Mach3 Cartridge Vs 34C Safety Razor Showdown!

Geo performs a showdown shave pitting the old school Gillette Mach3 razor against the older school Merkur 34C HD safety razor. The Mach3 uses a 3 blade cartridge and the 34C is loaded with a Bic Astor Blade (made in Greece) Proraso Menthol and eucalyptus shaving cream is lathered up in the Shave Nation lather bowl with the Proraso/Omega boar brush. The icing on the shave is the Shave Nation Wide Stick alum block, then Proraso Aftershave Balm is massaged into the skin to cool, calm and protect. You can get a great shave from either of these razors but the 34C with a single blade is smoother and more efficient shaving than the Mach 3 razor with 3 blades. Especially against heavier beard growth.
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Geo

[@terrym1065]

Ditto! Nothing like a real blade to bring out the best in a shave. Some folks just don't get it or they're scared of a single blade but those that do switch never go back to carts. Nicely done Geo.

[@VikingShaver]

You can do both. I own 30+ high quality DE razors, yet I still use my Fusion 5 and Mach 3 with great satisfaction and great shaving results weekly. For me a DE razor has more of an old school feeling and I have to do a couple more passes to get super smooth - the benefit is, that I rarely ever get irritation, but I also rarely ever get real irritation using a Mach 3 razor to be honest and I have stiff wiry thick beard stubble. As already mentioned a Fusion 5 and Mach 3 for many gents could be the better choice if you head shave. I’m also a head shaver, and my Fusion 5 (old first release orange Fusion 5 is my preferred Fusion 5) gives me a smoother and better head shave in fewer passes than even my most efficient/aggressive DE razors can. I do tend to get more ingrown hair with a cart than with a DE, but I rarely ever get ingrown hair anyway - perhaps once every 2-3 months or so. Cheers, Claus

[@robwalsh1322]

Whilst I agree with the bit that a DE razor does give a closer and longer lasting shave, I still use a cartridge razor sometimes, particularly for head shaving as it’s easier to get BBS, I do use a DE on my head sometimes but I have to take my time to get BBS, if your okay with getting a headshave that’s just short of BBS then a DE is perfect, but if you like a totally smooth head for me a cartridge is easier to get you there DE shaving is more enjoyable though

[@terrym1065]

@@robwalsh1322 Points well taken. I should have chosen my words more wisely. I was referring to face shaving to be precise. I've known dozens of guys switch to DE/SE razor shaving and none have gone back to carts but some have kept their carts as time savers when in a pinch. Thanks.

[@robwalsh1322]

@@terrym1065 with face shaving I never use a cartridge and I never would again, always a DE, I have a DE razor that stays in the shower for the times when I’m in a hurry, no comparison in the shave between a cartridge and DE for a face shave

[@Odinarcade00]

@@VikingShaverthat’s how I feel too. I want to try DE but with Gillette it’s harder to get those ingrown for me. Schick and Harry’s might give me some but not Gillette so far.

[@kenlawton1531]

I use a mach3 daily, with brush and various shave soaps. As a daily driver, where time is important whilst getting ready for work, the mach3 is a winner. On weekends/holidays where i have time to enjoy a nice shave i will always use a DE.

[@normchristopherson5799]

Nothing is more satisfying than a vintage shave using a quality DE blade in an older Gillette razor like a Fat Boy or a Slim. Perhaps even a Merkur or Rockwell but, certainly not a cartridge razor. Add a quality shaving cream like Proraso and ditch the pressurized can of poor quality stuff. Made the switch years ago and have unused cans and unused cartridges somewhere buried in my cabinet never to see the light of day again.

[@robertrawley1115]

*Great video again, Geo!* 15 Mach-3 cartridges @Target $43.49 15 BIC Astor blades @ShaveNation $8.97 That's important to compare, imho. And one shave can't describe the skin irritation of cartridge shaving many people experience. That's why I switched to safety razors for far less red irritation...and BBS smooth skin.

