Oneblade is phasing out CORE and HYBRID offerings, explaining "As we move forward to our vision of sustainable all-metal designs, it's time to bid farewell to these classics." I really thought the CORE was a great entry-level offering; I think they're making a mistake with this.
Oneblade CORE and HYBRID, RIP
- Thread starter Rick Blaine
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I did not like the one blade razor, or business model at all.
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- #3
I have absolutely no factual basis for this, but perhaps by eliminating the lower cost, lower profit razors they are setting the stage for a reduced price on the blades; maintaining a relatively constant profit per customer. Time will tell.
I also agree that eliminating the CORE is a mistake. They now no longer have an entry-level razor to entice cartridge shavers to at least try their single blade. The CORE was manufactured in Mexico and the Hybrid was assembled in Mexico, I wonder if something happened with their Mexican operations.
Doubtful - the all steel version was the first one they released. Besides, it's Feather who makes the blades, and had been before OneBlade existed, so while they may have some wiggle room in pricing the blades in North America, having an exclusive deal on them there (AFAIK), it won't be that large.
I think it's more likely that they're thinking people have become used to buying expensive stuff, so the market might be in a better place to absorb a premium offering than before.
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- #6
I think that you're absolutely right about the price of the razor, though I think they would be well served to get the annual price of the blades down, as a lot of people are put off by that. And, to your point, we already know that a comparatively huge number of people are willing to pay, say, $300 for a razor that consumes $80/year in blades (I chose 200 Feather blades per year at Amazon for this example).
The only way to now purchase the CORE on their website is through a $135 kit. Buying only the razor is not an option. 
If they want to expand their market, they really need to have a relatively inexpensive razor and absolutely address the cost of blades.
If they want to expand their market, they really need to have a relatively inexpensive razor and absolutely address the cost of blades.
With luck they might be phasing these out in anticipation of a new design using reasonably priced blades
Looks like they have a hybrid replacement called the element..the element is only 80 dollars and all metal just like the hybrid, but a little cheaper ..
Blades are decently priced if you buy them elsewhere (in bulk). I paid like $112 a few months ago for 240 blades that came straight from Japan. That's like .46 cents per blade!
I get 2 good shaves out of each (and can probably push 3 shaves!)
And considering that I have a razor rotation that includes DE, AC, Injector & GEM, they'll
probably last me a good 5+ years!
For me, the FHS-10 blade and the OneBlade razors are phenomenal. It's my only "very different" razor/blade
that is at the top of my list.
I think they just slapped an aluminum handle on to the Hybrid/Genesis head.
Makes sense to me!
I like the Hybrid a lot so I'll try out the new one at some point. I'll wait till they have one
of their super sales!
So I waited for a good sale in order to get the Element!
They sent me an email saying that they had a memorial day sale.
I went in immediately and it was out of stock!!
It's really annoying when companies do that.
They send you a sale coupon and the items show up as out of stock, Ugh..
And the worse part is that they wont let you pre-order for the next batch
Where did you order the blades from?
I used Amazon Japan!
Go to Amazon.co.jp and set up an account and search for sellers in Japan that have them. Make sure it's a seller that has the stock that's handled by Amazon: "shipped by Amazon" and make sure they ship Globally!
The reason you have to set up an account is because Amazon handles each countries Amazon accounts as separate accounts. I have my normal US account and have a separate Amazon Japan account. Lots of nice things in the Japanese Amazon that are pretty hard to find here. And you'll pay less!
Another option is eBay!
They have Japan based sellers there that ship them here and the price is around the same as Amazon Japan.
I know someone here on B&B that bought them through the Bay and worked out fine. I'm guessing it's the same sellers that sell through Amazon.
I just checked on the Amazon Japan page and they're even cheaper than before. I'm guessing the exchange rate is more favorable right now. 240 blades for $97 including shipping!
That's like .40 cents per blade!
Wow - I am going to check that out. Thank you!
I have had every model, and gave the hybrid to my best friend and he enjoys it. I use the core for "below the belt grooming" and the genisis for my face once in a while. It's work of beauty in my eyes and for my taste, and I can get 3 shaves out of the FHS-10 blades, it's an easy mild but semi efficent razor and silky smooth and comfortable. I Might look to sell it at some point though to fund the purchase of some other razors I might be interested in, but it will never change my opinion of it or their black tie barbershop shave cream, which is fantastic stuff!
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