# If two blades aren't better than one.... **URL:** \ **Category:** Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports\ **Created:** [April 30, 2003, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158 "2003-04-30T14:33:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Hoopy\_Frood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hoopy_frood/32/8452_2.png) [@Hoopy\_Frood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hoopy_Frood)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2003, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158/1 "2003-04-30T14:33:38Z")
are three blades any better than two? In [http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_183.html](http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_183.html) Cecil mentions how the results are inconclusive as to whether or not hysteresis really works or not, and he personally thinks it’s bull. I’m just curious (since the article dates back to twenty years ago) if anything has changed since then. There are a whole new crop of three-bladed razors. If two blades don’t give any significant advantage, do three? Personally, I use a Mach 3 at home, but I keep a BIC disposable in my travel toiletry kit. I haven’t really noticed any difference between the closeness of shave. The only thing is that the Mach 3 head lasts considerably longer than the disposable. Is it once again a matter of marketing and an excuse to charge more, or is there an actual advantage to these “advanced” three bladed shavers? ---
**Author:** ![Cluricaun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bb73d2/32.png) [@Cluricaun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cluricaun)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2003, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158/2 "2003-04-30T14:40:26Z")
I can’t say other than my own preferance, but I also use the over priced Mach III and I don’t know if it shaves closer per se, but it is easier than a single bladed Bic throwaway. I can shave much faster and with less nicks with the 3 blade system than a single blade. But if closeness is the name of the game, I had a straight razor shave in a barber shop once, and it kept me smooth for days, not hours like my home razor. If you’ve never tried this, I definately reccomend it, unless you are a Mafia boss, since they seem to get gunned down a lot doing this. ---
**Author:** ![fgarriel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c6cbf5/32.png) [@fgarriel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fgarriel)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2003, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158/3 "2003-04-30T15:55:05Z")
I’ve used all sorts of disposable razors. I’ve used disposable, single blade BiCs, but I prefer the Mach 3. I have a very coarse beard and find that razors don’t last as long as they should on my face. After about 4 shaves, my neck and jawline tend to get nicked. I prefer the Mach 3 because it gives me a close shave in a short amount of time, with much lower risk of cuts. When I used disposable BiCs, I had to shave very slowly and carefully. Even if I didn’t nick my skin, it always burned. Electric razors are worthless on my face. Really, i might as well be using a spoon to shave instead of those. It would have the same effect, but with much less pain and aggrivation. What can I say? I guess I’m just a sensitive guy with a coarse personality & beard. ---
**Author:** ![critter42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7ba0ec/32.png) [@critter42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/critter42)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2003, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158/4 "2003-04-30T15:57:38Z")
My own personal experience is that the Mach III gives me a far superior (and more comfortable) shave than any of the others out there, especially if it’s been a few days between shaves. IMHO, it’s the angle of the blade in relation to the cartridge, and the angle of the cartridge in relation to the handle - it just seems that all 3 blades maintain closer contact with my face throughout the entire shaving stroke than single- or double-bladed razors do. critter42 ---
**Author:** ![hilltopper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c68b51/32.png) [@hilltopper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hilltopper)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2003, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158/5 "2003-04-30T16:22:58Z")
Does anyone remember the Saturday Night Live joke commercial, “THE TRIPLE TRAK” razor? It was basically making a parody of the Gillette II that was new at the time. It was very funny, but whats even funnier is that if you took that commercial and the first commercial for the Mach III they are almost identical right down to the animated close-up shaving recreation. It is hillarious. Isn’t it great the way life imitates art even whent he art is making a joke about life? ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2003, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158/6 "2003-04-30T16:24:46Z")
I also cut myself less often with the mutiple-blade ones, but I don’t think it’s necessarily due to the extra blades; I think the pivoty/bendy head thing help more. Whether it works or not, it’s an excuse to charge you more, so from a marketing perspective it works just fine. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2003, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158/7 "2003-04-30T17:17:33Z")