[@billiamtaylor3509]

I always take a safety razor away with me but this next time, as I’m only going for a week, I was going to take a Mach 3 razor. Watching you hack away with that thing brought back so many bad memories there’s absolutely no way I’ll be doing that now. Thank you for saving me from that nonsense

[@xycan8734]

After going down the DE road I later discovered my problems with the 3 blade cartridge were actually due to my lack of proper skin care. That being said I enjoy the DE shaving hobby, but that's all it is. It takes twice as long and requires a lot more effort. I've also cut and nicked myself more times than I can count. A problem I never had with the cart. As for cost, for me personally, it's going to take quite some years before the investment pays off! With all the soaps etc. I'm spending far more than I ever did on carts. No regrets though :)

[@diehaz]

Everyone’s skin is so different. I have never nicked myself with the 34 or my Rockwell.. but I purchased a Gillette labs heated razor lately that absolutely tore my face to shreds. I don’t even consider shaving a hobby I just consider it being kinder to my skin

[@diehaz]

Everyone’s skin is so different. I have never nicked myself with the 34 or my Rockwell.. but I purchased a Gillette labs heated razor lately that absolutely tore my face to shreds. I don’t even consider shaving a hobby I just consider it being kinder to my skin

[@mr-sam-jax]

Always the best Geo ! my favorite type of razor for the face is always safety razors , I bought both my R43 and 34C from your company and I love them so much , specially my R41❤️ ! on the other hand cartridge razors are good too , I use them for my head cause they're milder and less danger for cutting the scalp skin ❤️

[@mikeperkins6809]

I so wish I had made the switch sooner! Shaved waaayy too long with a cartridge razor. Better late than never! Thanks Geo!

[@user-wy3kx9zg2y]

You are the reason i have real shaves now and not expensive mach-3 shaves 😊

[@PJP812]

brilliant experiment Geo really enjoyed that

[@petekadenz9465]

Great comparison Geo.

[@josephalvaladero459]

Amen, I made the switch last year and been very happy!

[@notmychelle]

Leg shaver chiming in.. the DE razor is nice and works faster for me because it doesn’t get clogged with hairs like cartridges. Works much better if hairs are longer than stubble length. Have previously used Mach3, DSC, Billie and others. I feel if it is something you’ll want to do as part of your permanent grooming routine, don’t spend money on stuff that is meant to be used a couple times and thrown in the trash.

[@xray45932]

With you on the zen moment Geo….don’t forget to clear the runways 😂 good comparison video.

[@DB-nt2hi]

I converted to a Henson DE from a Mach3 razor. I find the single blade cuts through heavier beard growth of 3-4 days much easier and doesn't hurt from tugging like the Mach3. I also find that cleaning the stuck hair in between the blades are an annoyance with constantly banging the blades in the water and sink to try to clear them. The safety razor gets a much closer shave overall. Regarding shaving cream, used to use Gillette Foamy and went to Proraso. I found that I wasn't using enough at the start causing me cuts but now I have it down. Safety razor 😁 Pros - Cheap blades, blades last about 6+ shaves, closer shave, cuts through heavy beard easily, doesn't hurt from tugging hair, rinsing razor is effortless Cons - Takes 20 mins, technique is important to avoid cuts (angle & pressure), one time cost of razor Mach3 🤕 Pros - Little technique is needed, can shave very quick (5 mins) with 1 day growth, much easier around the nose area Cons - Expensive blades, blades constantly hard to remove hair between blades, blades only last about 2 shaves, constant tugging on hair hurts (#1 reason I converted to safety razor)

[@jak_1894]

I enjoy watching your shave videos, gives me ideas to try for myself. I've ordered an Alum block to try. 👍 I live in the UK.

[@6900pilot]

Just had my first shave with the muhle r89 twist, couldn't believe how smooth it was, no nicks nothing! I need practice with the shaving soap and brush though! Went on too dry and my brush is brand new. I got a nicer lather for the second pass. Great video geofatboy good comparison. 👍🏻 im using muhle blades, ultra sharp and very very gentle.

