Safety Razor Vs Gillette Mach 3: Which Is Better For Shaving?

Are you wondering about the differences between a safety razor vs Gillette Mach 3 cartridges? If so, continue reading to find out more.

Shaving is a part of daily activities, especially for men. It is the practice of eliminating undesirable hair on the face or body so that people can look neat and attractive. Although it is pretty standard practice, many still feel confused when getting started with it. 

As you may know, the most common supporting item for shaving would be a razor. However, as a newbie searching for a suitable razor in the market, you will figure out that the most common type of razor would be a safety razor vs Gillette Mach 3 cartridges. 

Shaving is a part of daily activities

So what are the differences between a safety razor vs Gillette Mach 3? You may ask. If it is your case, do not miss this article because it will give you the most exact and valuable knowledge about them. 

What Is A Safety Razor?

Safety razors are the items supporting the process of shaving. 

Serving as a protective item between the skin and the blade, the safety razor’s initial function was to minimize the incidence of harm when shaving and the expertise required for a thorough shave.

With a longer history compared to the cartridge razor, the very first model of safety razors, to be specific, had its roots back in 1901 by King Camp Gillette.

It is called a “safety” razor simply because people at that time believed it was (and it is) safer compared to the previous razor model, or you may call it the classic straight-edge razor.

In addition, the appearance of a safety razor is considered revolutionary because it provides a guard to guide the angle of the blade and hence, protect users’ skin. 

A safety razor

Safety Razor Design & Highlight (What We Will Love When Using)

Regarding the design, the most widely-used ones would be two-piece and three-piece. While the two-piece only includes a cutting head in bulk and a handle, ​​the other would divide the cutting head into two components: the base and the top. 

The safety razor is well-known for its highly safe experience, relatively low level of irritation, and long-lasting duration. 

Using a safety razor is a bit tricky and it needs time to learn. Therefore, you should follow the process carefully, which makes you forget everything else with this concentration. This experience is highly favorable for ambitious men. 

What Is Gillette Mach 3?

Regarding its design and function, Gillette Mach 3 is the most outstanding to become the representative of cartridge razors, whose head (or cartridge) must be removed from the handle and replaced with a new one when it wears out.

As the manufacturers stated, three stronger-than-steel blades were created to enable a close shave and in-built lubrication strip. 

Although the appearance of the safety razor was widely acknowledged, there are still several inconveniences related to its use that stimulate the introduction of later types of razor, especially the Gillette Mach 3.

From its production, Gillette Mach 3’s manufacturers aim at customers finding the safety razor challenging to control or seeking fast-shaving ability.

Gillette Mach 3 Design & Highlight (What We Will Love When Using)

In terms of design, the manufacturer published that Gillette Mach 3 is  5.4″ in length and only weighs 35g, which makes it become one of the lightest razors.

Another remarkable feature of this famous razor is the equipment of the unique pivot mechanism offering a wide range of motion. In other words, it allows users to utilize the product without any cautions freely. 

When owning a Gillette Mach 3, you will feel highly comfortable because:

• Easily-adjusting feature: The pivot mechanism functions to transfer and distribute your hand pressure for better skin smoothness. 
• Function well even when wet: The manufacturers guarantee this feature because Gillette Mach 3 has been equipped with the 360° aqua grip technology. 

Safety Razor Vs Gillette Mach 3: Detailed Comparison 

When comparing a safety razor to a Gillette Mach 3, you can refer to the below-illustrated differences.

Material

While the safety razor handle was made mainly from metal to ensure the most stable holding feelings, its competitors, the Gillette Mach 3 was well-known for the porcelain materials, or you may call it white gold.

Obviously, when taking this aspect into account, Gillette Mach 3 is the winner with the superior material. 

As the main component of the razor, the quality of the blade determines how well the type of razor functions. 

While Gillette Mach 3 uses economic and inferior steel, its competitors use medical-grade stainless or carbon steel blade

When comparing the two materials, it is evident that the safety razor is highly recommended because it allows you to have a much more delicate, thinner edge without degrading. 

