When Gillette and Schick Every Now and Then Come Out With Razors That Have More Blades...

When Gillette and Schick, industry giants in the shaving world, release razors with an increasing number of blades, they often claim to offer a closer shave. But is this a factual statement or just marketing hype? Are these advancements purely about selling more products, or are they genuinely improving the shaving experience?

Is It Pure Marketing Hype?

There are those who believe that the proliferation of blade-count in razors comes down to nothing more than marketing. For many, this seems like an attempt to create differentiation in the market. Gillette, for example, has faced competition from newer entrants like Harry’s, which disrupted the market. Furthermore, as men increasingly choose to grow beards, the demand for razors has seen a decline. The idea that seven blades will give a closer shave than a single or three blades seems unlikely to those who see this as a waste of technology.

Both Marketing and Practical Advancements

It’s not entirely true that these advancements are just marketing. The inclusion of more blades does offer some practical benefits. For instance, if you use a razor with five blades, it can achieve the same result as passing a single blade five times over your skin. This can make the shaving process quicker and potentially more gentle, especially for first-time users or those with sensitive skin. However, the primary motivation remains marketing, as companies can charge significantly more for razors with multiple blades. This is a strategy to lure consumers seeking a perceived premium product. Additionally, manufacturers feel compelled to keep up, or risk losing revenue to competitors.

Personal Experiences and Alternatives

For many users, the addition of extra blades does not live up to their expectations. Some users find that the blades can drag on their skin and cause irritation, leading to a less pleasant shaving experience. Many stick to single-blade safety razors, similar to the ones used by their grandfathers. These types of razors are not only less expensive but also offer a closer shave. A single blade safety razor can cost as little as eight to ten cents per blade and last for seven to ten shaves.

Historical Context and Modern Razors

Historically, Gillette released groundbreaking razors like the Techmatic continuous single ribbon-blade razor, which was introduced in the 1960s. Later, the Trac II, the first twin-blade cartridge razor, came to market. These innovations were designed with a single goal: to increase profits. Modern multi-blade razors, designed with more blades, serve a similar purpose today but often come with a much higher price tag.

Conclusion

The debate over whether the inclusion of more blades in razors is a technological advance or just marketing hype is ongoing. For many, the additional blades do not justify the extra cost and can even lead to irritation. Safety razors, with just a single blade, have proven to be a reliable and cost-effective alternative. The question remains: are we seeing genuine technological progress, or are we just being asked to part with our money for a marketing-savvy product?