Gillette Mach3 Shaving System, 1 system

Mediocre and Overpriced, March 13, 2008
By supernatural (Illinois) - See all my reviews

Unfortuantely, these mediocre and overpriced blades are probably the best shave that most people will get from the mass produced blades and shaver systems. It gives a better shave than most 2 blade razors I've tried (Excel, etc.), and 3 blades is about the most blades that I can use on a razor and be able to get to all the nooks and crannies on my face - thus I don't recommend the Fusion or any other razor with more than 3 blades. Here are a few other points:

1) For thicker beards, these blades will rarely last more than a few shaves before you feel the tug and pull leading to razor bumps.

2) I do give these blades credit for the flow through design allowing hair and residue to be rinsed through the blades without clogging them; but, then again, why do you need 3 blades in a razor? With an exceptional blade, you should only need one to cut your facial hair.

3) Another design flaw with this razor (as well as most razors) is that the "fins" or whatever they are called, on the bottom portion of the razor head (that supposedly "prep" your beard) actually scoops away the shaving cream before the blades have a chance to touch that portion of your face - so now you have 3 blades being pulled across inadaquately lubricated skin. Trust me, you need the shaving cream there when the blade scrapes across.

4) I would recommend getting a classic double edge razor. My wife has noticed a huge difference in my face and neck - no more razor burn! I can shave everyday now. I prefer a Merkur double edge razor which can be found on Amazon or you can do a google search for "classic shaving" to find them for cheaper. The blades will usually run about $5 for a ten pack, and one of these super sharp blades last about a week for most people. Think of the cost savings and the benefit to your skin if you only gave up purchasing the ever increasingly expensive and insane multiple blade cartridges.

My fiance' got me hooked on using his razor after I forgot mine on a trip. I have to say it is the best and closest shave I've ever had. It didn't feel like I was scraping my skin off with my hair. Cost isn't so bad compared so some other shaving systems.

I have used disposal razors (great when you have the facial hair of a teenager), electric razors (pretty good for a while, but the replacement blades are expensive), and several generations of Gillette razors. The Mach3 is the best yet, though I have yet to try the new Fusion razor.

Gillette makes all sorts of claims regarding the Mach3. I am unable to tell whether any of the claims have merit. I can tell you that the blades, though expensive, last a long time for me. I have moderately tough facial hair. The old disposable razors gave me a few days of shaving and they were history. I have shaved up to two months with these razors and still got a good shave.

I have read that there are controversies about the value of three blades. I think the three blades help keep the razor at the optimum angle on my face for shaving. I do get a pretty good shave as well. I do use Edge Advanced Shave Gel in combination with my Gillette Mach3, which may help get me a better shave.

Most men in the United States shave, whether we like it or not. The Gillette Mach3 gives me the best and most consistent shave I have ever had. Until I find a better razor, the Mach3 is the one for me.

Enjoy!

I had an Atra for at least twenty years with no problems, but lately I couldn't find the blades in any of my three local pharmacies.So I coughed up the money for a Mach3. All the moving parts on my Atra were made out of some type of metal. Not so with the Mach3. Somehow I broke the piece of flimsy plastic which holds the blade in place rendering the razor useless. So I just bought three packs of Atra blades off the internet. p.s. The blade the razor came with was great. I got great shaves. Unfortunately,the remaining other three or so razors were dull.

This is a really good razor, it always gives me a good shave (and I have pretty tough facial hair), so you know, it does its job well.

My only complaint is that yes, the blades are kinda pricey, but I usually combat that by not shaving so often. Come on, I'm a college student, I can be fuzzy. But this is a great razor, give it a try if you think you're a little rough. Sorry I can't go into too much more detail... but it's a razor. It does its job well, what else can I say?