Cartridge razor appreciation thread

You've hit on an interesting philosophical conundrum about aftermarket cartridge handles. As you note, the cartridge remains unchanged, whether used on a cheap plastic handle, or a super-expensive, brass-core, nickel-plated, barley-grip handle; basically, the head shaves the same, regardless of the handle used. This is different from razors like DEs, where differences in head geometry actually impact the shave itself. So, why spend a lot on an aftermarket handle?

It depends on what you want. A few months ago I went on a trip and threw my stock Sensor handle into my bag. Typically, I use Sensor carts on an Edwin Jagger Bulbous Lined handle, which has a brass core with a lot of heft to it. Technically, of course, the cartridge itself shaves the same on either handle, but after becoming used to the weight and dampening characteristics of the EJ handle, I was struck by how "crappy" the stock Gillette handle felt. The hollow pot metal felt light and cheap, and allowed vibrations to be transmitted to my hand in a way the brass handle didn't. Balance wasn't as good with the stock handle as with the EJ, either. The differences between the handles may not have made a difference in the actual shave, but they sure made a difference in my subjective appreciation of the shave during the time I was shaving. Simply put, a good aftermarket handle makes the shave itself feel more luxurious, even if the end result is no different.

Regarding the Kent handle, I'd say the $140 price is too much, given that it's a resin handle with a stock M3 head. Aside from the Royal Warrant and brand name, I see little distinguishing the Kent M3 from a similar handle from Edwin Jagger, which sells for about $70. That isn't to say you shouldn't enjoy it. For $23, I'd say it's a great find. For $140, not so much.

The most expensive cartridge handle I own is the engraved nickel AOS Mach3, which currently lists for $175. That's probably too much to pay, as well (although, when I bought it, it retailed for $200), but at least it's a brass-core handle. AOS also has the distinction of having custom-made M3 heads, rather than modified stock heads, grafted onto their handles. They're the only company I know that does that, probably because of their relationship with Gillette. (Even before being purchased by P&G, AOS had close ties with Gillette.) For the record, the AOS M3 is probably the best cartridge handle I've ever used, with the possible exception of the Merkur MII. I'm not saying that because it's also the most I've paid for an aftermarket handle. I've overpaid for a lot of things I've regretted, and readily admit it. The AOS handle, while probably not worth the price, is not a purchase I regret.

 

You really had to type this down, didn't you? Now I am curious to try and compare good after market handles

 

I'll sell you a Kent one for just $130. Deal of a lifetime

 

My friend, I live in Middle east. That is like Rs.13,000. If I collect that much, I will run and purchase the latest Philips 9000 series shaver.

 

My newest purchase is the original Gillette Fusion Power (with the orange trimming). I've never shaved with the original Fusion cart and it feels the same as a ProGlide cart, yet I didn't do an official comparison.

The shave was fantastic and easily close. I'm getting to enjoy the feel of the Fusion cartridge on my face, a sensation difficult to put into words.

 

I want to add it's amazing how much whiskers the Fusion (and ProGlide) cuts on the first pass alone (on a two day beard), I could call it done but I always go another pass

 

Thought this could be of interest to this group:

Seller on eBay must have stumbled upon a large old stock of these as these are all NIB, unopened ones;
Each kit is one Schick + four cartridges

He selling them in various quantity lots;
1 for $12
2 for $19.99
4 for $40
12 for $119
72 for $835 (


Me, I got one.

Now I'm thinking maybe I should have gotten two so I can keep one unopened

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Lot's like these have been around for years . I bought 40 to 50 once, but the box got lost in transit. This must have been 2007?

 

Used the Kent Mach3 handle this morning.
It was a good shave - two passes and very clean shaven. I'm still on the fence about Mach3 cartridges though as I feel they are a bit too mild and clog up too often.

The Kent handle is very comfortable to hold on to...but it is lacking in weight to me, really wish it had a metal core.
For $20 bucks it was a good purchase...had I paid the MSRP of $140 I would had felt very disappointed.

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Try adding some water to your lather and rinse more oftenly (after each and every stroke). This will prevent the clogging of blades. . Great Pic, BTW.

 

I'm inclined to agree. I use traditional soaps and creams with a Mach3, and never (or rarely) have clogging issues, despite fairly heavy beard growth. Of course, just because I don't doesn't mean you can't, but I suspect the issue might be with your lather. When I go brushless, my clogging issues increase substantially.

 

As you are not a daily shaver, have you considered doing a first pass with an injector? I use to use a beard trimmer to remove excess facial hair, but it's uncomfortable.
An injector is ideal, carts canget clogged dependent on use, as Saad stated use short strokes and rinse often. The alternative is shave daily...​

 

It seems like the clogging is mostly due to soap/lather. It's interesting that the Mach3 seems to clog up way more frequently than even the Atra ones.
Clogging is not a real issue with DE/SE razors using the same soap so I'm gonna go with the cartridge

Having said that, I do enjoy using them

 

Wait, what? I never knew that @Darkbulb doesn't like to shave daily. This changes the whole picture. In my initial days of using cartridge razors, I used to shave every other day. This habit not only forced me to make a denser lather but also use longer strokes to get a good shave. The result, blades always clogged in the middle of the shave.

 

Dailyshavegate, I assume this is the case as a few of Darkbulbs's reviews have started "After not shaving for a few days etc." Or words to that effect

 

I don't like to shave daily ...

 

I don't shave on weekends

 

Ban? Why? You are not in Military and you also have a remedy for the clogging of blades i.e. Shaving with SE prior to cart.

 

If your beard grows back quickly, I see @Sabre 's approach to be ideal.

 

Picked up this 10 pack of Personna cartridges for $5 incl. shipping which seems to be around the going price for these.
Anyone tried these and if so how did you like them?

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