I own a Gillette “Fusion ProGlide” (amazon link), a very effective multi‑blade razor, equipped with a movable head that allows for reaching all the face’s nooks and crannies quickly, pretty much without risks. It features a vibrating mechanism, which makes it very comfortable. But the cost of cartridges, no less than 11 euros for 4, is not cheap.

For some years now I’ve been interested in minimalism, especially from a financial point of view, trying to reason about where money can be spent consciously. There’s no guarantee in the path of the “becoming man” for “shaving orientation”: when the first beard appears, our fathers usually direct us towards the multi‑blade as a practical and rarely dangerous option. With the passing of years it becomes a plateau for many men.

The Safety Razor

Safety razors usually have two components: handle and blade holder. The blade needs to be mounted in the blade holder; it is used at an inclination of ~30°, which might slightly change depending on the razor. Two sharp sides allow for more passes and less rinsing. Both razor sides are usually equipped with combs (closed or open) that stretch the skin before the blade’s passage. Replacing the blade is as easy as unscrewing the parts and opening the blade holder. Other models may have a TTO (twist‑to‑open) or “butterfly” opening system that opens by screwing the bottom part of the handle.

The first safety razors in their traditional T‑shape were produced in Sheffield, England, around the middle of the nineteenth century. In 1880 the American brothers Kampfe patented a design with a single blade meant to be removed and sharpened; in the early 1900s the first disposable razor blades were born. In 1918 the United States decided to equip soldiers with razors: the beard made the gas mask ineffective. Gillette won the procurement bid of 3.5 million razors and 32 million blades. The T‑shape has since remained substantially unchanged.

Price of blades makes this type of razor extremely convenient: quality double‑edge blades can be found at ~€0.03 each, while the “Fusion ProGlide” multi‑blade cartridges cost no less than €2.75 each, though they last longer. The comparison only makes sense when we look at annual costs. Below a projection based on 182 annual shaves.

Gillette Fusion ProGlide

  • Razor cost = €12 (amazon link)
  • Start‑up = €12
  • Price per cartridge: 11/4 = €2.75
  • Each cartridge lasts ~10 shaves → cost per shave = €0.275
  • 182 shaves annual cost ≈ €50

Edwin Jagger DE89bl

  • Razor cost = €16 (amazon link)
  • Brush cost = €15 (synthetic, amazon link)
  • Start‑up = €31
  • Blade cost: 10 €/100 = €0.10
  • Each blade lasts ~3 shaves → cost per shave = €0.0333
  • 182 shaves annual cost ≈ €6.06

Considerations

The start‑up costs of the traditional setup are basically double, however they’re compensated by the lifespan of razor and brush—several years at least. The example shows how you can spend up to ~8× less with the traditional setup.

Paradoxically, there’s a well‑developed niche market for traditional shaving aficionados, rich with a variety of artisanal and luxury products. According to modern style rules, traditional shaving is a plus.

I’ve been shaving traditionally for more than two years; it’s a moment of wellness. I’ve spent time experimenting with different blades—which differ in hardness and sharpness—and appreciating the softness, density, and aroma of new soaps… all while still saving money.

Subscriptions

A small side note: many services now offer cartridge subscription supplies, meaning you can automatically get multi‑blades delivered to your home. These offers try to disrupt a market led by a few companies by committing the customer to volumes while choosing alternative suppliers and technologies to offer competitive prices.

I appreciate the existence of these alternatives; however, I don’t see real competition to traditional shaving due to the recurring costs these subscriptions entail.