The Take
Gillette is not worth it. The brand exists to sell you a handle once and blades forever at inflated prices that reward corporate planning over actual value.
Plastic handles crack or get tossed, blades lose edge mid-shave, and the whole system pushes you toward their subscription trap. The 2019 "Best Men Can Be" campaign was pure marketing theater that left the economics untouched.
The Verdict
Gillette perfected the classic razor-and-blades con and never looked back. You pay for convenience once, then bleed money on replacements that underdeliver.
Skip Gillette. Buy a Merkur safety razor plus Feather blades instead — one durable tool, decades of use, no subscription shakedown.
Common Questions
What are the downsides of Gillette?
Expensive proprietary blades, fast dulling, and handles built for the trash. The model maximizes repeat revenue over longevity.
What should you buy instead of Gillette?
Merkur safety razor and Feather blades. One purchase lasts decades with no cartridge lock-in or subscription.
Is Gillette good quality?
Blades start sharp but the system is engineered for obsolescence. Handles and cartridges prioritize profit margins.