So Gillette has finally admitted they charge to much for blades

[ShaveRunner]

I want to talk about the Fusion. I don't use it much because the blades are insanely overpriced. I use a Jones Mfg. Co. Vintage Straight, a Dovo Shavette, or a Merkur Open Comb Heavy Classic.

However, you can't get a closer and faster shave than with the fusion that has a fresh blade. I know it's stupid looking and vibrates, and looks more like a washboard than a razor but it works. The blades also cost almost 3 dollars each and don't last very long. This was the plan but it seems to be backfiring. That is why all the new commercials don't tell you to buy a fusion they tell you to buy new blades for it. It seems they have finally gone to high on the price and know it.

Sorry for the rant. What do you all think?

 

[Hyndon]

Well I'm not sure about them admitting that they charge too much but I do agree that the price for replacement cartridges are quite up there. It is definitely one of the reasons I joined up and started researching wet shaving.

 

[dog]

I'm guessing the cost of Gillette replacement blades is the #1 reason for people researching wet shaving and/or DE shaving.

 

[KittensAndRainbows]

I went to an electric after leaving carts behind. I was actually researching a new electric when I stumbled upon B&B. Rather than shell out $100 plus for an electric razor, I decided to go with DE shaving. Granted, I've spent plenty more than that on brushes, razors, and soaps, but I'm also getting a helluva better shaving experience.

 

[Javak]

I got two sets of Fusion sample in the mail few years back. The extra wide paddle of a cartridge is really iffy when I try to shave upward under my nose. They lasted about 3 shaves, that's about $1/shave. I can get 2 shaves out of a 25c DE blade. I chuckled when I saw their ad urging people to use fresh blades more often. That was just sad.

I was using triple blade of some sort until I realize I was paying $1.50 per blade. The money I saved already paid for the $20 Gillette Super Speed off eBay.

 

[Snood]

Well I'm not sure about them admitting that they charge too much but I do agree that the price for replacement cartridges are quite up there. It is definitely one of the reasons I joined up and started researching wet shaving.

if you've been using a gillette fusion, then it's most likely you've been wetshaving too... wetshaving is anything where you're using a blade and water/cream/soap. I think you mean you started researching DE shaving?

 

[Hyndon]

if you've been using a gillette fusion, then it's most likely you've been wetshaving too... wetshaving is anything where you're using a blade and water/cream/soap. I think you mean you started researching DE shaving?

Oh haha, yeah that's what I meant. I was in quite a rush when I posted in here so I must not have been thinking correctly, my bad.

 

[DiscoBubba]

However, you can't get a closer and faster shave than with the fusion that has a fresh blade. I know it's stupid looking and vibrates, and looks more like a washboard than a razor but it works. The blades also cost almost 3 dollars each and don't last very long. This was the plan but it seems to be backfiring. That is why all the new commercials don't tell you to buy a fusion they tell you to buy new blades for it. It seems they have finally gone to high on the price and know it.

Maybe I'm a bit confused on your phrasing of this. I don't think they're admitting they charge too much for blades, so much as they presume your already using a Fusion, ONLY a Fusion, and will try NOTHING else but instead stick to the Fusion. Its effective marketing aimed at the general populace whom will probably stick to the same system whether it works well for them or not.

For me, the Mach 3 did not. They'd always give me razor burn & irritate my lower neck (something I still have trouble with tho much less now). Since the cartridges cost so much I'd consequently use them well past getting dull, making things even worse. So not only was I having trouble affording it but my technique seemed lacking. A few quick Google searches later the flood gates were open

 

[Uncle Erik]

I came across an unused Fusion cartridge the other day and decided to go back to the "old ways" the other morning when I was running late. I used to shave in the shower with a cartridge, so I loaded up and gave it a try.

It wasn't that bad of a shave, but nothing compared to the glorious DE shaves I've been getting for the past year. It wasn't anywhere as close and I had a little irritation afterwards.

I'll keep the Fusion handle around for the hell of it, but there's no way I'll go back. I hope Gillette's bottom line gets squeezed, forcing them to make a better product. As unlikely as it may be, I'd love to see them produce a new line of DE razors and blades.

 

[Ignatius]

if you've been using a gillette fusion, then it's most likely you've been wetshaving too... wetshaving is anything where you're using a blade and water/cream/soap. I think you mean you started researching DE shaving?

There's no formal definition of wetshaving, but I tend to think it involves a single blade.

 

[prophetic_joe]

There's no formal definition of wetshaving, but I tend to think it involves a single blade.

