I tried the Trac II for the first time this morning and it gave me a FANTASTIC shave. Shock and Awe!!!! I'm extremely pleased and surprised at how good it was. Nearly as close as my Gem 1912 and straight (which are the best), but not quite. As good any DE shave I've had.
I had heard that the Trac II was the preferred cartridge razor for many, but I didn't expect it to be this good. In fact, prior to this I was always a little dismissive of those fancy shave kits that came with an ornate brush, stand, and Trac II handle. Now I know it's a contender!
This was using the dollar store made in Korea carts (Dorco?).
Interestingly, I also picked up a NIP Trac II Demonstrator Razor, with one cart installed. Apparently, it was given out free to promote the carts, and is considered a demonstrator razor because the rails are molded from the same plastic and casting as the handle instead of being a metal part. It does have a metal bar that goes down spine of the handle that gives it a nice heft, however. The whole thing is black and blocky and reminds me of Darth Vader. Or something a special Ops team would carry.
When I look at this particular Gillette cartridge, I notice that there are a series of skin guard nubs placed between the two blades. I have never seen these before, though I haven't really looked closely, either. Does Gillette design these into their Trac II carts? Do they make the shave more comfortable?
Cheers to the Trac II. Let's hope this one sticks around for a while.
I had heard that the Trac II was the preferred cartridge razor for many, but I didn't expect it to be this good. In fact, prior to this I was always a little dismissive of those fancy shave kits that came with an ornate brush, stand, and Trac II handle. Now I know it's a contender!
This was using the dollar store made in Korea carts (Dorco?).
Interestingly, I also picked up a NIP Trac II Demonstrator Razor, with one cart installed. Apparently, it was given out free to promote the carts, and is considered a demonstrator razor because the rails are molded from the same plastic and casting as the handle instead of being a metal part. It does have a metal bar that goes down spine of the handle that gives it a nice heft, however. The whole thing is black and blocky and reminds me of Darth Vader. Or something a special Ops team would carry.
When I look at this particular Gillette cartridge, I notice that there are a series of skin guard nubs placed between the two blades. I have never seen these before, though I haven't really looked closely, either. Does Gillette design these into their Trac II carts? Do they make the shave more comfortable?
Cheers to the Trac II. Let's hope this one sticks around for a while.
Last edited:
