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Gillette's New Razor Could Overturn Its 100-Year-Old Business Model

44 points by ethana 12y ago

andykellr 12y ago
"But here’s the true innovation: Gillette’s new razor will use P&G’s current blades" I'm confused. A new handle that let's you keep using existing $4 blades doesn't sound like a new business model. It just sounds like an iteration on the handle that will encourage people to buy their handle over the competitions' handles and thus sell more $4 blades. What am I missing?
- goldenkey 12y ago
  It probably locks into the blade in a certain fashion that is patented. Therefore if you use their handle, you will also use their blades.
- dave5104 12y ago
  It sounds like the "innovation" is that the new razor handle will use blades from existing P&G blades, as opposed to them using blades designed specifically for this handle. Feels like another example of this would be HP making a new printer model that can use the same shaped ink cartridges from an older model.
  - andykellr 12y ago
    They'd still be selling a cheap printer with expensive ink. That wouldn't make it a new business model and neither does Gillette selling a new handle with (existing) expensive blades.
- sheetjs 12y ago
  Gillette uses a different bladeset for each handle type. For example, the Mach3 cartridges don't work on the Fusion and vice versa. To entice people to switch, years ago Gillette mailed out free Fusion handles with a sample cartridge. The handle was free and could be used with new cartridges you bought. Now it appears that they are going to charge for the handle, which is indeed a shift
pat2man 12y ago
I switched to a single blade razor a while back. Blades are like 10¢. It's amazing.
gamegoblin 12y ago
About a year ago I switched to a straight razor with disposable single edge blades. I can get a pack of 100 Shark Stainless Steel blades for just over $5, and I usually change them out every 3 shaves or so. I skip a day every now and then, so all of my shaving needs are taken care of for $5/year. After a week of practice, the straight razor is just about as fast as any typical razor, much closer shave, and less irritated skin.
- rch 12y ago
  I'm really hoping straight razor shaving makes a complete comeback. Even if it doesn't though, I'm happy articles like this one no longer apply to me.
- IvyMike 12y ago
  I think you mean "double edge safety razor" not "straight razor" https://www.google.com/search?q=straight+razor https://www.google.com/search?q=straight+razor https://www.google.com/search?q=safety+razor https://www.google.com/search?q=safety+razor Edit: I guess I disagree--the safety razor is way better since I probably would slice my head off with the straight razor. But probably we agree in spirit: everybody, ditch the plastic mach 5 disposable and go to something more classic. :)
  - seniorsassycat 12y ago
    He could be talking about a modern barbers straight razor, which take replaceable blades. http://www.amazon.com/Parker-SR1-Stainless-Straight-Razor/dp/B002PQZEHQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1397959023&sr=8-2&keywords=straight+razor http://www.amazon.com/Parker-SR1-Stainless-Straight-Razor/dp...
  - gamegoblin 12y ago
    No, I am talking about a straight razor. User seniorsassycat is entirely correct. These are the blades I was referring to: http://www.amazon.com/Shark-Stainless-Straight-Barber-Professional/dp/B003BRQ36O/ref=pd_bxgy_hpc_img_y http://www.amazon.com/Shark-Stainless-Straight-Barber-Profes... EDIT: Reply to your edit: I don't really care to fool around with a strop. Also, classics are more expensive. The one I have now is my first -- I got it because it was cheap and I wanted to see if I liked straight shaving. I have never bothered to get a classic because it works fine.
goldenkey 12y ago
I've been using twin blade razors for years now and they are so much cheaper and effective than this titanium 5 blade guillotine nonsense. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002ZZGZ3O/B004D9R9OM-20 http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002ZZGZ3O/B004D9R9OM... There's no innovation needed for shaving except for the realization that you can shave for less than $10 a month.
- sergers 12y ago
  I have used those and think they suck compared to what Schick/Gillette offer in 4 and 5 blade categories. Maybe its because my hair is a lot thicker/coarse and sometimes let my hair grow a bit too much. If u shaved daily or just growing stubble I could see how these work.
  - goldenkey 12y ago
    Right, I use a Philips Vacuum Trimmer [0] to keep my facial hair short. Since a trimmer is a one-off purchase, the combination of both would be good in your case, just trim then shave? [0] http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B003U8ESI4/B004D9R9OM-20 http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B003U8ESI4/B004D9R9OM...
sergers 12y ago
