The Cost of Shaving

[Sabre]

We have probably complained about the cost of shaving and then spent vast amounts, once shaving becomes a enjoyable hobby and not just using a consumer item.

A Schick injector cost $1.00 in 1941 and at today's rate is $14.88, which is quite reasonable.

 

[LouieGrandie]

Before DE I spent between $275 and $300 a year on razors, refills and canned shave creams. With the switch to DE, brushes and shaving soap and creams I have spent about $250 this year but over the next few years my yearly cost will drop to less than $50 as the only purchase will be for blades as the shaving creams/soaps will last me a couple of years at least.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

Well when I look at the amount of money that I had spent collectively in the past for Sensor/Sensor Excel/ Sensor 3 than the Mach 3 and all it's upgrades, and crazy cart prices. It just makes me feel like a bozo for falling into the hype and advertising game.

 

[Slivovitz]

The cost comparison question comes up a lot, probably because it is a frequent talking point for taking up "classic" shaving. Apart from the question of "ADs", which tempt us to spend more than we need to, it's actually hard to say how much I might be saving on a per-shave basis.

I used to use generic Atra compatible cartridges at just under $0.50 each, which would last for about five shaves each. My cheapest injector blades were just under $0.25 each, and last for at least six shaves each. So based on 365 shaves a year, that would be about $11.30 less.

I simply don't have enough data to compare the per-shave cost of my old Edge Gel to the soaps that I use now.

The important thing is that I'm getting better shaves now. When I went from my Atra to a DE, the claim that i'd save money was interesting, but it wasn't the reason I switched.

 

[BlackBard]

About the only difference between when I used a Mach 3 and now (using a Gillette Slim) was the cost of blades. I'll admit to having four soaps, when I used to only have two in rotation, but I don't have any AD's, so I'm probably set for the next few years. I've used soap and a brush for the last 45 years.

I bought M3 carts in bulk at Costco. They cost $2.00 each. I changed carts twice a month. Now I use one DE blade for a week. Not counting soap, wear and tear on the brush, etc., it costs me 20 cents a week now. Savings - $37.60 a year.

Clearly, cost is not a significant factor, either way. I just like a DE better.

 

[ace43]

If anything, DE shaving, and probably SR shaving as well, is more expensive than cartridge shaving if it is done parsimoniously. I was using a Pro Fusion Power before I switched to a DE. I was getting at least 50 good shaves per cartridge by taking care of them properly and recharging the battery in the holder. That's 5 cents a shave. I've had some cartridges go as many as 120 shaves, so it could be even less. I think there are plenty of justifications for DE and SR shaving, but cost isn't one of them. Throw in the multiple razors, brushes, soaps, creams, after shaves, strops, hones, and razor and brush stands and the cartridge route starts to look really inexpensive. I'm not saying that's a reason for using cartridges, but it isn't a persuasive reason to dump them either.

 

[Go West Young Man]

You can't count AD's against your shaving budget, those costs should go against 'hobbies'. You always had the option of buying expensive soaps and brushes - you just chose to use canned foam.

 

[reyrascon]

True that many of us spend a lot due to "ADs" but how much more are we enjoying shaving? I used to hate to shave, I'd put it off as long as I had to. Now I look forward to it, deciding which soap/cream to use, which aftershave. I can't and won't put a price tag on that.

 

[akokandy]

True that many of us spend a lot due to "ADs" but how much more are we enjoying shaving? I used to hate to shave, I'd put it off as long as I had to. Now I look forward to it, deciding which soap/cream to use, which aftershave. I can't and won't put a price tag on that.

Well said.

 

[dfollett_98]

True that many of us spend a lot due to "ADs" but how much more are we enjoying shaving? I used to hate to shave, I'd put it off as long as I had to. Now I look forward to it, deciding which soap/cream to use, which aftershave. I can't and won't put a price tag on that.

+1

Don

 

[Islander]

50, 120 shaves per cartridge?
Not in my wildest dreams I would imagine that was possible.
With those numbers in mind cost would be pretty much even but I would think that would be a very rare scenario or am I the odd one?

 

[Genie]

My face is healthier than its ever been.... So there is no price tag for that

 

[njpaddy]

Good thing I never switched to DE to save money. I was just sick of carts and down to shaving about every 5-7 days. I'll just go along with those calling DE shaving a hobby because what I spent in the last year would keep me in carts for 10. After 40+ years I actually look forward to a good shave.

 

[kcw12]

I'm spending about the same, but I'm getting a much more enjoyable shave, and more compliments from the ladies. Which is worth it, plus it makes shaving more of something to look forward to, instead of well crap i gotta shave.

 

[gearchow]

You can't count AD's against your shaving budget, those costs should go against 'hobbies'. You always had the option of buying expensive soaps and brushes - you just chose to use canned foam.

Thank you so much for putting in the "Hobbies" line item. I will gratefully move my shaving expenses there. Fooling myself is the best thing I do.

-jim

 

[Go West Young Man]

Thank you so much for putting in the "Hobbies" line item. I will gratefully move my shaving expenses there. Fooling myself is the best thing I do.

-jim

Forget double-entry bookkeeping, I think we can do at least quadruple!