Blades Fits

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Your Razor – From two to four blades!

Today the double-edge razor still represents the best value for most wet shavers. Its blades are inexpensive and widely available and provide two shaving edges thereby doubling the value. It will provide an exceptionally close and comfortable shave when used properly. The razor handle itself is inexpensive, sturdy, and long lasting. The razor is available in a wide variety of styles to accommodate any special needs and there is a model to suit virtually everyone's style or budget.

This venerable model has changed little from the day it was first seen in 1903. Once the king of all safety razors, this was the model that most of our fathers and grandfathers learned to shave with and the model that Gillette's fortunes were founded on. Bearing in mind what King Gillette's original concept was based upon - his supplying the replacement blades, the double edge razor fell out of favor with Gillette when hundreds of other manufacturers both in the US and Worldwide began producing a wide variety of replacement blades that fit Gillette's razor. For no good reason other than to be able to control what blades went onto their razors, Gillette went in search of a replacement for the double-edge. 

The Two-Blade Razor

This second-generation razor and its subsequent "improved" models were made in several different versions by a variety of makers. The theory was that two blades would shave you twice as fast and twice as close with half the number of strokes needed. Its blade cartridge design offers quick and easy blade changes without the need to handle open blades. On the other hand, each different maker uses a different means to attach the blade cartridge to the handle making them non-interchangeable.

It was with this razor that the major razor makers, Gillette and Schick, declared war and began spending fortunes trying to out-do each other. For a while there was a new version of the twin-blade razor being introduced almost constantly by one company or the other. When finally it seemed that there was no more that could be done to improve (or re-market) the twin-blade it was time to introduce -

The Three-Blade Razor

The primary purpose of this Gillette Mach3 "shaving system" was to one-up the two-blade competitor. This razor is in reality no different in performance than its two blade predecessor except for the third blade. Both the advantages and disadvantages are virtually the same, only multiplied by 50%. The cost-per-shave however is now reaching the point where blade cartridges are a major expense item. This fact may account for why it is currently the "most shoplifted item in the World."

Since the blade cartridge and handle of this "System" are very much integral, and producing a cartridge that would fit the handle would surely incur patent infringement litigation, the only way to compete effectively with a three-blade "Shaving System" is to develop -

The Four-Blade Razor

Now being introduced by Schick is the all-new revolutionary "Quattro Technologically Advanced Shaving System." Similar in many respects to Gillette's Mach3 except this razor uses four blades in its cartridge.

In preparation for Schick's introduction of the "Quattro," Gillette has redesigned the "Mach3" and reintroduced it as the Mach3 Turbo" again with little more than cosmetic changes and offering no real improvement in performance or value.

Again, in reality no particular advantages present themselves to the user but now the cartridge price and resulting cost-per-shave is nothing short of absurd.

After 100 years, multiple redesigns, hundreds of millions of dollars in development and marketing costs, and a thoroughly confused and frustrated consuming public the razor wars continue.

When shopping for a safety razor don't be misled or induced by the claims of whoever made it or is selling it. Use a bit of common sense. Ask yourself "what's in this purchase for me and what's in it for them." Stick with what is proven to work well for you. 

About the Author

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Do roller blades fit like ice skates, in that they aren't true to regular shoe size?

I'm trying to look around, I have ideas, for cheap or donation roller blades for my daughter because I don't have much money right now and I was wondering if they run smaller than regular shoes, or if your shoe-size equals your roller blade size, which I think it does but it has been years.
Thank you.

Hi Alexis!

As you didn't mention a specific brand it's not a specific answer. However, most inline skates are designed to fit, generally, true to shoe size. The two main brands are Rollerblade and K2. K2 tend to be more narrow in width compared to Rollerblade but are sized true to shoe size. Hope that helps!

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