I buy my blades off eBay. Can get under 2$ a blade if you buy in bulk Since I also shave my head bald daily, I go through a lot of blades Was thinking about a straightedge/ single blade razor. The description of the new Gillette handle sounds just like http://www.headblade.com http://www.headblade.com but with some ball bearing/big ball system instead of wheels. I don't see the innovation. I always thought the blade would have been the innovation, not the blade holding vessel. The headline caught me off guard. I thought it would have been blade that lasted a lot longer
Balgair 12y ago
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/04/gillettes-razor-everything-wrong-with-america.html http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/04/gillettes-razor... Hmm, a razor costing 12 for just the handle is high tech and high cost. Depending on your hair and the cost of a new fence of razors/razor head, you're looking at a dollar a week(3$ a fence/head, 3 weeks per fence/head) Dollar shave club advertises at a dollar a month. If you have to shave a lot, dollar shave club is simple and easy and thoughtless. As the linked article above discusses, Gilette is for the James Bond type guy now. That's a niche market, but the dollar shave club is more, I dunno, hungover basic grooming guy which has broader appeal. All that is to say, like the article above, beards are cheaper than anything else.
- vacri 12y ago
  A straight razor handle is low tech and more expensive.
Nk26 12y ago
I've been using a Double Edge safety razor for over 10 years. I can't imagine going back to a Mach 3 style razor. I can buy a 100 pack of Astra's for $11 shipped.
- iends 12y ago
  Can you provide a link to the model you use?
  - modfodder 12y ago
    I picked up a nice one from Standard Razors (http://standardrazors.com/ http://standardrazors.com/). Not cheap, but wanted something that was aesthetically pleasing as well as well made. Still cheaper than what I'd spend on Gillette products over a year.
  - sandmansandine 12y ago
    You can also grab a Merkur pretty cheap, which is one of the pretty standard DE's at this point. I like the Feather blades instead of the Astras but that's really all just preferences. http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Long-Handled-Safety-Razor/dp/B000NL0T1G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397962128&sr=8-1&keywords=merkur+safety+razor http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Long-Handled-Safety-Razor/dp/B0...
  - Nk26 12y ago
    I bought a Gillette Super Speed years ago on Ebay. They are widely considered the least aggressive and best for starters. I also have a Merkur Futur but I would not recommend that for a first timer.
bhousel 12y ago
I have a conspiracy theory that the reason they put more blades on razors now is so that they can get away with using crappier blades. I really believe I get a better shave the fewer blades there are.
- webwanderings 12y ago
  It is not just a conspiracy theory, it is unethical business. I was once sent one of those free promotional Gillette razor by mail. It lasted me for such a long time that I got fooled into believing that they are worth the extra cost. I went and bought the same kind and those ran out of their sharpness rather quickly. Obviously, the promotional ones were made to last long. This razor business is one big conspiracy.
subpixel 12y ago
I recently realized I've been using the same $8 razor blade for the last 18+ months. Before every shave, I rub the dry blades against my bicep - obviously not in the cutting direction. It keeps the blade damn sharp. Someone told me about it at a bar, I tried it, and so far I haven't had a shave that's made me think about changing blades.
- shitlord 12y ago
  I read somewhere that storing the blade in baby oil also helps it last longer. Something about oxidation...
  - unclebucknasty 12y ago
    Years ago a product came out that was supposed to preserve your blades. It was oil/liquid-based and you'd store the blade in the solution between shaves. Not sure what ever happened to it but their rationale was that, contrary to popular belief, it's not the hair that dulls the blade over repeat shaves; it's the oxidation. Since then, I made sure to always dry my blades after use and noticed a significant difference in their lifespan.
    - WalterSear 12y ago
      It's just cheap mineral oil. Works much better than drying them.
      - unclebucknasty 12y ago
        Makes sense, if not a little messy. Also wonder how easy it is to avoid gunking up the blades I use, which have minimal spacing. I have to avoid using some creams for that reason: just too hard to rinse out. Anyway, feeling a little less lazy today and came across this: http://lifehacker.com/5362103/keep-razors-sharp-with-mineral-oil http://lifehacker.com/5362103/keep-razors-sharp-with-mineral... So, in addition to oxidation, mineral oil is also supposed to help prevent mineral-buildup from tap water. On another note, it's hard to read the article and comments I referenced without wanting to try a safety razor.
clarky07 12y ago
I switched to electric years ago and I'll never go back. Quicker, easier, cheaper and just as good as far as I'm concerned without any mess.
- oxplot 12y ago
