Schick Quattro - Almost!

[chaoticbear]

As I strolled through Wal-Mart tonight, two 10 year old girls in tow (Sister and a friend), I realized that I needed razors. I stopped, picked up my usual 2 dollar 10 pack of cheap razors, and then the pretty new red mach 3 turbo caught my eye. I says to meself: "Oooh. 3 blades. Red. Ooooh." I picked it up, then winced at the blade and razor prices, over 8 bucks for the razor, and approaching 20 for 12 blades, but sucked it up and planned to buy it anyways. Then, the Quattro sparkles out at me and says: "OOOH! I'M SCREAMING AT YOU! BUY ME, BECAUSE YOU'VE SEEN THE COMMERCIALS, AND I HAVE 3 BLADES TOO MANY! I'M EVEN THE SAME PRICE!" How was I to argue with that logic? The Quattro was mine until I got hooked by one of those middle-of-aisle displays. This one had a short, but loud message: "BUY ME! LESS THAN 2 DOLLARS!". That Mach 3 Turbo was mine. And now I sit, with my razor, happy that I got it at a comparative bargain, but somewhat saddened that I can't have 4 blades scraping my face.

Now the part that actually gets responses: Who has tried the Quattro? Am I a schmuck for not getting the 4th blade? Are they better than the 3 bladeds to any noticable degree?

[Tallayan]

I think I can safely say that there is no advantage from 4 to 3 blades. Unfortunatly this is also true for 3 blades up from 2, and 2 blades up from 1.

[Cleophus]

I prefer my Mach 3 Turbo. I found the Quattro did not shave closer, produced more friction, and irritated my face.

[Marley23]

I use single-blade cheap ones most of the time because... they're cheap. I've used 3-blade razors from time to time, and I like them. I don't think they shave any closer, but I think two of the 'incidental' features are really helpful: the bendable neck thing, which makes it easier not to cut yourself when shaving against the grain (which I do on special occasions because it makes a difference), and the lotion-y thing, which also helps. Some of the regular razors have the little lotion strips, but I haven't found any normal razors that have both features.

[chaoticbear]

Update: Wow. It feels like I'm rubbing my face with an unbladed object, but the hair still comes off. Ooooh. Carry on.

[Algorithm]

Does anyone else feel like the Quattro commercial sort of makes fun of the product as it advertises? I almost bought the thing because the commercial left me laughing so hard.

"Four blades would be stupid, right? Wrong!"

[Standup Karmic]

I was going to upgrade to the Mach 3 from my obsolete two-bladed Schick (formerly Wilkinson Sword) Protector; then, with the introduction of the cutting-edge four-blader, I knew that I would just be buying myself antiquated technology. Now, with these rapid advancements being made in the modern science of razor technology, I've decided to hold off, pending the introduction of the rumored 16-blade model to be introduced next year by Gilette. Then again, with the recent leaks about the Schick model to be introduced in 2005 (nicknamed "Longhorn") that will include 56 blades composed of some manner of ceramic bio-composite that will apparently include as as-yet unexplained "thermally induced quantum electro-glide nanaographic generator", perhaps I'll just hold off on my upgrade.

[Oy Vey]

I've used cheap disposables, single, double and triple bladed razors as well as various electrics.

While there isn't much difference in the cartridge razors as far as how close the shave is, they do tend to be more comfortable than the cheap disposables. I think Marley hit it on the head with the bendable neck... I've found that the lubricating strip on my mach 3 is key to my enjoying the shave; as it wears out I tend to get nicks and irritation more frequently.

Disposables tend to take chunks of my skin with them and electrics leave me with highly irritated patches that then develop pimples.

As an aside, I have fairly soft, sensitive skin in that area, but a sparse, coarse beard. I've been using Barbasol lately, but I've never found a shave cream/gel I've been happy with. Any suggestions?

[Doomtrain]

I'm gonna horrify people, but I use a bar of soap as my shaving cream and it works great. No nicks, cuts, etc. Mach 3 razor.

[665 aka The Semi-Christ]

Originally posted by GMRyujin
I'm gonna horrify people, but I use a bar of soap as my shaving cream and it works great. No nicks, cuts, etc. Mach 3 razor.

Feh.

Coward.

I don't use anything, no shaving cream, gel, or soap, it's just my mach 3 and hot water. And I shave my head. Been doing it this way, sans cream, soap etc, for almost 4 years and my last semi-serious cut was over 2 1/2 years ago.

[Standup Karmic]

Originally posted by 665 aka The Semi-Christ
I don't use anything, no shaving cream, gel, or soap, it's just my mach 3 and hot water. And I shave my head.

Ok. But...

why?

[China Guy]

don't make the Perfect Master cry: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_183.html

[chaoticbear]

Originally posted by China Guy
don't make the Perfect Master cry: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_183.html

Didn't plan on it. In fact, I've already read this. The theoretical reasons behind this have been discussed at length, even in the shorter time I've been here. I was just seeing if anyone had noticed a difference, or if they'd gotten a closer shave with either, etc. (Other point: Does the Quattro have a swiveling head?)

[665 aka The Semi-Christ]

Originally posted by Standup Karmic
Ok. But...

why?