In other words, using the safety razor does not require you to reach the exact spot of the face so many times to get rid of the hair. Just one or two is enough. 

Several differences between a safety razor vs Gillette Mach 3

Learning curve

Many trying to shave for the first time state that a safety razor is quite tricky to control because it is heavy and lacks the pivoting head. After a period of use, they figure out how to best utilize the razor.

They have to repeatedly adjust their hands and arms to avoid putting much pressure on them. In order words, users have to consider the angle of the razor to achieve the desirable results.

On the other hand, the first try of Gillette Mach 3 is quite convenient. The application of its pivoting head permits users to remain at a suitable angle. 

Time of shaving

The time devoted to shaving would be reduced if you choose the Gillette Mach 3.

As mentioned before, it takes you time to get used to utilizing the safety razor as it is extremely challenging. You have to shave patiently and adjust the angle carefully to avoid undesirable hurt.

On the other hand, with Gillette Mach 3, you don’t need to pay much attention and can finish your work within a few minutes. 

Shaving experience 

In terms of the cause of irritations, the main difference between the 2 types of razors is the blade’s material.

As mentioned above, thanks to good material, you just need one or two shaves to clean your hair. This action limits interaction of the shape blade to your skin, which is the key reason to avoid irritation.  

Therefore, if your biggest concern is ingrown hair, which is extremely uncomfortable and hurtful, you should also choose the safety razor. 

On the other hand, many customers when experiencing the Gillette Mach 3 state that it causes excess pressure worsening ingrown hair.

However, to be exact, the Gillette Mach 3 itself does not create this problem but can exacerbate it, even the manufacturers also create a microfine guard to stretch the skin before the hair cuts. 

Using Gillette Mach 3 will cause more irritation

Cost of razors

When cost is your primary consideration,  a safety razor would be the optimal choice. 

A widely false perception of users is that the Gillette Mach 3 is more affordable because it is pretty cheap to own one. However, they forget that the quality of Gillette Mach 3 cartridges will decrease quickly after a period of use. 

Let’s take a simple calculation: assuming that the cartridge price is $10, but you can only shave 3 or 4 times, which means it costs you at least $2.5 for a single shave. Besides, with those with a busy life, time spent purchasing cartridges is not appropriate.

This situation will not happen with safety razor users because it could last for a lifetime and is considered a one-time cost. Usually, you can find a safety razor in the market, ranging from twenty to several hundred dollars. 

Another cost arising when using the two razors would be the replacement of the blade. No matter which razor you own, you have to change the edge after a period of use. However, due to the differences in material used in blades, those of a safety razor could last longer compared to Gillette Mach 3. 

Gillette Mach 3 is more costly

Environmentally-friendly features

In case you pay attention to environmental factors, safety razors would be the optimal solution. That comes from the fact that safety razors are produced with materials that can last for a lifetime, which minimizes negative impacts on the environment. 

In contrast, the Gillette Mach 3 cartridges are made from plastic and metal, requiring users to replace them regularly. In other words, the more frequently you shave, the more non-biodegradable inorganic waste you create. 

Safety Razor Vs Gillette Mach 3: Which Is Better? 

Considering all the above factors, it is evident that a safety razor is a superior option. The safety razor with high-quality steel will cause minor irritation and require less time shaving. 

Although it may cost you a remarkable amount at first, no more spending will be required after that. Thus, in the long run, a safety razor is more economical. This fact also allows you to minimize the amount of individual waste to the environment. 

The safety razor is better in the long run

On the other hand, using a safety razor is quite tricky and prevents you from achieving the best result.

Besides, there are circumstances where you just need a razor for a short period of time like traveling, providing to guests, etc, and Gillette Mach 3 is more suitable.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, when comparing safety razor vs Gillette Mach 3 in terms of various aspects, it is clear that a safety razor would be the optimal choice for those who regularly shave hair. 

On the other hand, if your requirement is just the one with flexible and easy use, consider the Gillette Mach 3. Hopefully, after reading this article, you can acquire more helpful knowledge that can be applied to your circumstance.