  So did I. Got a Panasonic ES-LV61-A and now I don't have to worry about anything. No maintenance, no cuts, no burns, no aftershave. Works dry and wet. Shaving is no longer a matter of thought for me.
  - jrockway 12y ago
    This is basically what I came here to write. With modern wet/dry shavers, you end up quite smooth, which I didn't think was possible with an electric razor. Sometimes I use a normal razor for variety (or the electric razor needs to be charged), and it doesn't do any better.
diziet 12y ago
It makes no sense to spend any serious amount of time saving money on razor blades -- at total cost of ownership per year in the $100~200 range, the thing to maximize for is comfort and safety. If you get your blades for free but have a small chance of cutting yourself / someone else when you dispose of them, that's a terrible tradeoff.
dewitt 12y ago
"The Wall Street Journal got its hands on some secret documents..." If a hacker did this someone would be going to jail. But when a newspaper does it, it's journalism. Edit: Jonknee's theory below makes sense. I jumped to conclusions and likely stand corrected.
- jonknee 12y ago
  They were very likely given the documents by someone working for Gillette. Full page ads in the WSJ are very expensive, what better way to launch a new shaving product than with an expose in a newspaper read disproportionately by older white men who shave every day?
jusben1369 12y ago
Dollar Shave Club is great but let's be clear. 330,000 is a drop in the bucket. What's really hurting Gillette is that significant uptick of men who are don't shave (beard) or now shave every 2 - 7 days vs daily. This in of itself is a fashion trend and like all trends can change relatively quickly. All those 14 year old boys who want to be different when they come of age will rebel against the hipsters they see in ads and music videos today and go clean shaven.
- sirdogealot 12y ago
  I can confirm by way of my own beard and all of my friends' beards. I seem to notice them everywhere these days. And verified by google trends, they are certainly on the uptick: http://www.google.com/trends/explore#q=beard%2C%20beards http://www.google.com/trends/explore#q=beard%2C%20beards Personally, I do it for convenience. It's nice having that extra 10 minutes every morning, and not possibly cutting my neck or face before I've had my first cup of coffee. That, and it looks badass. Almost every man throughout history I admire has had a beard, so why stop now?! I bought a cheap Phillips $30 beard trimmer a few years ago (that's equivalent to about a month's worth of gillette razors for myself) and I have been loving my beard ever since.
- latch 12y ago
  Opinion or fact? Sounds like BS to me. Is there really a "significant uptick of men" as you suggest? Or is there merely a significant uptick amongst people you know? Have you considered the international market? How big is Gillete there? Is this trend also present?
  - jusben1369 12y ago
    Oh you can just Google for it: http://blogs.wsj.com/corporate-intelligence/2013/07/31/razor-makers-have-a-problem-american-men-are-shaving-less/ http://blogs.wsj.com/corporate-intelligence/2013/07/31/razor...
    - latch 12y ago
      That article doesn't make your case. All it provides is an unsourced "American men are also doing less shaving, according to a Euromonitor Inc. analyst, as stubble and facial hair becomes more popular." Most of the article is focused on _other_ reasons they are seeing declining sale, including competition. In fact, the only reliable source specifically says the low end market is growing while the high end market is shrinking, which doesn't lend itself at all to your fiction-as-fact opinion.
eyeareque 12y ago
I switched to a double sided safety razor a few years back. It was great at first, I found a way to stop paying 2-3 bucks per blade and got a decent shave. Fast forward two years and I'm at my parents house sans safety razor. I used my one of dad's (new of course) generic disposable two blade razor. To my amazement I had one of the best shaves in two years. Either I've been doing it wrong or cheap generic razors are better. I just can get as close of a shave with a safety razor. I've switched back, but part of me wants to give a straight razor a try.
artursapek 12y ago
There's a lot of talk in this thread about double-edge safety razors and straight razors. They truly are amazing - I switched to using a DE about a year ago and I'm never going back to using those stupid overpriced cartridges. For anyone who wants to learn more, I highly recommend /r/wicked_edge. It's a great little community that has compiled a lot of resources for people who are keen on learning more about all this. That's where I originally did my research when I was starting out. http://reddit.com/r/wicked_edge http://reddit.com/r/wicked_edge People who know what they're doing shave this way; people who don't think twice about it use cartridges. I want to encourage everyone to explore this because it's really superior in a lot of ways. It saddens me how many people have the impression that "Mach3Turbo" is the only way one can shave because it's all CVS carries.

44 points by ethana 12y ago

"But here’s the true innovation: Gillette’s new razor will use P&G’s current blades" I'm confused. A new handle that let's you keep using existing $4 blades doesn't sound like a new business model. It just sounds like an iteration on the handle that will encourage people to buy their handle over the competitions' handles and thus sell more $4 blades. What am I missing?

goldenkey 12y ago
It probably locks into the blade in a certain fashion that is patented. Therefore if you use their handle, you will also use their blades.
dave5104 12y ago
It sounds like the "innovation" is that the new razor handle will use blades from existing P&G blades, as opposed to them using blades designed specifically for this handle. Feels like another example of this would be HP making a new printer model that can use the same shaped ink cartridges from an older model.
- andykellr 12y ago
  They'd still be selling a cheap printer with expensive ink. That wouldn't make it a new business model and neither does Gillette selling a new handle with (existing) expensive blades.
sheetjs 12y ago
Gillette uses a different bladeset for each handle type. For example, the Mach3 cartridges don't work on the Fusion and vice versa. To entice people to switch, years ago Gillette mailed out free Fusion handles with a sample cartridge. The handle was free and could be used with new cartridges you bought. Now it appears that they are going to charge for the handle, which is indeed a shift

pat2man 12y ago

I switched to a single blade razor a while back. Blades are like 10¢. It's amazing.

gamegoblin 12y ago

About a year ago I switched to a straight razor with disposable single edge blades. I can get a pack of 100 Shark Stainless Steel blades for just over $5, and I usually change them out every 3 shaves or so. I skip a day every now and then, so all of my shaving needs are taken care of for $5/year. After a week of practice, the straight razor is just about as fast as any typical razor, much closer shave, and less irritated skin.

rch 12y ago
I'm really hoping straight razor shaving makes a complete comeback. Even if it doesn't though, I'm happy articles like this one no longer apply to me.
IvyMike 12y ago
I think you mean "double edge safety razor" not "straight razor" https://www.google.com/search?q=straight+razor https://www.google.com/search?q=straight+razor https://www.google.com/search?q=safety+razor https://www.google.com/search?q=safety+razor Edit: I guess I disagree--the safety razor is way better since I probably would slice my head off with the straight razor. But probably we agree in spirit: everybody, ditch the plastic mach 5 disposable and go to something more classic. :)
- seniorsassycat 12y ago
  He could be talking about a modern barbers straight razor, which take replaceable blades. http://www.amazon.com/Parker-SR1-Stainless-Straight-Razor/dp/B002PQZEHQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1397959023&sr=8-2&keywords=straight+razor http://www.amazon.com/Parker-SR1-Stainless-Straight-Razor/dp...
- gamegoblin 12y ago
  No, I am talking about a straight razor. User seniorsassycat is entirely correct. These are the blades I was referring to: http://www.amazon.com/Shark-Stainless-Straight-Barber-Professional/dp/B003BRQ36O/ref=pd_bxgy_hpc_img_y http://www.amazon.com/Shark-Stainless-Straight-Barber-Profes... EDIT: Reply to your edit: I don't really care to fool around with a strop. Also, classics are more expensive. The one I have now is my first -- I got it because it was cheap and I wanted to see if I liked straight shaving. I have never bothered to get a classic because it works fine.

goldenkey 12y ago

I've been using twin blade razors for years now and they are so much cheaper and effective than this titanium 5 blade guillotine nonsense. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002ZZGZ3O/B004D9R9OM-20 http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002ZZGZ3O/B004D9R9OM... There's no innovation needed for shaving except for the realization that you can shave for less than $10 a month.

sergers 12y ago
I have used those and think they suck compared to what Schick/Gillette offer in 4 and 5 blade categories. Maybe its because my hair is a lot thicker/coarse and sometimes let my hair grow a bit too much. If u shaved daily or just growing stubble I could see how these work.
- goldenkey 12y ago
  Right, I use a Philips Vacuum Trimmer [0] to keep my facial hair short. Since a trimmer is a one-off purchase, the combination of both would be good in your case, just trim then shave? [0] http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B003U8ESI4/B004D9R9OM-20 http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B003U8ESI4/B004D9R9OM...