It saves money and I haven't seen or felt a difference in terms of ease of shaving with cream/soap, so I opt for the save money option.

[kittenblue]

Back in the mid-70's, during my babysitting days, I was dozing off while watching Saturday Night Live (The Best Years) and woke up during a commercial for a triple-bladed razor. I thought, "Wow! Twin blades have only been around for a year or so, and now they're selling triple blades!" I finally woke up enough to realize that it was one of their joke commercials, and that triple-blade razors were a fantasy, a fiction, a figment of the creative minds at Saturday Night Live (The Best Years).



Sort of redefines cutting-edge comedy, now doncha think?



::ducks to avoid large glob of shaving cream::

[french frog]

Coming from a Gillette II, using a Mach 3 and very happy about it. The Mach 3 turbo doesn't add anything in my opinion, especially if you have a good shaving cream. I like the Old Spice on that matter.
Schick and Wilkinson blade always make me itchy. Maybe it's the little springs on which the Mach 3 blades are mounted, but the Mach 3 does the trick.

But the best of the best, is not using the razor at all..... Mmmm... Skin vacation


________
Razor
Mantrazor - Shaving and shaving, and shaving.....

[Neurotik]

Actually, I've found the key to the Mach 3 is the way the cartridge is mounted. The hinges are on the bottom of the blade, instead of in the middle. Makes the head much more flexible and makes it glide that much more smoothly.

[smsaks2000]

I've been using the Mach3 since inception (or conception, whichever applies.) and have had no problems with it. But, I need to add to that statement....when it comes to shaving, I'm kinda irregular. I need the hottest water my face can bear, shaving soap and a boar bristle brush. (The soap goes into the bottom of a mug, a little hot watter is added and the brush is rubbed against the soap making a nice lather. This lather is then generously applied to my wet face and left to sit for a minute, at which time the shaving commences.)

I havent tried the new 4 bladed baby yet.....and I'm not sure I will. The Mach3 does the trick and I see no need for a 4th blade. Will this extra blade give me a shave which is 25% better than my Mach3? I dont think so.....

Anyway...the best shave you can get is at a barber shop. They have those wonderful (hot) lather machines and they do it the old fashioned way with a straight razor. This cant be beat for a nice close shave. If I werent afraid of permanently disfiguring myself I would venture to try the straight razor at home.

Later....

[Mudshark]

I have a Mach 3 and I hade the bendy-neck thing, that's why I never use it. I prefer my cheap Gilette double blade disposable razors.

[conczepts]

Mach 3 Turbo user here. What's the "turbo" feature add over the regular Mach 3?

Gillette now has me as a customer for life-they sent me a Mach 3 Turbo and shaving gel for christmas. Twice. The same year!

Works much better for me than the cheapies, and seems easier on the skin. I try to shave as little as possible because I have sensitive skin.

[bouv]

I love my mach 3, had it for about 4 years now. I got it when I was 17, and then a few months later after my 18th birthday they sent me one in the mail. My dad took that one, since I already had one. Apparantly, Gillette does this with as many 18 year old males as they can. Brilliant marketing strategy. The razor is cheap, and men would only buy one of them, so send them that for free, get them hooked, then they buy up the overpriced blades. They must have a coke dealer in charge of their marketing department.

[Chavardz]

Sign me up for the not shaving is possible side of the argument. Dad just gave me an electric razor for christmas. It's nice, and it gives me a backup plan. When I do have to shave, I use my Gillette II. It gets the job done and doesn't cut me to much.

[conczepts]

bouv: I see. That IS a brilliant marketing strategy, but oddly enough both my mach 3 turbos got sent to me around christmas time, and my birthday is in may. I assumed it was what they did for 18 year olds around xmas.

[BurntToast]

i used to use the one-blade cheapy razors till they sent me a free mach3 around my 18th birthday. i dunno if 3 blades is better then 2, but they are certainly ALOT better then 1 cheapy blade (allthough it may well be the design as other people have said).

as for useing soap, i don't mind useing it when i run out of shaving cream which is alot becase i have a very bad habit of forgetting to buy more. it works better then you might think.

and the blades are not that expensive, ~$20 for a 12-pack which lasts me 6 months or so is worth it to not slice your face off

[BobLibDem]

I was a Mach 3 user and have switched to Quattro. I found the Mach 3 gave a good shave, but each blade set only worked about 3 times before dulling, and when dull that razor was literally a real pain in the neck. The Quattro shaves as well but seems to keep its edge better. I also found the gaps between the blades to be less prone to clogging with the Quattro.

[Shaggarito]

I like the Quattro. I always hated the Mach 3. Gave me razor burn all over. I've actually been using the Quattro (the same blade) for a couple months, and it keeps razor burn to a minimum. I use soap to shave when I have to, but prefer shaving cream. I also shave in the shower. I think it's a lot cleaner that way. I just use my fingers to make sure I'm clean shavin'.

[Homebrew]

Originally posted by Oy Vey
As an aside, I have fairly soft, sensitive skin in that area, but a sparse, coarse beard. I've been using Barbasol lately, but I've never found a shave cream/gel I've been happy with. Any suggestions?

smsaks2000 has it right. Shaving soap, a mug and a bristle brush are the key combination you need.