Back in the dark ages when I first started shaving my legs (OK, it was the early '90s..) I used the Gillette Sensor for Women because it was pretty and was 'for women.' All my friends used them, too. But all that changed a couple of years ago thanks to the radical discovery of my friend Marisa.
When Marisa's friend Dave turned 18, he got a letter in the mail from Gillette with a voucher for a free Mach 3, Gillette's brand new (at the time) razor. Under the impression that ALL blokes got free razors and girls got nothing, Marisa wrote a letter of complaint to the Gillette Corporation. A few weeks later, she received a coupon for a free women's razor. She brought it to a shop and folded it such that it seemed like it could be ANY Gillette razor, and went home the proud owner of a shiny, new Mach 3. We still don't know why Dave got a free razor in the first place..
Based on Marisa's rave review, I decided to acquire my own free Mach 3. My mum has a friend who works for Gillette, so I asked him to get one for me. Hurrah for being devious and miserly!
When it first appeared on the scene, the Mach 3 was innovative because it has three blades as opposed to the two that the previous model (the Sensor Excel) has. So, if you wanted a razor with three blades, it had to be a men's razor. Since that time, Gillette has come out with a three-bladed women's razor called the VENUS, but I don't feel the need to switch to the women's version since the Mach 3 works just fine.
The third blade really does make a difference. Any hairs that are missed by the first two are chopped down by the third. I definitely have to shave less often now that I have made the switch from the two-bladed Sensor for Women.
The Mach 3 has a bendable head so that you can shave at any angle. It is rather large, so it can cover a lot of area at once. In fact, one of my mates says he can't use the Mach 3 because it is too big to fit under his nose. It is very easy to change blades as they the replacements click in easily. The new and used blades are stored in a plastic case under the razor's holder. I keep it in the shower and it doesn't get rusty. Also, it has fallen to the floor a few times and seems indestructible.
As is the case with all razors, it is important to use shaving gel to avoid cuts, and be especially careful around the knees and ankles.
The Venus is considerably more expensive, but you are really only paying for the 'feminine' style of the razor. It really does look like a women's razor, which was why none of us could believe it when a male mate of ours accidentally purchased the Venus thinking it was for men. Hehe.
Women already have to spend more money than men do on cosmetics, toiletries, and certain once-a-month necessities, so why should we also have to pay more for razors? My friend Michelle compared the Mach 3 and the Venus and said that they are no different apart from appearance. (The Venus is a sky blue and the Mach 3 is a more manly silver and black). So, what it comes down to is price.
The following prices are from Boots: Venus razor including 2 blades -- £5.99 Mach 3 razor including 2 blades -- £3.50 Venus 4-pack of blades -- £5.99 Mach 3 4-pack of blades -- £3.50
You can also buy 8-packs or 12-packs to save even more, but these larger quantities don't appear to be available for the Venus.
Ladies, think about what you could do with all the money you save by buying men's razors!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I have always used Gilette Excel..never tried Mach 3 actually, tho i might sometime. In the military, we are required to shave every day...ugh!!! Chris xxx
Newfloridian 14.11.2002 16:59
I haven't used a 'sharp' razor in years. My recent purchase was a wet shave / dry shave electric job!
I never understood the need for two blades, let alone three.
Nice review though
hepialid 13.11.2002 23:15
Good opinion, I wouldn't be without my Mach 3. Although it tends to wander occasionally. My wife also prefers to use it. Andy.
Nov 5th, 2002
very helpful by (100%):