I tend to think, and internet and magazine articles on the subject have mostly agreed, that wetshaving usually involves the use of a brush as well. you generally don't get as much water or wetness when simply using canned goo and a sink full of water. The brush and creams play a huge part. It's the lather baby. But yeah I agree with you, fusion, canned goo and a sink of water is not wetshaving.

 

[Blaireau&Lame]

I want to talk about the Fusion. I don't use it much because the blades are insanely overpriced. I use a Jones Mfg. Co. Vintage Straight, a Dovo Shavette, or a Merkur Open Comb Heavy Classic.

However, you can't get a closer and faster shave than with the fusion that has a fresh blade. I know it's stupid looking and vibrates, and looks more like a washboard than a razor but it works. The blades also cost almost 3 dollars each and don't last very long. This was the plan but it seems to be backfiring. That is why all the new commercials don't tell you to buy a fusion they tell you to buy new blades for it. It seems they have finally gone to high on the price and know it.

Sorry for the rant. What do you all think?

From their commercials, I get the impression that people are sticking to their old blades longer than Gillette would like, so they're trying to reinforce their "razor and blades" business model: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freebie_marketing

Like others here, I too left the Fusion masses for wet/DE shaving. Incidentally, I had a leftover Fusion blade and tried it with a brush and cream. With proper lather and blade technique, I was surprised at how much closer of a shave I could get with the Fusion now than before I started wet shaving. Although, it still doesn't beat the closeness of a Feather.

 

[rummwa]

I gave up the Fusion because of the cost, and I for one am glad the price was so high because I would have never rediscovered the safety razor.

 

[HIT]

I'm guessing the cost of Gillette replacement blades is the #1 reason for people researching wet shaving and/or DE shaving.

I went to my local super market yesterday. The M3 cartridge pack costs 10,75 euros!!!!

There is no way Im returning back to M3 shaving

 

[brg]

I went to my local super market yesterday. The M3 cartridge pack costs 10,75 euros!!!!

There is no way Im returning back to M3 shaving

Funny thing is that, at least here, a 4-pack of M3 Turbo carts used to cost around 8 euros a few years ago. Then they just increased the price to more than 10 for not apparent reason... other than convincing people to switch to the Fusion?

 

[HIT]

Funny thing is that, at least here, a 4-pack of M3 Turbo carts used to cost around 8 euros a few years ago. Then they just increased the price to more than 10 for not apparent reason... other than convincing people to switch to the Fusion?

or to DE shaving

 

[matato]

I really wonder when I hear about the short life of Fusion blades. I've always been able to keep a blade going for weeks! One reason I switched to DE was that I often HAD to keep them going for weeks because I couldn't afford to buy new ones! For the price of 8 carts you can get a years supply of Feathers, and probably a few Derbys to boot! I still keep my Fusion around for travelling, but I feel cheap when I use it. It feels like a plastic toy razor, not something a grownup would use. I'm always surprised at the BBS shave it gives, with no prep & no brush lather. It doesn't last, though. By lunchtime I can feel stubble, by 5 there's a visible shadow. Yesterday morning I shaved with a Merkur 39c & a Feather, and 24 hours later my face is smoother than it would be 8 hours after shaving with a Fusion!

What I think (hope) will really backfire on Gillette is their recent announcement about the shaving cream that will simulate the effects of a barber's towel. I'd love to think that this will make people say, "Wait a minute... that's just a hot, wet towel. Why should I pay for chemicals in a can to do this when I can just rinse my own towel in hot water?" Maybe this will start them questioning Gillette's other claims, and realizing they've been swindled all along.

 

[natchez]

I went to an electric after leaving carts behind. I was actually researching a new electric when I stumbled upon B&B. Rather than shell out $100 plus for an electric razor, I decided to go with DE shaving. Granted, I've spent plenty more than that on brushes, razors, and soaps, but I'm also getting a helluva better shaving experience.

Yes, you probably have spent more than on a new electric, but you get so much more satisfaction and fun. And, no disgusting buzzing noise every morning. Just the sound of running water, like a mountain stream gurgling as you begin your day, and smells that are so wondrous.

 

[Tha Baron]

Oh haha, yeah that's what I meant. I was in quite a rush when I posted in here so I must not have been thinking correctly, my bad.

Don't apologize... I knew what you meant. Try not to be discouraged about all the 'experts' out there.

 

[richmondesi]

am I the only one that picked up on the

However, you can't get a closer and faster shave than with the fusion that has a fresh blade

nonsense?