Gillette razors quality declining?

[Buddyboy546]

I have been using Gillette razor blades all my life, a long time as I am now mid 70s. All that time the quality has been really good. They have always been the best even though they are expensive. Over the years I have tried alternatives but none measured up. In the last couple of years, though, I have noticed a significant decline in the apparent quality of shaves from Gillette blades while, at the same time, the prices for their blades have become ridiculous. With their three blade Fusion and lately finding it gave poor shaves, I moved to their five blade version. That proved poor so I returned to their Fusion, again giving a poor shave compared to the past. I decided to write and let them know. Would you believe their web site offers absolutely no means of contact other than by telephone during the working day. I do not trust companies who make it difficult for customers to contact them and am now looking for an alternative.

Has anyone else had a similar experience with Gillette blades? They used to seemingly lift stubble and cut it below the skin. Now multiple passes are required to shave close to the skin but leaving any semblance of smoothness short lived. Can anyone recommend a good alternative? I tried Harry's some time ago and may return to them. There has to be a good brand which is more reasonably priced and respects their customers enough to facilitate contact and feedback.

[Ciel21]

If you remember Chrissy Teigen, she used to represent Gillette in their ads and remains a loyal customer. Have you any friends using Twitter/Instagram who can reach her (she has a newborn right now but likely checks Twitter now and then) to ask if she's noticed a quality issue with the brand's blades? She can still get attention online. She might be able to get Gillette to address the issue?

[alex78]

https://consumersupport.pg.com/

My husband leaves his razors in mineral oil and the blades stay sharper that way, but if the starting quality is not good, I don't suppose that's a remedy. Have you tried Schick?

[bhlombardy]

I gave up on Gillette razors about 12 years ago.

I was getting fed up (and feeling gouged) for what I used to pay for a pack of Gillette Fusion blades. (~$45 for a 20 pack back then... now it's like $60 for 18 at Costco and even more costly at Walmart and other retailers.)

So just for a goof, I thought I'd try the old-timey double-edged blades that you put in a steel handle, and I have never looked back.

Now, I pay on average about $15 for 100 blades and I literally get about the same amount of use of each blade than I did with Gillette's.

I don't know why I ever thought I needed 5 blades and a moisture strip. 🤷🏻 I still use an aftershave cream on my face anyway.


EDIT: Yea, I know this doesnt answer your question about the current quality of Gillette blades, but I thought I'd chime in just the same with my alternative.

[cath007]

I never purchased Gillette razors because we still have plenty of free samples we need to use...But yes good point.