Cartridge razor appreciation thread

I was just at Walmart and had a chance to look at the M3 cartridges. Surprisingly, the Turbo packaging now actually enumerates the additional "benefits" of the Turbo cart, relative to the original, and they are just additional lubricants and a bigger skin guard (fins). Gillette used to claim the Turbo had more advanced blade coatings, but they're not making that claim any more. One can surmise that either Gillette is now using the Turbo blades in the original M3, or the claim was BS to begin with.

BTW, in case anyone is interested, Walmart is having a decent "Rollback" discount right now on the larger M3 blade packs. You can still spend less going with Amazon, but only if you subscribe. The single purchase price right now is the same at Walmart and Amazon.

 

And to you for making it a reality

 

Good to know that we also have Gillette purists here.

 

Well, all of these didn't perform good on my chin in a similar fashion. On my face/skin, it is safe to say, no difference in blades.

 

That's what I'm reading too and it may not be immediately obvious to notice the difference. Soon I will be comparing the three types. I had a fantastic shave with the original M3 cart yesterday, it was so good I wondered if the cart needed a couple days to settle down! It may have been the CO Bigelow I used for lather too, perhaps I haven't been using enough water with my Barbasol.

 

Started with an electric razor as a young man. Finally switched to cartridge razors in 1995. My first razor was a Schick Protector. It was heavily advertised at that time on the TV and I had been nervous about wet shaving. Not a close shave at all but good for a beginner. After a couple years with that I got a different type of Schick product. (Not sure of exact model.) I have stuck with Schick throughout mainly due to the commercial with Andre Aggasi since I started shaving my head occasionally starting in 1998. That whole "flexing head" thing... I then started shaving my head every other day in 2002.
At some point 10-15 years ago, they came out with the diamond coated blade. I happened to find about 6 packages at the local supermarket for $1.99 for 10 or 12 carts. These were by far the best Schick blades I've ever used. Nice close shave and I could get well over 1 month of use out of each cart. And this is shaving my head and face 3-4 times per week. After the stock was depleted I switched to the Extreme 3 and for the last couple of years I've bought the Extreme 3 disposables from Costco - 12 for $16.99. I've also used the Quattro which I did quite enjoy and also used a Gillette Fusion for a month or so one winter when I wasn't shaving my head.
My first DE (Weishi 9036FL) is being delivered today, but for now, I will likely keep using the Extreme 3 on my noggin for the foreseeable future.

 

I just bought a Wilkinson Protector (I believe the same razor but in Europe they were branded Wilkinson) in metal and it's slowing making its way to me from the UK.
Will be fun to try out

 

I'm interested to hear your thoughts! It's been a long time since I used it so I really don't recall how it performed.

 

SOTD

Gillette Sensor Excel (on one side of my face) and Blue 3 aka Sensor 3 (on other side)
Gillette series liquid gel (can be bowl lathered with shaving brush)
Omega syntex
Gillette Cool wave AS lotion
Lacoste Original Perfume

Detailed comparison between these two cartridges can be read here

 

Here are photos of my modest cartridge collection. Aces!

Gillette Fusion Proglides (I still need to add the original Fusion handle; power and manual)


Schick Hydro 5 and Quattro handles


Sensor and Sensor Excel handles


Schick Super II and vintage Gillette Trac II handles:


The Atra handle


I haven't yet taken photos of my Mach3's, but will post those soon. Aces!

 

Great photos and collection.
I should snap one of my cartridge razors as well.

 

I would love to see your collection, aces!

 

Sir, @Leo K. : Don't forget to add this black beauty in your collection, if you ever do come across it in a store. It is a full black razor and is called "Gillette Fusion Phantom". I'm not sure but these razor handles are made in Germany.

 

Believe me it's not very impressive - I think it's seven razors. I'll wait until I get the two I just bought and then take a 'family photo'

 

Leo, thanks for the photos, but I would suggest you shrink the pics for web viewing. Having to load five uncompressed images makes for some sluggish viewing.

 

Wow, I've never heard of the Phantom, that is one beauty!!

 

Sorry about that Jerry!

 

I believe there are two models - red or orange details?

 

Snapped a photo of my rather humble cartridge razor collection.
Name them all?

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That is a beautiful collection! The Sensor catches my eye, what a beauty.