For me, it's not just the fact that I can get as close a shave or even closer with a Mach3, but I enjoy the shave tenfold as compared to a Mach3. And besides that, I can achieve the same outcome for about .10 a blade, compared to 2.00 to 2.50 a blade. The initial start up in DE shaving costs, but you recoup that after a couple of months by the amount saved on the expensive cartridge blades alone. And even more, ever hear of a Father passing down a Mach3 to his son or grandson as an Heirloom? Traditional razors have a character of stability and quality that you cannot get with a piece of plastic.