sergers 12y ago

I buy my blades off eBay. Can get under 2$ a blade if you buy in bulk Since I also shave my head bald daily, I go through a lot of blades Was thinking about a straightedge/ single blade razor. The description of the new Gillette handle sounds just like http://www.headblade.com http://www.headblade.com but with some ball bearing/big ball system instead of wheels. I don't see the innovation. I always thought the blade would have been the innovation, not the blade holding vessel. The headline caught me off guard. I thought it would have been blade that lasted a lot longer

Balgair 12y ago

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/04/gillettes-razor-everything-wrong-with-america.html http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/04/gillettes-razor... Hmm, a razor costing 12 for just the handle is high tech and high cost. Depending on your hair and the cost of a new fence of razors/razor head, you're looking at a dollar a week(3$ a fence/head, 3 weeks per fence/head) Dollar shave club advertises at a dollar a month. If you have to shave a lot, dollar shave club is simple and easy and thoughtless. As the linked article above discusses, Gilette is for the James Bond type guy now. That's a niche market, but the dollar shave club is more, I dunno, hungover basic grooming guy which has broader appeal. All that is to say, like the article above, beards are cheaper than anything else.

vacri 12y ago
A straight razor handle is low tech and more expensive.

Nk26 12y ago

I've been using a Double Edge safety razor for over 10 years. I can't imagine going back to a Mach 3 style razor. I can buy a 100 pack of Astra's for $11 shipped.

iends 12y ago
Can you provide a link to the model you use?
- modfodder 12y ago
  I picked up a nice one from Standard Razors (http://standardrazors.com/ http://standardrazors.com/). Not cheap, but wanted something that was aesthetically pleasing as well as well made. Still cheaper than what I'd spend on Gillette products over a year.
- sandmansandine 12y ago
  You can also grab a Merkur pretty cheap, which is one of the pretty standard DE's at this point. I like the Feather blades instead of the Astras but that's really all just preferences. http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Long-Handled-Safety-Razor/dp/B000NL0T1G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397962128&sr=8-1&keywords=merkur+safety+razor http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Long-Handled-Safety-Razor/dp/B0...
- Nk26 12y ago
  I bought a Gillette Super Speed years ago on Ebay. They are widely considered the least aggressive and best for starters. I also have a Merkur Futur but I would not recommend that for a first timer.

bhousel 12y ago

I have a conspiracy theory that the reason they put more blades on razors now is so that they can get away with using crappier blades. I really believe I get a better shave the fewer blades there are.

webwanderings 12y ago
It is not just a conspiracy theory, it is unethical business. I was once sent one of those free promotional Gillette razor by mail. It lasted me for such a long time that I got fooled into believing that they are worth the extra cost. I went and bought the same kind and those ran out of their sharpness rather quickly. Obviously, the promotional ones were made to last long. This razor business is one big conspiracy.

subpixel 12y ago

I recently realized I've been using the same $8 razor blade for the last 18+ months. Before every shave, I rub the dry blades against my bicep - obviously not in the cutting direction. It keeps the blade damn sharp. Someone told me about it at a bar, I tried it, and so far I haven't had a shave that's made me think about changing blades.

shitlord 12y ago
I read somewhere that storing the blade in baby oil also helps it last longer. Something about oxidation...
- unclebucknasty 12y ago
  Years ago a product came out that was supposed to preserve your blades. It was oil/liquid-based and you'd store the blade in the solution between shaves. Not sure what ever happened to it but their rationale was that, contrary to popular belief, it's not the hair that dulls the blade over repeat shaves; it's the oxidation. Since then, I made sure to always dry my blades after use and noticed a significant difference in their lifespan.
  - WalterSear 12y ago
    It's just cheap mineral oil. Works much better than drying them.
    - unclebucknasty 12y ago
      Makes sense, if not a little messy. Also wonder how easy it is to avoid gunking up the blades I use, which have minimal spacing. I have to avoid using some creams for that reason: just too hard to rinse out. Anyway, feeling a little less lazy today and came across this: http://lifehacker.com/5362103/keep-razors-sharp-with-mineral-oil http://lifehacker.com/5362103/keep-razors-sharp-with-mineral... So, in addition to oxidation, mineral oil is also supposed to help prevent mineral-buildup from tap water. On another note, it's hard to read the article and comments I referenced without wanting to try a safety razor.

clarky07 12y ago

I switched to electric years ago and I'll never go back. Quicker, easier, cheaper and just as good as far as I'm concerned without any mess.

