Razor blades too expensive

Random Gripe

Related Gripes

Subscribe to feed

The people who manufacture razor blade refill cartridges have quite literally got us by the short and curly; with expensive replacement cartridges and incompatible fittings, it’s enough to make you quit shaving and grow a beard.

The problem is, when you give up on disposable razor blades and opt for a handle and cartridge system, you’re stuck with buying replacement cartridges for that particular handle. That might sound straight forward, but when they have a range of similar products it can get quite confusing and mistakes are easy to make.

Gillette Mach 3 - is this the best shave a man can get?

I picked up Gillette Sensor 3 blades instead of the Mach 3

To give you an example, I have a Gillette Mach 3 razor handle which I have been using quite happily for some time. However, the other day I decided it was time to pick up another replacement pack of blades. I went to the supermarket and unfortunately was in a bit of a hurry so I picked up the Gillette Sensor 3 blades instead of the Mach 3 ones. I’m willing to bet others have done the same the packaging and branding is very similar. I didn’t spot the difference until the next morning when I went to use them, but I figured they’re all Gillette so they should fit.

Well how wrong was that assumption, of course they didn’t, not even close. I wouldn’t mind, but I had an uncomfortable shave that morning and I’ve now got a pack of blades that I can’t use as I am not about to go buy yet another handle.
You can get cheaper unbranded replacement cartridges for some shaving systems, but quite often the little diagram on the back of the pack which shows how they clip on is often difficult to discern. Why can’t they just make all razors and handles with the same fitting? One would presume that this is so that you are forced to buy your replacement blades from THEM and no one else.

Other Related Gripes

Tesco reduced to clear
Children's toys are gimmicky trash
Garage bill was way too high
Solicitors fees are a bit steep
eBay fees are too high
Electricity prices getting silly
Bottled water a pointless waste of money
I hate shaving every day
Soda water and lime cordial, how much?
Plastic packaging and tins half full
People who rarely shower or bathe
Petrol prices too high
Sandwiches from the shop too expensive
Specs and contact lenses too expensive
Door handles in public toilets

If you want to solve this problem then use RazorBrite (http://www.razorbrite.com). Keep your existing blade and save money.

Geoff 10-Jun-2009 09:56

I just sent P&G an angry email because when I went to buy the damn refills they were 13.98 but to buy a razor with holder and refill and 5more refills in a set was 10.50. WTF?!

dori 09-Jun-2009 05:46

One of the columnists in the sun today mentioned that Tesco do a blade of their own which fits the Mach3 handle. Unfortunately I can't remember the name of them, but if anyone does, let me know.

www . pantz . co . uk 04-Jun-2009 18:34

Pull and cut technology of all these cartridge systems is really bad for some people, very irritating for skin. Gone to a double edge safety razor for the first time after 22 years of shaving with Gilette or Wilkinson Sword. Less than 3 weeks later, spots, ingrown hairs and razor burn all gone! Didn't believe the comments about double edge razors until I saw for myself and was sceptical, but was willing to try anything. 1 blade lasts 2 weeks, 1 edge a week, even with very thick beard. Pack of 10 blades £2-£5 depending on make, but similar results for shaving for me. Even with Merkur blades, way cheaper than using 1 cartridge a week on Mach3, which is what I did before!! AND no plastic, except for the small storage the 10 blades, which itself can be recycled!

No more razor bumps!! 17-Mar-2009 22:19

Try switching to an old style double edge safety razor. look it all up on this website..
badgerandblade.com
May cost more for the initial out lay for all the gear, but when I consider that 100 derby blades cost about £15.
The proper soaps etc.. can last a year or more depends on how much you shave. Then to me that is a major cost saving.. I swapped, and will never go back to the plastic razor with their over inflated prices.

A happy Shaver 14-Mar-2009 11:29

I did not know that there were others with the exact same angry frustration as myself. Gillette, as a company you should be ashamed. Beware as ...

The Don 09-Mar-2009 13:36

I've done simillar. Anyone wanna swap some Mach 3 blades for my 10pack Giletet Contour?
razors[at]maggsweb[dot]co[dot]uk

Chris 02-Mar-2009 17:44

That's exactly why they do it!

Do what the rest of us who have seen the light do, and buy a proper double-edged safety razor from the likes of Merkur or Parker.

Blades are about £2.50 for 10 and last well. You'll also get a much better shave!

Sometimes the old ways are the best.

Graham 66. 06-Feb-2009 22:09

Bought my husband a Philips razor a few years ago for £40. Just tried to buy 3 replacement cutters and found out they would be £42!
So I bought a new razor for £40 instead. Very good environmental policy Philips have!

grumpyoldwoman 05-Sep-2008 17:38

Just buy online. I stopped using Gillette blades for ages, and then a friend told me about the online shop for Gillette Razor Blades, Jazzano.com, and my order arrived in under a week, with free delivery - sweet. Original blades, and way cheaper than buying in tesco. I tried aldi and lidl blades also - a bad mistake - have the scars to proove it.

Razino 15-May-2008 23:28

Invest in an old style razor that takes the ubiquitous flat blade. You can pick these up for a very low price and they are simple to change and give very good results

Pognacious 15-May-2008 16:37

they are all well over priced anyway, none of them are value for money and who cares about a perfect shave? we just wanna shave and not need a morgage to do it.

ruler 19-Mar-2008 14:25

View more comments on this gripe

Razor blades too expensive

Other Related Gripes

Visitor Comments