’s Revenge cream & Doubloon brush set. This set gives you a great starter brush and cream to shave with, and allows you to choose your razor. If you’d rather get the whole kit in one shot and not worry about choosing a razor, I would recommend the Bluebeard’s Revenge Gift set, which include their Scimitar razor. This would provide all the basics you need to get you started on your journey. Whatever you decide, enjoy and welcome to smooth shaving!
Cheers,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: The Parker 80R vs The Parker 82R
Aaron answers a question about the differences between the Parker 80R & Parker 82R
David Kennedy, from UK, asks:
“Hi Aaron. I’m interested in purchasing a Parker 80R and just wondered if this has the same head as the 82R which you have previously reviewed? Thanks in advance for your reply.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Kenedy,
The Parker 80R and 82R are very similar razors. Both heavy weight and with butterfly opening doors to load the blade. Upon doing some research it appears that these razor will have the same “feel” and exposure. The difference is these razors lies in their cosmetic appearance. One razor, the 80R, has a crosshatch knurling (engraving if you will) upon the knob and handle while the 82R has horizontal lines machined into the handle and knob. I think you’ll get the same feel from either razor, so purchase the razor with the most appealing design to you! Thank you for your question!
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Products to fight razor rash & burn & shaving spots
David Mahood, from UK, asks:
“I have just found this site. I am a professional person and need to shave once, maybe twice each day. I currently use Mach3 blades and sensitive shaving foam or gel. My problem is that I suffer really bad redness around the mouth and chin which quite often results in spots after close shaves. Can you recommend any products that will help or relieve my symptoms?”
Aaron suggests using a single bladed razor like the Merkur 37C Slant Bar DE Safety Razor
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Mahood,
Welcome to our site! Glad that you have been able to find us. As one who also works in a professional environment, I understand your dilemma. The first thing I would recommend is using a good post-shave balm. The ingredients in the balm will help to moisturize and heal your skin after shaving, and reduce the redness and burn.
Secondly you ought to try a pre-shave oil under your shave cream. The oil adds an extra protective layer that increases slickness and moisture to your shave.
If you are willing to go even farther down the rabbit hole I would suggest that you reduce the number of blades you shave with, and consider using a single blade safety razor such as many of the Merkur, Edwin Jagger, Parker, and Bluebeard’s razors we have here on the site. Along with this I would use a good quality cream and brush. These products are meant to give a comfortable and close shave without the irritation that occur by using the canned cream and gel products.
For creams I would recommends any Taylor of Old Bond Street, The Bluebeard’s Revenge, Proraso, Cyril Salter and many others here on the site. If you would like any more assistance or help in taking the plunge with traditional wet-shaving please feel free to contact us here and we’ll be glad to help! Thanks for your question!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Neck irritation after shaving
Charles Culverwell, from UK, asks:
“I have been wet shaving for about four months now. I have a Futur, 38C barber pole, Gillette ’1964′ superspeed, and an Edwin Jagger DE89. I use Taylor of Old Bond St Shaving Cream. Despite varying the razor and the blade (feathers or derbys usually) I still get irritation at the base of my neck where the last bit of hair is. The direction of growth is a bit strange as it goes sideways. I have tried going up and down but still find I get a red ring like I’ve had a rope around my neck. This issue continues to my Adam’s apple area which I can’t shave across the grain without huge irritation and bleeding! Could you please suggest anything else to try.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Culverwell, I certainly understand your frustration, the hair on my neck grows in the same way changing direction to grow sideways at the collar line. This growth pattern does make it difficult to shave, however let me share some techniques and products that I have found that have helped.
First use a shaving oil whether by itself or as an under layer to the shaving cream. This keeps the skin and hair extra moist leaving it much easier to shave. The oil also adds an extra layer of lubrication helping the razor “glide” instead of catching and causing irritation or redness.
Second use stretching techniques to keep the skin flat and taught. A flatter surface is always easier to shave and you can accomplish this by stretching your neck up, turning your head side to side, or even using your opposite hand to pull the skin down or to the side. This step reduces the curves in your skin giving the razor a flatter, easier surface to shave.
Lastly use a good quality post-shave balm, not an alcohol based lotion on freshly shaved skin. The moisturizing and healing agents found in post-shave balms will greatly benefit your skin in combating and healing from razor burn, rash, ingrowns and other issues that plague the shaver. There are many balms out there to choose from including The Bluebeards Revenge, Proraso, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Men-U, and Edwin Jagger just to name a good, select few.
I hope these tips help with your shaving, if you continue to have problems please write again and we will troubleshoot some more!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger?
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Shaving with and against the grain
Alric Horn, from UK, asks:
“I am very new to using a safety razor, is it possible to do three passes with the grain and get a very close shave or do I need to shave against the grain.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Horn,
It is possible to do three with the grain passes, however if you wish for a closer shave and are not yet ready to try against the grain I would recommend going across the grain. Find the direction of hair growth and shave 90 degrees from that direction. This will help reduce the beard even more without the challenges that go with against the grain. Welcome to wet-shaving and best of luck!
Cheers,
Aaron”
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