[@Doowickeybob]

Hi Geo, I just got my 1st safety razor. (Muhle r89) &12 different blades, the Muhle blade that came with the razor felt tuggy, so I tried a Derby Extra blade, that gave a very nice shave. I have 10 more blades to try to see what works best for me. What is your favourite razor & blade combo? & what is your favourite cutthroat razor? Ps, I won't be going back to a cartridge razor. De shaves much better with less effort. Have a Gr8 shave🍻

[@ronclark4279]

Geo great job as always. In my early years I used Barbasol and mach 3 razor. I still have the gillette mach three razor collecting dust. Can't beat de razor and real shave soap or cream. I did away with shave chemicals cream in a can.

[@klondike460]

I went through a cartridge war going between most of the start up brands - defender (decent but tugged considerably - was not smooth to me), DSC (ok shave). even through the gillete skinguard ( not the best shave but was pretty comfortable), mach 3, fusion, and the pennyshaver (single blade cartridge that I threw away after one stroke) and tried the shavelogic S5 (which was my favortie of the group but they went out of business or something). Hated the cost of these multi blade systems and the burn and irritation they gave. After watching several videos on safety razors, I decided to give a Rockwell 6C a try. I nicked myself really bad at the onset of my journey, but the irritation and burn was not there. I now own a T2 from Rockwell and use an Astra Superior Platinum blade or a Personna Comfort Coated. I get fewer an fewer nicks. But with the feel of the shave ,the BBS result, minimal nicks (still working on my technique after several months), on settings between two and four. I use Proraso green preshave and shave creams, with a Duke Cannon Ice Cold after shave. Never go back to cartridge. Not saying cartridges are bad for everyone as everyone has a preference, But I am so glad I switched.

[@gregsullivan7408]

The Sensor Excel is better than the Mach 3 IMHO, because it centres the pivot over the blades. The Mach 3 has the pivot in front of the leading edge, making it impossible to apply even pressure over the blades (and pressure IS required). They need to make the spring stronger IMHO - it's just too mild. The Sensor is/was very good, IMHO. I'm using a DE these days though.

[@user-wy3kx9zg2y]

Geo you are spot on man about everything thats crazy lol

[@pappapiccolino9572]

Thanks Geo. You're up to 699 videos now, so very soon you'll have to change your tagline at the end of every clip : "over 700 videos, shaving and more....."

[@jtnachtlauf1961]

Nice video. Thank you. I'm happy to shave like my father did and like my grandpa did. The old school still rules! 😁😉

[@geofatboy]

Thanks-Absolutely Right!

[@BartBuzz]

No contest when it comes to a close, comfortable, irritation-free shave using a DE safety razor. But brush lathering with a good shaving cream and doing a 2 or 3-pass shave does give a better result using a cartridge razor.

[@HardyBunster]

Mach 3 is a lot easier on sensitive skin than a de razor. But I find a leaf twig good for sensitive skin as well.

[@Orcasrule6355]

Once you get used to DE it’s really hard to go back to carts. Speed isn’t an issue. I can get a closer shave with 1 pass with a DE than with 3 with a cart! Plus it’s waaay cheaper

[@sunojsukumaran9935]

I'm your regular viewer, one suggestion keep background clean.. didn't enjoy this video, bcoz of background

[@dullbrass]

The Merkur 34 is my dayly razor for years now. But it's a G like in Top G :D

[@HotGates]

Nice but I prefer the safety razor, But lately I've been using the Panasonic Arc 6 electric razor with good results. Still waiting for you nose trimmer showdown; )

[@Shaverboy516]

💥🥊34C & Proraso for the win!

[@darinsnowden8365]

I'm like you, I prefer the DE/SE razor, in fact, the last time I used a mach 3 was on the wife's back, even then, it wasn't the best shave

[@icecold2042]

Mike Tyson vs Trevor Berbick comes to mind!🥊

[@ianmayer2951]

Geo, did you get rid of the Mudmaster GWG-1000 ? I never see you wearing it !

