This article has some interesting insights about the process of developing a product, and the problems of working in a lab away from the people who are going to use the product.
But I can't help feeling disappointed that we have yet another disposable thing, instead of a better handle for double blades.
> The takeaway: In the U.S., razor makers spent decades on marketing centered on a close shave, adding blade after blade to achieve a smoother cheek.
Haha! My bathroom looks like something from a Tarantino movie after I finish shaving. Blood everywhere. Honestly, I'm surprised I still have both ears. Some days I just stop half way through if I haven't cut myself, quit while I'm ahead. And they keep adding blades - you might as well just give me a cheesegrater and get it over with. At the moment I'm using a double blade and Merkur handle, and I really really like it. Initial investment, but much cheaper over time. The ritual of shaving is nice.
> But I can't help feeling disappointed that we have yet another disposable thing, instead of a better handle for double blades.
I noticed that in the article, it talks about the price of the handle and the price of the blades[0]. I looked it up and it's not a disposable razor, it's a replaceable cartridge head[1]. Which isn't as bad from my perspective. Same source for [1] also says that the razor's made in India[2], so it's going to have a much shorter maker-to-market chain.
But I can't help feeling disappointed that we have yet another disposable thing, instead of a better handle for double blades.
The problem that Gillette was looking at (expensive reusable blades and handles) is solved for a lot on lower income men in Indian by delegating the task to service industry professionals (a.k.a. street vendors, single-chair barbers). It would have been amazing if Gillette had figured out a way to make money by effectively supplying, training and endorsing that legion of individual vendors with higher grade reusable blades and disinfectants, thus keeping those micro-transactions flowing, rather than training the next generation of men that disposable is the only way to go.
You do know that the Gilette company basically INVENTED the disposable blade razor, and the concept of "loss leader" manufacturing and marketing, yes? [0] Making average guys feel that they could handle the chore of shaving themselves was always the goal. Creating tools for a service industry would have gone against 100+ years of corporate strategy. Not saying it's a GOOD thing, mind you, but your argument is kind of like taking a hog farmer to task because he's not growing potatoes.
"You're doing it wrong" ... seriously though, there are a series of steps that will result in a good shave without blood loss.
The most important is to understand that the hairs on your face act like spaghetti - they are so much softer when they have absorbed some water. So the key is, shave after you get out of the shower, or make sure your face has been wet for a few minutes before you apply lotion or gel and start to shave.
Second, go slower!
Third, either move your face muscles around or actually use the fingers on your other hand, to pull your skin taut in the area you shave, this will minimize the chance of a cut.
Yes, shaving in the shower (with a suitable mirror) helped a lot.
Using a small amount of shaving oil helped too.
But now I just use a double edged blade and a brush and some nice soap (Joe's Mug Soap, dirt cheap, or other stuff which is not so cheap) and follow up with a moisturiser.
Email me if you're an HN reader and you sell any of this stuff, because I'm interested. Especially if it smells like Bulldog Face Scrub. (http://meetthebulldog.com/product/view/43)
electrical shavers are not that great for me. I always feel they could shave closer to the skin and they take far too long to yield an acceptable result (and I have used several ones).
Back to blades. Fast, clean, very close to the skin and I have absolute control on the shave. And I like the smell of the cream, too.
Try a Braun or a Panasonic screen shaver. My old Braun gave me the best electric shave, about 99% as good as a blade. Panasonics give me about 96% as good but for half the price. They cut so close that I've gotten nicks from both that drew blood.
But I can't help feeling disappointed that we have yet another disposable thing, instead of a better handle for double blades.
> The takeaway: In the U.S., razor makers spent decades on marketing centered on a close shave, adding blade after blade to achieve a smoother cheek.
Haha! My bathroom looks like something from a Tarantino movie after I finish shaving. Blood everywhere. Honestly, I'm surprised I still have both ears. Some days I just stop half way through if I haven't cut myself, quit while I'm ahead. And they keep adding blades - you might as well just give me a cheesegrater and get it over with. At the moment I'm using a double blade and Merkur handle, and I really really like it. Initial investment, but much cheaper over time. The ritual of shaving is nice.