The other night I was out shopping with my wife and bought blades for my Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor at Target. They cost almost $20 for a pack of four. I'm not sure why it didn't hit me before that evening, but that struck me as expensive. I decided that I would be on the lookout for cheaper alternatives. The problem is that I have a tough beard and very sensitive skin so bargain basement razors won't cut it. I have tried them in the past and ended up with stubble, a bloody face or both. You can say what you want about the price but the Fusion ProGlide provides a good shaving experience.
In the span of a few days I came across Dollar Shave Club listening to Back to Work podcast and Harry's on Twitter. The hilarious video on DSC's website prompted me to order the Executive for $9. The sophistication and attention to detail on Harry's website led me to order the Winston shave set. My DSC razor and spare blades arrived two weeks ago and my Harry's kit arrived last week.
What Comes In The Package.
* DSC - 3 blades, a razor handle and a couple of cards that are nicely printed and rather humorous. One suggests that your DSC purchase entitles you to a free drink at any bar in the US and the other admonishes you to change your blade on a regular basis. The brown envelope had the DSC logo neatly printed on the outside.
* The Harry's Winston Set arrived in a high quality black gift style box with the Harry's logo printed in white on it. The razor handle, blades and shave cream were neatly tucked into their own custom inserts in the box. It looked quite nice and could easily be given as a gift without shame.
What I Like About DSC
- Packaging - snarky cards
- Razor handle is hefty and grippy
- Provides close shave without cuts
- Price
- Subscription plan/auto refills
- Can't order multiple razors and blades under one account. (I have son and wife who also shave.)
- Trimmer blade pulls rather than cuts hair
- Blades seem to dull more quickly than I would like
- It takes more passes than my Fusion razor to get a close shave.
What I Like About Harry's
- Boxing and presentation are top notch.
- Includes custom shave cream that helps stand up the beard and lubricate the shave without clogging the razor.
- Razor handle is like a fine instrument. It feels like something that I could pass to my sons.
- The shave that the ensemble provides is sublime. It is close and smooth. I have not had a single nick or irritated spot. It easily suppresses my Fusion.
What I Don't Like About Harry's
- Razor handle can be slippery if your hand is very wet
- No trimmer blade
- My wife wants to steal my razor more than ever before
Summary
First, both of these options will save you some money over the Gillette Fusion ProGlide. (Please note that what follows are estimates based on replacing your blade every week.)
- DSC: $9 for 4 Executive blades each month over 12 months = $108. This includes the free handle with your first shipment. Note: with regards to shaving cream, you are on your own.
- Harry's:
- $15 Truman Set + ($8 for 4 blades each month over 12 months) = $111. Note: It comes with shaving cream in the kit, $8 for tube after that if you decide to use their shaving cream.
- $25 Winston Set + ($8 for 4 blades each month over 12 months) = $121. Note: It comes with shaving cream in the kit, $8 for tube after that if you decide to use their shaving cream.
- $17.99 × 12 Fusion blades for a year=$215.88. Note: This assumes that you have already purchased the initial kit with a handle, storage tray and blade that I often see for sale. With regards to shaving cream you are on your own.
Second, both DSC or Harry's will give you a good shave for the money. In my experience the Harry's product provides a much better shave than the top of the line DSC Executive blade for a slightly higher cost over the course of a year. In fact, the Harry's shave gear has provided me with a daily shaving experience far superior to what I have had from the Fusion ProGlide for a much better price.