I finally had a chance to compare the Hydro 3 (H3) side-by-side with the Mach3 (M3). The short version: I still like the M3 better…quite a bit better, in fact. For the reasons why, keep reading.
I used the M3 on an Art of Shaving engraved nickel handle, with a brass core. I used the H3 on a “stock” Axe-brand handle* (nla). It may not have been fair to the H3 to compare it with an M3 on such a superior handle, but imo, it’s a “real world” scenario: I always use cartridges on the best handles I have. The M3 on AoS handle is how I use it. I’m not aware of any good aftermarket Hydro handles, so the stock handles are about as good as it’s going to get.
The difference in handles was noticeable immediately. The H3 handle, while ergonomic and comfortable to hold, was much lighter, giving the razor a less substantial feel. The weight of the brass AoS handle really made the M3 feel more substantial on my face. Again, the differences in handles might not reflect differences in the quality of the cartridges, but the fact that I can’t get a nicer handle for the H3 is a strike against it, per my own preferences.
I had several days’ worth of stubble, so the carts had their work cut out for them. I lathered up some DRH sandalwood shaving soap, and went to work. I started with the M3, doing a full pass on the right side of my face, then used the H3 on the left. The M3 mowed down the stubble easily and efficiently. The H3 was noticeably less efficient, and it took quite a bit more work to get through the growth. Also, the H3 *seemed* less efficient at sweeping away the soap lather, such that sometimes it would glide over the lather and hair, rather than cutting through it.
However, after rinsing between passes, I realized what was really going on. The lubricating reservoir on the H3 leaves a lot of residue behind. While the residue is quite slick, when it combines with the soap, it creates almost a sort of slurry – a layer that the razor has a hard time clearing. This layer actually gets between the blades and the hair, such that the razor doesn’t work as efficiently. The H3 might not have this problem if I were to use a lighter type of cream, foam or gel, but I like my brush soaps and creams, and am not going to change them to accommodate the razor. The M3 doesn’t have this problem.
The second pass showed similar results. The shaved skin really let me see how the residue left by the H3 accumulated, leaving long strings when I would pull the razor away from my face. Also, for some reason, I noticed a lot of dripping down my arm while I was using it. I’m not sure why. None of these problems were issues with the M3.
Overall comfort of the H3 was fine. I didn’t notice any issues with the blades feeling rough for lack of spring mounts. In fact, there were times I could barely feel the blades at all, although that may have been when they weren’t actually cutting the hair due to the “slurry” effect of the lube. The one area where discomfort might have been a slight issue was when I had to press a bit harder, or go over areas multiple times, due to the relative inefficiency of the design, which may have made it a little more irritating in places. But for the most part, I would say the H3 is a comfortable razor to use, although not any more comfortable than the M3, and possibly a bit less.
When it was all done, the shaves by both razors were pretty comparable. I just felt like I was using a better-designed instrument with the M3. It plowed through my stubble with minimal fuss, and got the job done comfortably and efficiently. The H3 felt like it took more work, and I just didn't find its use pleasant. I understand the model has its fans. Whether I would become one with continued use, I don't know, but right now I don't count myself among them.
*The Axe handle appears to be identical to standard Schick Hydro handles, except for logo and color scheme.
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