If you’re at all familiar with double-edge (DE) razor blades, then you probably have at least a notional understanding of the difference in cost vs mainstream razors. That’s because DE blades are so cheap, usually 10-20 cents each. Cartridges used in multi blade razors are usually $2-4 dollars each. That’s 20x more on the consumable piece.
Cartridges used in multi blade razors are usually $2-4 dollars each. That’s 20x more on the consumable piece.
When the consumable part is so expensive, the cost of ownership really starts to stack. Interestingly though, even though consumers tend to fall for the trap, enticed by a low barrier to entry, they do absolutely resist this model in their own way.
Ever grab your multi-blade razor, and know the blades are dull… but despise the idea of dropping another $40 on a 12 pack of refills so you use it anyway? No judgment here, we’ve all done it. The real cost of being a reluctant participant to the razor-razor blade system is skin damage.
Mainstream razor brands focus on a smooth shave. And, honestly, they deliver that… when the blades are sharp. Dull blades don’t cut as effectively. They will pull and tug on the hair more, and require more force to cut through. Both of these are drivers of razor burn and increased damage to the skin barrier. If you get irritated when shaving it’s either because the blade has caused damage to the skin barrier itself, or the tugging/pulling on the hair follicle has caused some inflammation at the root. (we talk in depth about these mechanics here)
We’ve already demonstrated in two separate research trials that brand new cartridges produce more erythema than the Henson razor. The damage would only be more severe with dull blades. Prioritizing results for people instead of prioritizing proprietary systems in the interest of profits should be at the forefront of our industry, or we collectively risk consumers settling into an even deeper apathy towards the category.
Before we cast all the blame on business models and big corporations, it’s fair to acknowledge that consumer laziness is also to blame.
One more point of acknowledgement. Before we cast all the blame on business models and big corporations, it’s fair to acknowledge that consumer laziness is also to blame. Maybe you just forgot to get refills last time you were at the pharmacy, and you ended up using that blade longer than you intended. We actually polled our customers on whether or not they’ve ever used a dull blade. The results showed that 83% have, and cost and laziness were by far the top 2 reasons why.
We’ve talked in the past about how there’s been a regression in shave technique over the past few decades – but surely step one to a healthier shave is using a sharp blade over a dull one.
We’re piloting a new program. A blade a week, for 50 years, for $50. That’s roughly 2,600 blades for $50.
In a world where people are more distracted than ever, mindless routines, like shaving, can sort of just shift into-autopilot. Well if that’s the case, then at least we remove a couple of the culprits: cost and laziness. We’re piloting a new program. A blade a week, for 50 years, for $50. That’s roughly 2,600 blades for $50. We’ll even ship the 100-pack out to you when you’re ready.
Yes, this is a great deal. But really it’s an attempt to solve that behavior change. First, there’s no need to extend the life of a blade out of the dread of replacement costs, since you’ve already paid for your next 50 years of blades. Secondly, since we’ll make sure you’re always stocked up, you never have to think about running out to grab more blades. You now have no excuse not to swap a fresh blade in every week. (pick the same day every week to make it a routine).
Let’s remove cost from the equation and make the routine a healthy one.
Note, this offer is only available to customers in the US and Canada.