DE versus Schick 3 Hydro /Gillette Fusion

[danfred]

A few years back I made the big switch back to shaving with DE razors after approx 50 years of shaving with Gillettes/Schicks etc.
All in all the DE experience has been good despite the odd knick here and there. During this time have used Merkur 38C, 39C(slant) and Progress.

Recently, I decided on a change of pace and went back to both Schick 3 Hydro and Gillette Fusion pro glide.
I have to say the shaves were outstanding both in comfort and smoothness.
One complaint with the Schick Hydro is the abundance of lather generated by the cartridge,but otherwise great!
I realize from a cost point of view the DE form wins hands down, but the comfort level offered by the cartridge razor is hard to ignore for me.
I will most likely alternate DE vs cartridge from time to time but I give the edge to cartridge:001_smile at this point in time

[kingfisher]

I like and use cartridge razors, as well, although I have gravitated further and further back the chain and have settled on the Trac II.

I have been using Wilkinson Sword cartridges (mostly because I can buy 10 of them for $3.50) but I'm on my last one and I recently splurged on the Gillette-branded Trac II Plus cartridges because I want to compare them head-to-head with the Wilkys.

I have tried neither the Hydro 3 nor the Fusion Proglide. I find even the Mach3 annoying at this point, as I have become accustomed to fewer blades.

I'm glad you found something you like.

[Sledgehammer39]

I don't mind the Shick Hydro 3 but the carts are expensive and going up. For me the Trac II and Atra are great cart razors. But IMHO the DE beats them hands down.

[ieschwoch]

It's really about prioritization and what matters to the individual shaver. For most men, carts will deliver a presentable shave in one pass with minimal need for technique and little danger of razor burns, nicks, or cuts. On the other hand, DE shaving is all about technique and is more of a "lifestyle" choice. I enjoy DE shaving but from a practical perspective I find myself reaching for the Fusion whenever I'm in a hurry or just don't feel like messing around with the shaving "experience."

[mikey]

I would give a Schick Hydro 2 a try.

The Sensor Excel was the last decent cartridge razor Gillette made. Bulk price (25-pack at Sam's Club) is now more than $1.50 each. Feather DE blades are $0.35 in bulk. Each lasts me one week. You do the math.

Thanks,
Mike