Cost....wow!

[jdboucher]

So I was bored and I was doing some math to see how expensive Mach 3 Blades are for a year vs. DE blades. I assumed a blade lasts 5 days with daily shaving. Here's my math:

DE Blades (Derby 100 pack from West Coast Shaving - $20 per pack)

365 days/5 = 73 blades per yr. $20/100 = .$20 per blade x 73 = $14.6 per yr

Mach 3 Blades (12 razor pack from CVS - $25 dollars (not on sale))

$25/12 = $2.08 per blade x 73 = $152.08 PER YR

So thats more than 10 times as expensive! If thats not enough to get someone to switch to a DE I don't know what is.

 

[gaseousclay]

it would be even cheaper if you figured the red pack personnas at $10 per 100 pk. gotta love DE shaving

 

[mmack66]

Huh? Those numbers don't make any sense.

You would only use 73 blades a year. Since there are more than 100 blades in your pack of DE blades, the cost would be less than $20.00.

Mach3 blades would be about $150.00 a year.

 

[greenerock]

If one blade is lasting you 5 days it's about 73 blades per year.(about $15)
and about $150 for the Mach 3 blades.(6 packs of 12)

 

[gerwen]

Of course that assumes you don't buy a dozen vintage razors, half a dozen brushes, and countless soaps, creams, balms, and aftershaves.

/sigh, AD has set in.

 

[ouch]

Then please explain why this hobby is making me broke.

 

[Emmett]

If one blade is lasting you 5 days it's about 73 blades per year.(about $15)

And that's assuming you shave everyday instead of every other or taking weekends off as many do.

 

[82R100]

If you actually work the equations given (which are dimensionally sound) you get $14.60/yr for the DE and $152.08/yr for the Mach 3.

He forgot to divide by 5 in each case, so the figures in the first post would be for using a new blade each day.

- Chris

 

[jdboucher]

Huh? Those numbers don't make any sense.

You would only use 73 blades a year. Since there are more than 100 blades in your pack of DE blades, the cost would be less than $20.00.

Mach3 blades would be about $150.00 a year.

If one blade is lasting you 5 days it's about 73 blades per year.(about $15)
and about $150 for the Mach 3 blades.(6 packs of 12)

Math errors fixed!

 

[jdboucher]

If you actually work the equations given (which are dimensionally sound) you get $14.60/yr for the DE and $152.08/yr for the Mach 3.

He forgot to divide by 5 in each case, so the figures in the first post would be for using a new blade each day.

- Chris

Thanks Chris. I fixed them. Whoops!

Its still 10 times more expensive though

 

[LagerLover]

Of course that assumes you don't buy a dozen vintage razors, half a dozen brushes, and countless soaps, creams, balms, and aftershaves.

/sigh, AD has set in.

 

[Doc4]

If you want some really crazy math, try a vintage straight ($50), a strop ($75), and a Chinese 12k ($40) ... $165.

Heck, toss in a Norton 4k/8k ($70) and a DMT lapping plate ($75) ... you are up to a total of $310.

You are now set for life. Let's say 31 years from now, it's $10 per year. (In two years your total outlay equals what you would spend on Mach3 ... after that, it's all gravy.)

Then please explain why this hobby is making me broke.

You bought a second brush, didn't you?

 

[BEAR DEN]

If you want some really crazy math, try a vintage straight ($50), a strop ($75), and a Chinese 12k ($40) ... $165.

Heck, toss in a Norton 4k/8k ($70) and a DMT lapping plate ($75) ... you are up to a total of $310.

You are now set for life. Let's say 31 years from now, it's $10 per year. (In two years your total outlay equals what you would spend on Mach3 ... after that, it's all gravy.)



You bought a second brush, didn't you?

+ 1

 

[BroJohn]

I tell folks that the startup is about the same as buying a medium priced electric razor --about $80. About $60 for a brush and about $20 or so for a DE razor, give or take. Lather bowl/mug repurposed from kitchen. Consumables extra, just like with an electric.

Blades, soap, AS extra, but need not be expensive. If it turns into a hobby, so much the better.

-- John Gehman

 

[Luc]

Of course that assumes you don't buy a dozen vintage razors, half a dozen brushes, and countless soaps, creams, balms, and aftershaves.

/sigh, AD has set in.

+1

 

[dbconlin]

Irregardless of whether you use a Mach 3 or DE, you will still need brush, soap/cream, aftershave, etc. These items should not be considered in a cost analysis. You can use Edge gel with your DE if you are a total cheapskate.

...I knew a guy in college that shaved dry, he just took his razor to his face, no water, no foam/gel, nada. Needless to say, that guy now sports a beard.

So, if "wetshaving" is making you broke, maybe you just need to cut back on the ADs.

 

[rth97601]

Why not plan to leave the budget the same, but use the 90% difference for the inevitable AD?

I started DE to save money, but caught the bug ... I'll be lucky if I "break even" this year, on that scale.

 

[Phoenix_one]

While I was deployed to Afghanistan I used a brush with Col. Conk's Soap and I was able to make a Mach3 cartridge last a month. Shaving daily, 2 passes. Please don't judge me, it was WAR!

 

[Doc4]

While I was deployed to Afghanistan I used a brush with Col. Conk's Soap and I was able to make a Mach3 cartridge last a month. Shaving daily, 2 passes. Please don't judge me, it was WAR!

And you have just demonstrated that War is Hell.

 

[_JP_]

If thats not enough to get someone to switch to a DE I don't know what is.

It's enough to make college guys try to stretch out a cartridge for the whole semester!