I recently ran out of Gillette Mach 3 cartridges and headed to the store to buy some more. I was disgusted to find out that the prices had increased: they now charge around $15 for 5 blades. While it is cheaper to buy in bulk - with prices dropping to a little more than $2 per blade for a box of 15 - prices are still excessive. Having to be mindful of my expenditures due to a major move, I was determined not to give Gillette any more of my money on their razor racket and went home empty-handed to do research on alternatives.
I first mulled the idea of buying a straight razor, but the learning-curve and time-investment are a bit extreme according to all accounts. I then discovered “safety razors” (also called “single blade safety razors” or “double edge (DE) safety razors”). Safety razors are old-fashioned razors, the kind your grandfather used. They were invented in the eighteenth century and further refined towards the end of the nineteenth to enable easy and safe auto-shaving.
The mechanics are simple; twist the handle to open the razor, place a double edge razor blade inside, twist the handle to secure the blade. They are called “safety razors” because they have “bumpers” that glide along your face to ease the amount of angle, contact, and depth the blade has with your skin.
The safety razor has a cult-like following, with extremely active discussion boards and review sites (Badger & Blade; The Shave Den; etc.) scattered around the web. There is a good reason: it delivers the cleanest, closest shave available, eliminates razor bumps and irritation, and exfoliates the skin. Yes, a one-blade safety razor gives a better shave than a 3- or 4-blade cartridge. With cheaper blades and less plastic waste, this method of shaving also makes more sense economically and ecologically.
Though, there are some drawbacks: shaving time now increases from about 2 minutes to 10. It takes more time to shave because more attention goes into “prepping” your face for the shave with lather/soap and because you need to shave slowly, being careful not to cut or nick yourself. However, some would argue that the time and care needed to shave with a safety razor is part of its appeal. With various cremes, lathers, and shaving soaps, it is a practice in pampering oneself. With its exacting care and mindfulness, it is a practice of slow-living. If you’re the type of person who wakes up 15 minutes before work, this isn’t the system for you.
The economic benefits are undeniable. When bought in bulk, DE razor blades cost .12 cents on average. You can probably get the same mileage from these razor blades as you can from Gillette cartridges. Similarly, you do not need to buy proprietary blades. You can buy/try blades from other companies - which are built differently and give different shaves - without compatibility issues.
The blades are also ecologically wise. There is comparatively very little plastic waste. While higher-priced DE razor blades come in plastic, they typically come packaged in paper. Needless to say, there is no plastic on the blade unlike their gillettean counterparts. The blades are 100% biodegradable. Similarly, the razor handle is not made out of plastic, but a sturdy, long-lasting metal.
There is also a short learning curve; you’ll need to relearn how to shave using your new razor; it will have 1) a sharper blade at 2) a different angle and 3) a heavier weight. I didn’t cut myself on my first shave, and if you’re careful you won’t either. I did nick myself, however, which I didn’t realize until after my shave. I didn’t even notice the nicks until little spots of blood appeared. This probably has more to do with my inexperience and technique with my new razor. Despite this, I threw my old Gillette in the trash after my first shave. Ladies can use this on their legs and pitts with the same benefits too.
While there is a small initial investment (about $20-30 for a razor; $10 for a brush; $12 for a 100-pack of blades, couple bucks for shaving soap), the long-term savings (economically and ecologically speaking) are a no-brainer. This system would pay for itself after two packs of cartridges from Gillette. Plus, this method will give you the closest shave of your life while exfoliating your skin. Take the plunge. Learn how to shave with a safety razor and live better.
If you’ve found my post helpful, please use the links below to browse for your new razors and blades:
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