A few days ago, Amazon had a “bottom of the page” deal on Mach 3 cartridges at about a buck per cartridge. Otherwise, they normally sell 'em at about $27 for 20 of the regular, or 16 Turbos. Either way, you get them shipped for free and no sales tax. I’ve never tried the Turbos yet - are they worth the extra price? And yes, I use the Mach 3 as the blades do last 2-3 times longer than the cheapies, and generally, one easy stroke is all that’s needed instead of scrubbing the whiskers off with the cheap twin-blades. Certainly gentler on the skin! ---
**Author:** ![elf6c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c57346/32.png) [@elf6c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elf6c)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2003, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158/8 "2003-04-30T19:54:36Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by gotpasswords \* > \*\*A few days ago, Amazon had a “bottom of the page” deal on Mach 3 cartridges at about a buck per cartridge. Otherwise, they normally sell 'em at about $27 for 20 of the regular, or 16 Turbos. Either way, you get them shipped for free and no sales tax. > > I’ve never tried the Turbos yet - are they worth the extra price? > > And yes, I use the Mach 3 as the blades do last 2-3 times longer than the cheapies, and generally, one easy stroke is all that’s needed instead of scrubbing the whiskers off with the cheap twin-blades. Certainly gentler on the skin! \*\* I like the Turbos’ better. I accidently bought the regulars ones, and they did not work as well. All hail the Mach III Turbo, king of the razors! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![josephinewbear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f05b48/32.png) [@josephinewbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/josephinewbear)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2003, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158/9 "2003-04-30T20:18:11Z")
For those of us ladies who are still using disposable razors for legs/underarm/bikini line, the multiple blade razor has the benefit of not removing as many chunks of skin as the single blade variety. (Yeah, it’s all fun and games until you get a big nick right along your bikini line…) The feedback on the Turbo seems to be good, I will take that into account as I myself am a devoted Mach 3 user. No my boyfriend and I do not share (haha - no, arguements about this have occurred in the past!). I find that using one head for underarm/bikini will last about 3 to 4 uses, while the second one I use for legs lasts considerably longer. This is probably due to the thickness and spacing of the hair in the respective areas. BTW I get asked alot why I use a Mach 3. Quite frankly, I know there are triple bade razors for women out there. However, I fail to see why a pink/baby blue triple blade is supposed to work better for me than a grey and black one. Therefore, I am highly suspicious of “women’s razors”. ---
**Author:** ![UnwrittenNocturne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/6de8d8/32.png) [@UnwrittenNocturne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UnwrittenNocturne)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2003, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158/10 "2003-04-30T20:21:20Z")
I too prefer the Mach 3. Electrics…ouch. The mach 3 is a lot faster than a single or double with a lot less cuts. Also good on, um, body hair. ---
**Author:** ![mascaroni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dc4da7/32.png) [@mascaroni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mascaroni)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2003, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158/11 "2003-04-30T20:43:25Z")
I’ve found a Mach 3 to be far better than a Bic… and I shave my head every day. for an extra close shave dip the blade in vinegar… I was told this and find it works. Anyone else heard/tried this? Boneheads know best… ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2003, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158/12 "2003-04-30T21:07:55Z")
> [@](#): > > I’ve used all sorts of disposable razors. I’ve used disposable, single blade BiCs, but I prefer the Mach 3. > [@](#): > > My own personal experience is that the Mach III gives me a far superior (and more comfortable) shave > [@](#): > > I too prefer the Mach 3. > [@](#): > > I’ve found a Mach 3 to be far better than a Bic. Okay, 'fess up. How much are you being paid for the product endorsements? I’ve used Bic single-blade disposables, twin-blade disposables of various makes, and a Braun “safety razor” that I gave to my dad and took after he died. (A “safety razor” is the kind that uses the two-edged flat blades.) The last time I went up to Washington, a friend up there told me how much she liked her Mach III razor. _And_ she had an extra handle and a new cartridge, which she gave to me. I must agree that the Mach III gives the best shave of all of the razors I’ve used. ---
