Four or Five
March 21st, 2006 by rsm
I’m a sucker for the marketing when it comes to personal cleanliness. A few years ago I read in a Men’s Health magazine that, in a scientific study, among all the soaps tested, women overwhelmingly found men who had used regular Lever 2000 smelled sexier than any other. Ever since, I always have a stockpile.
The toothbrush industry competition is fascinating, too. There seem to be so many “advanced technologies” for what is basically a plastic stick with some bristles. Ooohhh! change the shape! Change the number of bristles! Change the angle of half of them! Change the angle of the handle!!! Ahhh… that’s better… now we have to come up with something else to advance our teeth-cleaning and detoxifying rampage.
But, friends, let me tell you, when the Mach 3 razor came out, I was dubious. Wow. Three blades. Big whoop. The blades are incredibly expensive compared to the great 2-blade razor advance from the 70s. I was surprised to find it was very effective. And then every few months they’d come out with another color which, of course, meant a sleeker look, more modern. Sucker.
And recently someone came out with the four-blade razor, and in quick fashion, out came the five-blade. Better yet, the five-blade has a sixth blade on the opposite side for more fine-tuned trimming. And let’s not forget, they can even power it up now so it vibrates like a… never mind. Does it make a difference?
Even with the three-blade razor I would get a very close shave but it would still take a few minutes. I now get done in less than a minute and super smooth, which is important as I struggle pathetically to hang on to what bit of youth I have left. It’s great considering all the time I save so I can take an extra job to pay for the blades which seem to run about $4 a piece.
Those who know me know that shaving is super important to me. I too was dubious of the three blade Mach 3 razor. After giving it a try I found that not only does it shave much closer than the 2 blade variety, it rarely ever cut myself. I actually found that the Mach 3 Turbo is even better.
As a connoiseur of shaving I am sorely tempted to try that 5 blade (6 really) wonder; But as RSM has pointed out I do not want to take out a second mortgage to finance the first pack of cartridges.
I guess I will have to keep wondering if the shave is closer on the other side of the fence.