First Impressions by Toothpick: Gillette Guard

I got this razor for the novelty. Really inexpensive disposable. Turns out it's a great razor!

It is really bare bones, straight to the point shaving. Only 1 blade and the handle and cart combined are really light.
It's plastic and you could probably snap it in half if you felt like it, but why would you? It's a basic shaver.

I did a 2 pass shave - WTG then ATG. The razor rinses off astonishingly easy. Absolutely no clogging. I just sloshed it around in the sink of water and presto - rinsed off just fine.
It's surprisingly pretty sharp too. I had a 2 day beard and didn't notice any tugging or pulling. Also no irritation.

For the price and shave quality it's excellent. I have a DFS, a one stubble spot on my cheek, and one on my jaw line.

Overall a darn fine razor. Perfect for travel - light and cheap. I will be getting more of these for sure.

Impressed: inexpensive, sharp blade, no clogging, perfect for travel.
Unimpressed: A little effort is needed for a BBS.

Nice review: It easy to see why P&G doesn't sell them in USA brick and mortar stores.

feltspanky said:

Nice review: It easy to see why P&G doesn't sell them in USA brick and mortar stores.

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For sure.

Thanks for the review. I have been wanting to try one of these. Sounds like a nice, mild shave.

Jason, how aggressive would you say it is?

Also, this razor could be a good alternative for guys with ingrown-hair problems who don't want to use a safety razor--one blade at a time seems to be best for them.

The blade gap is pretty substantial but the blade itself isn't super sharp (not like a feather).
I thought it was mild

Nice review, thanks TP.

Nice. These look like they'd be good travel razors for when you're flying with just carry on.

Thanks for the review. I took one on my air travel a couple of weeks ago and concur with everything you said. Nice single blade cart. A mild shaver for a good price.

banditman said:

Nice. These look like they'd be good travel razors for when you're flying with just carry on.

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Exactly what I would use. Very light and inexpensive.

Did you have to apply some pressure when using this cart? I use the Guard when I travel but it is a bit challenging for me to get the BBS which I normally get using a DE razor.

Nice. Easy to get here...!

I first bought one last year and was amazed!! It is IMHO THE best disposable on Earth for overall performance. Technically, it's only partially disposable as replacement cartridges are available. I see Derby now has a similar version, albeit they call it a "body" razor:


http://classicedge.ca/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=1130

well_nuc said:

Did you have to apply some pressure when using this cart? I use the Guard when I travel but it is a bit challenging for me to get the BBS which I normally get using a DE razor.

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I found it did require pressure and the shave was similar to my DE.

Good job Jason!

Maybe the perfect travel razor if you are not checking a bag.

What's a good source for these, are you folks that use them just getting them off the 'bay?

Very nice review! I will definitely check this out for my travel needs. I am especially happy to see that it does not include one of those horrific "lube" strips. I hate those things...

Atalk said:

I am especially happy to see that it does not include one of those horrific "lube" strips. I hate those things...

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+1

Here's the official PDF press release from 2010:

https://www.pg.com/en_US/downloads/innovation/factsheet_final_Gillette_Guard.pdf

I remember when these were first announced. It was a huge outrage, because in the US, the cheapest Gillette cartridges are about $3. Then out of the blue they come out with an interchangeable head disposable cartridge system specifically for the Indian market at a cost of 1/30 what they sell to the US. I know, I know, it's ancient history, and a completely different product. This is the history, though.

Great review, Toothpick. Thanks for posting the photos.

Looks like i'll be getting a few of these for my next trip. Thanks Jason.