Gillette Mach3 Review – Are Three Blades Better Than Two?
Gillette Mach3
The Gillette Mach3 is the three-bladed cartridge razor that’s been extremely popular since the 90’s and still going strong.
Pros
Easy to use, even for the beginner
Comfortable shave
Good rubberized handle grip and ergonomics
Flexible head movement
Easy to change blades
Cons
A bit lightweight
Cartridges are costly
Before we get into the review, I want to mention. The Gillette Mach3 made it to the best cartridge razor roundup based on its simplicity and being budget-friendly.
Okay. On with the review!
I remember the days when the Gillette Sensor 2 Blade Razor was on another level of giving a great shave compared to the less-than-able disposables on the market then.
As a young lad in the early 90’s, the Gillette Sensor saved me a heck of a lot of nicks and cuts, and the attempt I had at using a safety razor. While I am a big fan of traditional safety razors now, they weren’t for me back then.
The Gillette Sensor two-blade razor found its way onto our shelves at the beginning of 1990, and then the Gillette Mach3 followed eight years later in 1998.
My first memory of the Mach3 was it was a better cartridge razor but cost considerably more. However, I believe most people ‘including me’ using the Sensor eventually switched to the Mach3 if they were fans of the Sensor, never to return if possible.
The obvious step up in features from the Sensor to Mach3 was the third extra blade instead of two.
The Brand: Gillette is the most well-known razor brand in the US, Europe, and beyond. Gillette was founded by King C. Gillette in 1901, a businessman who created the safety razor company. The American company is now owned by the multi-national corporation Procter & Gamble (P&G). Many of you gents will remember the Gillette slogan ‘The Best a Man Can Get’ that hit the TV screens over 30 years ago and became the company’s mantra until 2019 (currently ‘The Best Men Can Be‘).
I plan to review a long list of cartridge razors, beginning with the Gillette Mach3 here. I will compare each razor model as we go along the journey and see what other features are added and if they are worth the extra cost (it’s guaranteed that an extra blade or new razor name is going up in price, but are they worth it?).
You could look at this review as part one of the cartridge razor campaign or just a review of the Mach3 to see if it’s a suitable razor for you.
Gillette Mach3 Description & Features
The Gillette Mach3 is quite a simple cartridge razor that does not require a lot of explanation about its features. So let’s take a quick look at the essential features that can make a better shave.
- Blades: Three blades that Gillette states offer up to 15 shaves. Gillette also states the blades are stronger than steel, although they will mainly contain steel and a mix of chromium, carbon and other elements.
- Lubrication strip: A lubrication strip at the top of the blade head helps to make the shave more comfortable. This strip produces a gel when it gets wet.
- Skinguard strip: The rubber-lined strip at the bottom of the cartridge aims to offer more comfort when shaving. This microfin strip contacts and stretches the skin and hair before the blades make a cut.
- Handle: The handle is made from plastic and rubber. The rubber components support a user’s grip when holding the razor.
- Changing blades: A small push button on the top of the razor easily releases the blade, and then a new blade be clipped on easily.
- Flex head: The head flexes back to around 60 degrees, enabling the razor blades to shave along the various contours of the skin, and to get the blade angle correct.
How Well Does Gillette Mach3 Perform And Shave?
It had been quite some time since I purchased and used any cartridge razor, including the Mach3, which was my go-to razor for many years.
After using and reviewing so many safety razors and electric shavers in the last couple of years, the Mach3 felt quite foreign to me. I soon got used to it, though!
Is it Easy to Shave With the Mach3?
I had actually forgotten how easy these cartridge razors are to shave with. So easy compared to the carefulness or mindfulness I need to use when shaving with a safety razor.
I still used a quality traditional shaving cream and soap and shaving brush to lather up a good protective skin layer. Having a good cream or soap makes a lot of difference.
I only lathered up once, completed a whole pass, and then used the leftover face lather and the lubrication strip to shave against the grain and touch-up leftover patches. This was my style when previously shaving with the Mach3, and it worked well without a need to lather up the face more than once.
Very easy to shave and comfortable.
It is best to rinse the blade frequently while shaving to remove any debris that collects. After every three or so strokes I would rinse on the first pass, after the first pass less frequently is fine.
How Often Did You Shave with the Mach3?
