This is very close to my experience! The Leaf Twig runs the Guard close for me, but I still think the Guard is the best I have ever tried in 13 years of being a shave enthusiast.I have a very high opinion of the Gillette Guard. I have not had any consistency issues with the refills (although I order mine from Mag’s).
I will admit that the handle is underwhelming, it is very light, but it is functional and easy to hold on to. Even the pivot was concerning for me, as it is not spring loaded, and just floats.
In reality and use, however, it is amazing. The pivot offers forgiveness and allows for a very quick and efficient shave. The single blade is very sharp, yet smooth, and lasts a long time. The glide is amazing, without the need for any yucky lube strips. The blade guards are functional and contribute to the glide. It never clogs. Doesn’t really need rinsing. But most of all, it delivers for me a BBS faster and with less drama than any other razor. And I’ve tried them all:
- All manner of DEs, from vintage to new designer, all the different blades, vintage Techs and Speeds, copies, etc… a lot. Not as close on the face as my vintage Schick injectors, but more forgiving on the head (though not as forgiving as a good pivoting cart).
- Vintage GEMs: Excellent face shaver, unforgiving head fillet machines.
- Vintage Schick Injectors (my previous favorites). Long lasting consistent BBS that was faster for me than DE. Not very forgiving on the head, though.
- Gillette Sensor Plus. My vintage cart that was my favorite cart of all time. Very good, but expensive refills. Good for head shaving. Floating blades are sharp yet forgiving. Just to $$$.
- Favorite disposable: Schick Extreme 3. Flexible blades hug the head well. Long lasting. Forgiving. Fast. But have to rinse too often.
I tried the Guard on a whim due to good reviews. Wow. So sharp, smooth, efficient, forgiving, and the fastest BBS I’ve found. Absolutely brilliant as a head shaver. Most efficient and forgiving I’ve found. No need to rinse constantly. Smooth and efficient glide. Just a great razor. Don’t let the looks or preconceived notions fool you. It is excellent for its intended purpose.
The fact that it is a single blade, airline approved, and only costs $0.50 per refill, while getting the shave life of a good cart, makes it unbeatable in my book. I recommend it for a trial run. Also the best face shaver I’ve found.
Happy Shaving!