**Author:** ![jimpatro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b9e5f3/32.png) [@jimpatro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jimpatro)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2003, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158/13 "2003-05-01T02:36:43Z")
Don’t forget, you can keep your blades sharp by storing them in a pyramid. Gotta definitely cast a vote for the Mach III. Oh, and just a small nitpick. Its photomacrography, not microphotography. Its the DP in me showing again. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2003, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158/14 "2003-05-01T03:04:14Z")
I read online someplace that Gilette has over 70% of the razor market. That’s impressive, but I wonder who are the other 30%? When I was regularly going to the gym, all but one guy shaved with a Sensor or Sensor Excel (this was pre-Mach 3). Every man I know (my father, brother, brothers-in-law, etc.) who I’ve asked also shaves with Sensor or Mach 3. I have yet to find a non-Gilette-using male. Bizarre. I’m also a Mach 3 user – I haven’t tried the Turbo yet. ---
**Author:** ![rsa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/839c29/32.png) [@rsa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsa)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2003, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158/15 "2003-05-01T11:03:30Z")
> [@](#): > > _from Cecil’s column_ > Big problem for the twin blades: they got clogged up with gunk pretty fast. This is another advantage for the Mach3. Unlike most (all?) twin blade razors, the Mach3 is open at the back so the cut hairs pass through the razor without clogging up the blades. - another official Mach3 cultist Perhaps Cecil should update his column. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2003, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158/16 "2003-05-01T13:43:35Z")
I have found that one difference between brand-name twin-blades and store-brand twin-blades is the presence of some little ridges in between the blades, that makes them easier to de-clog. As for myself, up until c. 1990 I used Schick “injector” single-edge (y’know, the ones with the little blade magazine from which you reloaded). I then switched to primarily twin-blade pivot-head (Atra-compatible). Today I own 2 different brands of handle (Gillette and off-brand) but my refills are whatever’s the best deal at purchase time. Have not felt the need to move on to “Sensor” or “Mach 3”, as I am happy with my results. OTOH, I found the Bic disposables to be just plain horrible, virtually one-use – as opposed to the Gillette twin disposables, which were quite satisfying. ---
**Author:** ![drhess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/94ad74/32.png) [@drhess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drhess)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2003, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158/17 "2003-05-01T15:47:54Z")
I’d love to bye a barber’s old fashioned strap razor, but I doubt you can have it done anywhere anymore. Didn’t HIV put an end to that? ---
**Author:** ![fgarriel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c6cbf5/32.png) [@fgarriel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fgarriel)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2003, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158/18 "2003-05-01T15:57:56Z")
Like I said before, I have very coarse facial hair. I’m they type of guy they talk about when people say, “That could shave in the morning and have a full beard by 5pm.” My wife wont even nuzzle her head on my shoulder unless I’ve shaved within the last 6 hours. When I go to Supercuts, I have to have them stop trimming my neck for fear that they’ll keep going all the way to my arse. A disposable BiC has been known to last 1/2 my face. When I first made the switch from disposable, single blade, disposable BiC razors, I switched to the Gilette Sensor (2-blades, pivot head, springy blades). I went back to BiC because of the cost of replacement heads. Then I realized that it was much easier to grow a beard. But then I realized how gray me beard grows in. I now use the Mach 3. The cost is still outrageous, but the cost is simply worth it to me, even if my stomach turns at what I would suspect is a huge profit margin. BTW, when I finally settled on the Mach 3, I was 23 years old. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2003, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158/19 "2003-05-01T16:27:23Z")
The major advantage of the turbo is the strip of gel at the bottom. I used to get very nasty gashes while shaving and asleep, on tricky contours with a Mach 3. The turbo eliminates that almost completely. For me, worth the extra money. ---
**Author:** ![josephinewbear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f05b48/32.png) [@josephinewbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/josephinewbear)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2003, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158/20 "2003-05-01T17:36:21Z")
Ok now I REALLY have to try the turbo, because there’s this curve on the outside of my right ankle, just above where the little bone sticks out that always, always, always gets nicked, no matter how careful I try to be. I wouldn’t have thought of it as a “tricky countour” especially considering the other curved areas I shave. But it’s my personal Bermuda Triangle of nicks. Does anyone else have nick-magnet spots? And it doesn’t suprise me that Gilette would have 70% of the razor market. Every male and several females I know use Mach 3s. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-two-blades-arent-better-than-one/172158.md?page=2)