I usually prefer to shave on the second or the start of the third day without shaving. It just feels better and avoids irritation with this shave routine. However, for the purpose of these reviews, I always test out shaving after three or more days of growth, two days, and then daily to provide a better overall experience and view for you guys.
My normal two and three days’ worth of growth shave routine I do was perfect with the Gillette Mach3. It could not have been better. After three days, the razor does struggle a little more, but the razor does the job well with a little more effort.
Daily shaving was a big test for me to see if I aggravated any neck irritation. So I tried it out, and as expected, I picked up a little soreness and irritation, which is typical for my skin.
How Was Head Shaving with the Mach3?
As always, the Mach3 was perfect for head shaving. I’m a follically challenged bloke and have used the Mach3 many times to shave what remaining hair I have left.
I find the Mach3 much easier and safer to head shave with than a safety razor. The cartridge head has the flexibility to move along the various contours of the head easily, which a safety razor does not have.
Do You Have Any Dislikes?
One of the main things I dislike is how light the handle is. I much prefer a heavier handle, and these are available from shaving stores that can have a Mach3 blade attached to them.
Overall Shaving Experience?
I actually enjoyed revisiting the Gillette Mach3 and have to say it produces a very close and comfortable shave.
I find the gel strip beneficial. It keeps the face lubricated and protected.
The lack of needing to pay attention while shaving to prevent nicks and cuts is something I can see many gents benefiting from compared to shaving with safety or straight razors (the mindfulness of traditional wet shaving is what many men like, though).
Anything to Say About Features?
I have mentioned I find the lubricating strip very useful. It helps prevent the razor hitting the skin without any protection.
The handle offers plenty of grip and the handle design is ergonomically friendly. The handle also holds nicely in the hand while shaving.
The small button to release the cartridge blade works very well. However, the clip-on and off mechanism can wear after some time, and the cartridges become looser, but they should last long enough to get our money’s worth.
The simple flexibility of the blade moving back and forwards when shaving works very well, and it is one thing we don’t get with safety razors, hence why safety razors don’t make a great head shaving razor.
Cartridge Longevity
Gillette states a user may get up to 15 comfortable shaves with a Mach3 blade.
I remember the days I could use one for weeks; however, I would change them more regularly now. I guess I can get about 10 or so shaves out of one cartridge, but this depends on if I shave my head or not.
No one rule fits all. Each user has to find what suits them best and notice when the blade is beginning to dull.
Once the lubrication strip is worn and turns white, I definitely change the blade. The lubrication strip can be a better indicator for me than recognizing blade dullness.
Caring for the Blades
After each use, it’s best to wash the blades under the tap and dry them with a soft towel or tissue. Cleaning and drying will prevent rust and should enable cartridges to last longer.
Value for Money – Costs?
Years ago, the Gillette Mach3 seemed expensive compared to the Sensor Excel and throwaways like the BIC. Nowadays, the Mach3 is not as expensive compared to the newer Gillette razors, including the Fusion.
The prices vary based on how many cartridges the razor comes with it. For example, you can buy just the handle with one blade and then the handle and up to 2, 4, 8, or more blades.
If a buyer is new to using a Mach3, they might find it best to buy a pack with just one to four blades – just in case they don’t want to continue using the Mach3 and end up wasting money on too many cartridges.
Cost (handle + 1 blade): Approx $8 + USD – £6 + UK – €8 EU.
Cartridges cost (4 pack): Approx $10 USD – £8 UK – €8 EU.
Final Thoughts – Who is the Gillette Mach3 Best Suited For?
The Gillette Mach3 has been a reliable shaving companion for many guys and for many years. I’ve returned to the Mach3 temporarily and got some great shaves without irritation, and I have no real complaints.
Without a doubt, it also makes a great head razor.
Some men get more irritation from cartridge razors than DE (double edge) safety razors. I’ve experienced the opposite; however, I have learned to shave much better and use the right tools for wet shaving with safety razors, but I never had that issue with a Mach3.
The Mach3 can also make a great companion in the shower when shaving your balls.
The Mach3 is probably the best place to start a young man’s shaving journey. The cartridges are cheaper than many others, and there is no learning curve like what’s involved with safety or straight razors.
So, the answer to the article title question is – are three blades better than two? If comparing the Gillette Sensor and Sensor Excel of the past then the Mach3 and its three blades performed much better; however, this is likely about an improved design as well as the additional blade.
Next on the list to use, test and review is the Gillette Mach3 Turbo.
