I have been using the Mach 3 for many years but finally my handle gave out and needs to be replaced so if I were going to change to something else, now would be a good time. Any recommendations?
Please don’t recommend an Electric Razor. I used one for many years but eventually switched because blades give me a closer shave than the electric ever could. Thanks.
I’ve been using the Dollar Shave Club* for about 8 months now and am happy with it. I use the 4x and have it on the every other month plan as I don’t shave that often. It’s $6 a month (or $3 really for me) and the blades come in the mail. I lost the handle and they quickly replaced it too. What’s nice is you can also cancel or put the account on hold at any time, so you’re not trapped into anything.
(*Note, link goes to referral link so if you sign up off of that, I get a free month).
If you liked the Mach3, you might like the Gillette Fusion razor, which has even more blades. You said that you don’t want an electric razor but I use the power version of the Fusion handle (which uses one AAA battery). It may sound silly but the blades vibrate in a way that seems to improve the experience.
I love the Mach 3, but looked for an alternative because the blades are so damn expensive. I found a store-brand 6-blade razor that works great and refills cost about half of a Mach 3.
I used the Mach3 for years and had a small stockpile. I got a Fusion (non-powered) as a gift. No comparison, the Fusion is better in my hands. I’m still working to use up my Mach3 stockpile, but it is difficult.
ETA: yes, pricey. But I get 15 shaves outa a cartridge doing my face and head.
I used the fusion for a good long while and loved it, but the price was too much to keep justifying. I switched to the Shick powered cartridge razor (I don’t know the name, quatro) and I think it’s way better, I get more shaves, it gets closer, and the battery lasts longer, and the blades are cheaper. I would recommend everyone using the fusion, give the shick vibrating version a try.
I’ve been using the Gillette Sensor Excel for decades, and I’ve never found anything better. I have a moderately thick beard, and it does the trick nicely. Two blades, teflon strip, swivel head. That’s all a man needs!
Putting in a plug for something the OP didn’t request: safety razors. A Dope thread turned me onto them this summer, and I love mine. It’s a better shave and much, much cheaper.
Just sayin.
Came here to say the same thing. Double edge safety razors are much better than electric, cartridge and straight razors. Close, comfortable, cheap.
An adjustable razor will cost 30/40$ on Ebay. Non adjustable ones maybe 10-20$. The blades can cost from 5 to 50 cents. The ones I prefer (Astra, Personna, blue Gillette 7 O’clock) cost from 15 to 30 cents.
Also, shaving soap and shaving cream you let on your skin for 1-2 minutes are much better than canned foam.
I wonder if the people who are worried about expensive razors are the same ones that don’t mind paying for coffee at about 6X the standard price with a Keurig versus brewing a 1/4 pot of coffee? 
Quimby, if you like what you’re using now; why change? I too switched from electric back to blades. I use the Mach 3; and I’m very happy with them. There’s also a Subscribe & Save option on Amazon that will allow you to save a little money (5%?) on them. My wife is an excellent coupon cutter; and stockpiles them when she find coupons.
On weekdays I normally use an electric razor, but for a big business meeting or for date night, I’ll go with the aforementioned Fusion. If I was using the Fusion every day though, I’d probably be complaining about the cost; I only get half a dozen shaves out of a cartridge, albeit extremely close shaves. I’ll have to look into safety razors some day, but the appeal of the electric as an extreme non-morning person is that I can do it at 6:30am without butchering my face.
If you liked the Mach 3, and are now looking for a disposable - why not get the Mach 3 disposable razors? I picked up a 3 pack with a coupon awhile back for traveling. I use the Mach 3 Power and the blades seem to last forever (I only shave maybe 2-3 times per week with the Mach 3 and use a cheap electric on the off days to prevent shaggyness toward the end of the day).
I could never justify the blade costs on the Mach 3 and Fusion razors. I use the twin blade thin disposables that are about 1/10th the cost. Maybe my face is just used to them now but they work fine for me.
That said, I did get a “sample” fusion in the mail last month and used it… was definitely an improvement but still not enough to justify the cost IMO.
Every time I try to leave the Mach 3 behind, I end up returning to them. I’ve done the safety razor deal, the electric, the Fusion, the Sensor, the Shick models, and I still can’t beat the Mach 3 for the perfect balance of effectiveness, cost, and durability.
That said, the three most important tips I can offer to get the most out of the Mach 3 remain these:
Let your shaving cream/gel/what-have-you soak into your skin for a long time (1-2 minutes). Don’t just slap it on and shave.
Never put the razor away wet-- I pat dry and then actually blow on the razor to get the water off of it.
Stropping every shave or two helps keep the blades too. A nice hanging strop by the sink is best, but in a pinch just running the blades down the back of your arm works too (backwards down your arm, of course ;).
I just wanted to add to this part. I always shave (with the Mach 3) after showering. Just wetting my face and putting on the gel doesn’t seem to work as well. After showering your whiskers are as soft as possible, plus the gel - the blades seem to last a very long time. Well worth the cost, IMHO.
I have tried a number of multi-bladed cartridge razors and still prefer disposable Bic single blades. I tend to get about 2 weeks’ use out of each one, but I do have a fairly high tolerance for rough blades.
I have a thick beard, I never use shaving gel or cream and always shave either in the shower or just stepping out of the shower. I use the inexpensive gillete pivot plus. I change when it starts to dull which is about 6 shaves. I am very happy with the way it shaves.
Fusion. I’ll never go back to Mach 3. But then, I shave my whole head, so the Fusion makes sense.
I see stpauler has already given you a link, but another vote for the Dollar Shave Club. Their blades are f***ing great, and I like giving money to companies that produce ads that make me laugh.
You might want to also exfoliate your face, neck, and whatever else you shave. Just use a product that is made for this purpose, or wash your face with a mild cleanser on a rough washcloth. Rinse thoroughly and go through your regular shaving routine. You’ll get a better result.