oxplot 12y ago
So did I. Got a Panasonic ES-LV61-A and now I don't have to worry about anything. No maintenance, no cuts, no burns, no aftershave. Works dry and wet. Shaving is no longer a matter of thought for me.
- jrockway 12y ago
  This is basically what I came here to write. With modern wet/dry shavers, you end up quite smooth, which I didn't think was possible with an electric razor. Sometimes I use a normal razor for variety (or the electric razor needs to be charged), and it doesn't do any better.

diziet 12y ago

It makes no sense to spend any serious amount of time saving money on razor blades -- at total cost of ownership per year in the $100~200 range, the thing to maximize for is comfort and safety. If you get your blades for free but have a small chance of cutting yourself / someone else when you dispose of them, that's a terrible tradeoff.

dewitt 12y ago

"The Wall Street Journal got its hands on some secret documents..." If a hacker did this someone would be going to jail. But when a newspaper does it, it's journalism. Edit: Jonknee's theory below makes sense. I jumped to conclusions and likely stand corrected.

jonknee 12y ago
They were very likely given the documents by someone working for Gillette. Full page ads in the WSJ are very expensive, what better way to launch a new shaving product than with an expose in a newspaper read disproportionately by older white men who shave every day?

jusben1369 12y ago

Dollar Shave Club is great but let's be clear. 330,000 is a drop in the bucket. What's really hurting Gillette is that significant uptick of men who are don't shave (beard) or now shave every 2 - 7 days vs daily. This in of itself is a fashion trend and like all trends can change relatively quickly. All those 14 year old boys who want to be different when they come of age will rebel against the hipsters they see in ads and music videos today and go clean shaven.

sirdogealot 12y ago
I can confirm by way of my own beard and all of my friends' beards. I seem to notice them everywhere these days. And verified by google trends, they are certainly on the uptick: http://www.google.com/trends/explore#q=beard%2C%20beards http://www.google.com/trends/explore#q=beard%2C%20beards Personally, I do it for convenience. It's nice having that extra 10 minutes every morning, and not possibly cutting my neck or face before I've had my first cup of coffee. That, and it looks badass. Almost every man throughout history I admire has had a beard, so why stop now?! I bought a cheap Phillips $30 beard trimmer a few years ago (that's equivalent to about a month's worth of gillette razors for myself) and I have been loving my beard ever since.
latch 12y ago
Opinion or fact? Sounds like BS to me. Is there really a "significant uptick of men" as you suggest? Or is there merely a significant uptick amongst people you know? Have you considered the international market? How big is Gillete there? Is this trend also present?
- jusben1369 12y ago
  Oh you can just Google for it: http://blogs.wsj.com/corporate-intelligence/2013/07/31/razor-makers-have-a-problem-american-men-are-shaving-less/ http://blogs.wsj.com/corporate-intelligence/2013/07/31/razor...
  - latch 12y ago
    That article doesn't make your case. All it provides is an unsourced "American men are also doing less shaving, according to a Euromonitor Inc. analyst, as stubble and facial hair becomes more popular." Most of the article is focused on _other_ reasons they are seeing declining sale, including competition. In fact, the only reliable source specifically says the low end market is growing while the high end market is shrinking, which doesn't lend itself at all to your fiction-as-fact opinion.

eyeareque 12y ago

I switched to a double sided safety razor a few years back. It was great at first, I found a way to stop paying 2-3 bucks per blade and got a decent shave. Fast forward two years and I'm at my parents house sans safety razor. I used my one of dad's (new of course) generic disposable two blade razor. To my amazement I had one of the best shaves in two years. Either I've been doing it wrong or cheap generic razors are better. I just can get as close of a shave with a safety razor. I've switched back, but part of me wants to give a straight razor a try.

artursapek 12y ago

There's a lot of talk in this thread about double-edge safety razors and straight razors. They truly are amazing - I switched to using a DE about a year ago and I'm never going back to using those stupid overpriced cartridges. For anyone who wants to learn more, I highly recommend /r/wicked_edge. It's a great little community that has compiled a lot of resources for people who are keen on learning more about all this. That's where I originally did my research when I was starting out. http://reddit.com/r/wicked_edge http://reddit.com/r/wicked_edge People who know what they're doing shave this way; people who don't think twice about it use cartridges. I want to encourage everyone to explore this because it's really superior in a lot of ways. It saddens me how many people have the impression that "Mach3Turbo" is the only way one can shave because it's all CVS carries.