A while back I ordered 2 Gillette Guard razors with 20 extra carts online for $11.00 with free shipping. I really didn't know what to expect, and basically was simply curious after reading many positive reviews. I didn't expect much, and thought worst case scenario, if I didn't like it, I have lots of wet shaving friends to gift it to. We'll now after over 30 shaves, I am still on the same original cart, and it still shaves like it's never been used. Although the razor is very light, which is easily remedied by hot gluing a bolt into the hollow handle, and is very basic in design, I have come to the conclusion that Gillette has done something very special with this razor. After researching how they perfected this razor for cutting heavy whiskers using minimal water, and an open back preventing clogging I believe Gillette is using some technology on the blade of this particular razor they are not using on other blades. I have what I would consider to be average whiskers, and with this razor, one pass with a little buffing provides me with a BBS shave each and every time. I have no other razor that will do that! I have been wet shaving many years, and have a very extensive collection of vintage and new production razors of every type and flavor. I have never experienced anything like this particular razor. Either I have a magic razor, Gillette is producing a blade on these razors with a technology they are not using on other razors, or there is something wrong with my particular razor, in that I seem to have a blade that is not diminishing in shaving quality even after dozens of shaves? How is this possible?
The Gillette Guard was made for the Indian market as you will know and was designed to capture millions of low paid worker and win them over from DE razors...Within about a year Gillette managed to close down about two thirds of the DE razor factory's in India...Here is a thread on its blade longevity... http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rc...y-test&usg=AFQjCNEpJWpOrS9yEhjXpPoMnLMzYIxQ3Q Billy...
I can shave 2, max 3 (normal 3 pass shaves) with a cart and it's done. I like the Guard, but only for emergencies on vacations etc. I mean, I could properly push the cart for more shaves. Perhaps it stays at it's level after 3 shaves for long, who knows?
Yes. Well, after reading the posts on longevity from the individual in Bombay receiving 130 shaves on the first cart, I guess my 30+ shaves is just the beginning. I loaned one of my Guards to my buddy who is from India, and after using it once, he won't give it back. LOL Obviously, everyone has different experiences with different razors and blades, but personally, I am thrilled with this simple inexpensive little piece of plastic.
