My Schick Hydro Adventure

[bonusmarple]

I normally use a straight. However, I was going on a 5 day cruise out of Galveston and really didn't want to haul the gear and I was unsure about security so I did not bring my DE. I looked over the cartridge options at the local grocery store and selected the Schick Hydro 3 blade.

I did a two pass shave, WTG, XTG, on the first day. I lathered with T&H Rose after applying Proraso Pre/Post. First thing was that the "Hydro" really means a sh-t load of goo slopped on your face. I had to rinse my face in the shower between passes to get all the stuff off. I really did not care for the goo.

As far as results go, I used the razor 3 times and then threw it away when I got home. For the 2 remaining shaves I used a BIC sensitive that I bought on the ship. The Hydro wasn't a bad shave, but I really hated the goo and for the first 2 shaves, it really was not very close. I still had a lot of stubble on my cheeks and chin. The last shave gave me something close to BBS, but not quite. In the end, since I can get BBS in 2 passes with a str8t I will not be switching anytime soon. On the plus side however, I really didn't get much in the way of irritation or ingrown hair. If I had to review I would say save your money.

FYI, cruise security is not super tight. It is similar to airport security and as long so I could get a DE and blades in through my checked luggage. This will be my option for the next cruise.

 

[jwcarlson]

I tried the Hydro 5 after being grossly appauled by the newest Fusion.
But only because Schick was offering a free one by way of mail in rebate.

I shaved with it once... or maybe twice? I liked it, seemed better than the Schick Quattro that I used to use... at least that I can remember.

It's sitting on my rack of shaving stuff, way at the top with the other stuff I rarely use. The other morning I was rushed... grabbed it off the top shelf and sat it on the counter while I was making lather.

Picked it up when it was time to shave, contemplated it, and put it back in favor of my HD.

It will work great in a pinch for me at some point but I can do a two pass shave with my HD and get nearly BBS with maybe a minute more time invested.

 

[mike72]

i used the hydro 3 blade and thought it worked very well i got a very close shave with it.

 

[Bay Rum]

I hated the goo, it was all over the place. there was so much goo that I couldn't get the tough spots on my neck. I am also going to try the Glide when I get a chance.

 

[K.T.]

To get the best out of the Hydro, I suggest you put away the ultra cushy creams or soaps and go with something like brushless KMF, Headslick, Cremo Creme, or even Edge gel. In my experience, this kind of razor needs slick and not cushy. Since it wants at least moderate pressure to work well, the cushy creams just cause the head to hydroplane over your whiskers and you're unlikely to get a satisfactory shave.

As for the goo, it may be disconcerting to some. After I tried the Proglide, however, which has a conventional lube strip, and experienced some real tugging and drag, I say hallelujah for the Hydro goo. There is no comparison regarding the comfort. Hydro wins, hands down. I can also get a great shave with the Proglide but it takes 50% longer, is far less comfortable, and uses 3 times as much gel.

With any of the a fore mentioned gels, I get a quick easy BBS, and the Hydro is my go-to razor on hurry up days. Of course, YMMV.

 

[pithy_remark]

I picked up a Hyrdro 3... mostly out of curiosity. I used it a few times to shave along with Barbasol. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it turned out -- nowhere close to when I use a DE, but it was definitely one of the better (if not the best) cartridges that I can recall using. Definitely better than a Mach 3 or Shick Quattro.

I wouldn't want to use it for my daily routine, but IMHO it's a decent cart razor and could fit in if you're in a hurry or if you're on travel and need something that's carry-on friendly so that you can get through the airport.

 

[Slivovitz]

To get the best out of the Hydro, I suggest you put away the ultra cushy creams or soaps and go with something like brushless KMF, Headslick, Cremo Creme, or even Edge gel. In my experience, this kind of razor needs slick and not cushy.

The Hydro 3 worked fine for me with Cremo, which I apply with a brush, but will work well brushless. The goop didn't bother me particularly, as I knew I was going to be washing my face soon enough anyway.

I used up the first of two cartridges that came with it, and thought that I might use the 2nd "some time". If I decide to use a cartridge razor on some future trip, it will most likely be my old Atra, but the Hydro would be a good possibility, too.

I can also get a great shave with the Proglide but it takes 50% longer, is far less comfortable, and uses 3 times as much gel.

I looked at the ProGlide in the store, but decided I wasn't curious enough to play $10 to try it out.

 

[Wil Dorenbos]

Tried the Hydro 3 with KMF Lavender (by hand ). Shave was fast and comfortable, but even after 2 passes (WTG and GTX), still a lot of stubble left. My injectors and oc's do better in 2... Had to rinse my face a couple of times because of the "slime" on my face. Looks like this one is not for me.

 

[SUNA]

Will never buy another new Schick product again. End of story.

 

[imabel2]

If you remove the goo bar on the Hydro 5, (very easy to do without wrecking the cartridge on the hydro 5). I combine Hydro Gel 1 part to 2 parts KMF and whip to a really great slick, smooth lather. Usually get a 2 pass BBS shave with minimial 3rd pass on the two hollows either side of my neck. I only use this combo when traveling, or under time consideration, which does not allow the usual 30+ minutes for my normal de shaves.

 

[myboysdad]

If you remove the goo bar on the Hydro 5, (very easy to do without wrecking the cartridge on the hydro 5). I combine Hydro Gel 1 part to 2 parts KMF and whip to a really great slick, smooth lather. Usually get a 2 pass BBS shave with minimial 3rd pass on the two hollows either side of my neck. I only use this combo when traveling, or under time consideration, which does not allow the usual 30+ minutes for my normal de shaves.

I hadn't thought of this. I have the Hydro 3 but hated the goo from the strip.
I will definately remove it and give it a try.

 

[CoolBurn]

I just gave the Hydro 3 my first test drive and took Mama Bear Sandalwood Vanilla along for the ride. And what a wild ride it was. There was gooey slime everywhere. I'm still trying to figure out how I got it on the ceiling. What do they use to create such a slippery substance? For me the shave was just ok. No real irritation. But no BBS either. Shave was on par or worse than with my Merkur HD or Muhle. Because of the goo the shave actually took a long time. And it was no fun. Kind of an unpleasant feeling for me. So I'm sticking with what I got. But I will say it was better than a Fusion.

 

[proxymoron]

FYI, cruise security is not super tight. It is similar to airport security and as long so I could get a DE and blades in through my checked luggage. This will be my option for the next cruise.

I'm not one to accuse the TSA of common sense, but is it really a problem to pack a DE in your carry-on on a cruise?

 

[mike72]

I recently tried the hydro 5 blade and WOW it was pretty good my face was like glass don't get me wrong I'm still commited to de but the next time I travel by air the schick hydro is going with me.

 

[jpkunst]

Tried the Hydro 3

Is it available in our country, or did you order it from the U.S.?

 

[dpm802]

I'm not one to accuse the TSA of common sense, but is it really a problem to pack a DE in your carry-on on a cruise?

I'm not one to defend the TSA, but have you ever heard of the Achille Lauro hijacking?

 

[G-FORCE]

I have used one several times when in a rush. Never used any schick cart styled razor before. Other then the goo, I liked it for what it is.Fairly smooth shave no irritation. Not going to replace my DE but usable

Gary

 

[Wil Dorenbos]

Is it available in our country, or did you order it from the U.S.?

USA, have not seen it downhere. Want to try one?

 

[DE Shaver]

I've seen them in the stores here in Canada.

 

[gull]

What do they use to create such a slippery substance?

Male workers+naughty pictures=slippery substance on the blades