i'm old enough to remember that when the Trac II came out Gillette had a very similar ad comparing the improved twin-blade Trac II to the "old-fashioned" single blade (i.e. Double edge, injector, or se razors. History is repeating itself.
It may be. I firmly believe they are at a point, whether they agree with it or not, where they have to say anything they can to convince their demographic that they are making advancements in order to sell their new products. New "throw away" products that are more expensive to operate and, in the end, more profitable to their corporation. King Gillette is probably rolling in his grave. Similar to the reactions of the many members of this forum.
While I love the old, non-disposable razors (of all ilks) I think that the only reason ol' King C. would be spinning would be that he didn't think of that - he got men (mostly) hooked on the latest in machines (the razors last long enough that I've got a bunch older than I am), then shlipped them the throw away, disposable blades. P&G is just going the last lap on King's "improvement" over a straight razor .. but hear tell there are those that still use the cutthroats as well ..
I can appreciate that, though I'm sure we can all agree that practical and quality built tools, that last, was a goal of the men in years gone by. Quality used to be what made customers knock at your door. It has snowballed into something entirely different. Like it or not, friends. Tell me there is a different reason for seeking out a vintage Tech! There is no argument. Things are no longer built to last. There is no money in it. The men of old made livings by providing a product that was worthy of appreciation. Tell me King wouldn't be rolling again. I wholeheartedly disagree!
I don't agree that "things are no longer built to last." Some things are not built to last.
Right now you can purchase any number of razors that will outlive you (ATT, Wolfman, any number of straight razors,) if you are willing to pay for that level of quality workmanship.
You can also get a razor basically for free, but it will not be made to the same standard of workmanship.
In 2015, you have choices. You can pay for quality, or you can pay surprisingly little and still get a workable product that is meant to last only a very short time.
My preference is for the long-lasting quality choices, and I'm willing to pay for it. But other people -- particularly people without much money to spend on things like razors -- are probably happy to have a cheap option that allows them to spend money on other things.
It's nice to fantasize about a world where everyone shaves with a stainless steel razor. But for many people, having only one option at a $175 price tag -- would be oppressive.
If you really think at this, Gillette's tactics haven't changed since they got masses of men to drop their straight razors and use the new and super high tech safety razor. 100 years later, they want you to drop the Mach 3/Trac 2 and get the new fancy better product. 25 years from now they will wonder why you are still shaving with the Fusion Proglide with flexball technology.
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The Gillettes many here consider heirloom quality were not intended to be heirlooms when they were built. Fatboys, Slims, Techs were mass produced using materials and production techniques available at the time.
Why would Gillette make an heirloom quality Fusion that would appeal to maybe 1/10th of 1 percent of its market?
My '66 Slim is 49 years old. I won't be here 49 years from now, but I bet in the year 2064 their will still be many Fusions floating around in flea markets that todays kids will consider heirlooms because they saw their old man shave with one.
We are talking about Gillette. Nothing more.
I doubt that. The Slim will probably be around. If it's lasted 49 years it will last 49 more.
The Fusion is not a razor per se. It's a razor handle. It's a glorified plastic stick. Without a cartridge, it is worthless. Unless you think Gillette is going to be making cartridges for that plastic stick in 49 years, the stick itself will be worthless.
By all means, please point out where a global statement was made, aside Gillette. Try to keep it in context. I'm in no way arguing that quality is a thing of the past. I'm saying it is for Gillette... The context is Gillette.Your original post that I quoted was a global statement about how things aren't made the way they used to be. That's what I was responding to.
As for Gillette, keep in mind that King Gillette popularized the concept of disposability with his razors. "Gillette" and "disposable" have always gone hand-in-hand.
That's exactly what a DE is. Worthless without the blade. And you're right. Gillette doesn't make blades for their old sticks.
By all means, please point out where a global statement was made, aside Gillette. Try to keep it in context.
I can appreciate that, though I'm sure we can all agree that practical and quality built tools, that last, was a goal of the men in years gone by. Quality used to be what made customers knock at your door. It has snowballed into something entirely different. Like it or not, friends. Tell me there is a different reason for seeking out a vintage Tech! There is no argument. Things are no longer built to last. There is no money in it. The men of old made livings by providing a product that was worthy of appreciation. Tell me King wouldn't be rolling again. I wholeheartedly disagree!