What To Look For
Different people have different bodies with different needs. That's why there are so many kinds of disposable razors and cartridges on the market. Some people may have better results with one rather than another. But as a general rule, cartridges using multiple blades which can move independently such as the Gilette Mach 3 series or the Schick Extreme 3 and Quattro lines are more successful at delivering a close shave with less irritation.
Gillette employs "fins" to move hairs into position before blades reach them as well as options which include aloe coating and power driven "pulses". Schick proudly claims its Quattro line with a fourth blade and an edging tool gets even closer than anything else on the market.
Common Pitfalls
The biggest drawback to these top quality multi-blade cartridges is cost. Based on the prices, it seems like you pay by the blade and you're using several at a time. If you have a heavy beard and are a frequent shaver, using a multi-blade system can get expensive.
Where To Buy
You can find Gillette and Schick products in most drugstores, supermarkets and general merchandise stores like Target, Wal-Mart and K-Mart. If you're looking to get a better per unit price, warehouse discount stores like Costco often carry one or more brand of multi-blade cartridges in larger packs.
Cost
Prices can vary widely between retailers, but Amazon.com offers one of the best prices on the Internet at $17.57 for a 5-pack of Mach 3 Turbo blades and $24.95 for an 8-pack. Even better, if the aloe lubricant strip isn't important to you, Amazon offer 16 Mach 3 blades for $25.95.
Schick Quattro blades run $3.99 for a pack of two at Buy.com and only $6.00 for a carton of four at Amazon.com. However, you may see prices ranging up to $12.00 at retail stores.
Comparison Shopping
Aside from the two large national brands, many retailers offer their own house-brands of multi-blade cartridges which are very similar. These "generic" razors aren't allowed to have some of the patented aspects of the name brand blades, but may still be very effective. In order to use generics, you'll also have to purchase the house-brand razor as each label has to have its own fit. In other words, generic brands won't fit a Gillette razor handle and vice versa. National chains like Walgreens, CVS and Wal-Mart all have such products.
Insider Tips
For each brand of multi-blade cartridge, there are several variations. Schick Quattro comes with an optional titanium blade. the Gillette Mach 3 has a new M3 Power which uses a battery and emits sonic "pulses" to move hair into its optimal shaving position. With every feature comes a higher price for blade refills. Decide what really makes a difference for you as each feature will cost you in the long run.
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