[@davidbanner2826]

The Mach 3 is far better I get a much closer shave with no cuts …these DE razors look nice and these shaving video are cool but those razors are not for everyone especially if you have a thick beard with sensitive skin

[@s3rm0n56]

I have a thick beard and sensitive skin, I get one shave out of a cartridge whereas a DE blade gets me 4-5 baby smooth shaves with no irritation

[@shanekunde7302]

The key is humidity. That's why I shave in the shower. No irritation with the Mach 3.

[@icecold2042]

Uh oh...looks like we have a few cart fans who think it's quicker to shave with a Mach 3 than a double edge! 😂😂🤦 ...time for another showdown video Geo!

[@alessandrobernardi9258]

been wanting to ask this for a long time.. and bit of an off topic. What's about the neck chain you wear? does it hold a cross or anything? is there a story behind it?

[@MrLPariah]

Hi Geofatboy, 1 year ago you honed a used feather blade using a glass jar and said you'll post a video shaving with it to see if it made a difference to the blades edge. You never posted that video, I'm really interested in how it restored the blade or if it didn't and was wondering if you'd be able to do a video with a used blade thats been honed in a glass jar and give us your input? Thanks from a big longtime fan of yours!

[@brianmccarthy1322]

Love, love, love shaving with my Merkur Futur and my Rockwell T2 ss. Unfortunately when we travel we are forced to put up with sh!tty cartridge razors. I still bring a soap stick and a Trafalgar brush but really miss my DR experiences.

[@valueink]

I've been shaving with a safety razor for over 10 years. Recently I bought Hydro 5 and it gives me much closer and more comfortable shave in just one pass. However, after two or three shaves I start getting irritation. Never happens with a safety razor.

[@user-xb5zu6zu7j]

I have BBS everytime I use safety razor ( Merkur Futur)

[@joyghosh7239]

Sometimes when I feel like to just get a shave in a hurry I use my Mach3 turbo or the Gillette fusion Pro glide

[@nathancruz9172]

7:01 how long should I let my beard grow, before I shave my face?

[@user-ht6wh2fq8y]

Would have been great comparing Henson AL13 Mild v Gillette Mach3

[@headshavedvolgo]

Super

[@geofatboy]

Thanks!

[@user-ed7lm5pg1z]

I need to see some trains!1

[@user-ed7lm5pg1z]

Runways not cleared? Now the 'jet' razor can't land!

[@Odinarcade00]

I do love using a brush and a bowl or mug for my cartridge shaves 😂 feels so much nicer even if you use shaving gel lol I can’t use cheap shave gel though. It irritates my face I gotta get the good stuff. Barbasol ain’t it.

[@shanekunde7302]

Mach 3 in the shower. With the grain then against the grain. 5 minutes and skin is as smooth as butter

[@harsimransingh2056]

Wow

[@gorankoilic6571]

I use cartridge razors.

[@user-xb5zu6zu7j]

Welcome to the DE world then!

[@jtnachtlauf1961]

If they work for you, why not. Enjoy your shaving and have a good day.

[@Phatdaddy1986]

DE is the only way go ditch the cartridges!!

[@felipe3379]

Se nota la diferencia. No cambio mi 34c

[@gorankoilic6571]

I used Gillette razors.

[@rolandomontenegro4130]

Oh man those cartridges. That’s a no for me dawg.

[@krzysztofsiniarski9811]

Mach 3 jest słaby. Pozdrawiam serdecznie wszystkich lubiących tradycyjne golenie 🤜🤛

[@paulogama5782]

Why d'ont you shave with proraso on both sides? It would be fair enough. Both 34c and mach3 would perform almost the same.

[@petekadenz9465]

How many cartridge shavers use Proraso (or a brush)? They mainly use gel or foam and apply it with their hands. So the video is comparing two approaches as they are used. Which is the most appropriate comparison to make.

[@petekadenz9465]

The background was a bit distracting though.

[@patrickpettyjr.3134]

Comparing a safety razor to a cartridge razor is like comparing a bag of gold coins to a bag of dirt.

[@joyghosh7239]

I would not say Cartridge is a bag of dirt because lots of Men use those razors as their skin are not comfortable using the safety razor

[@patrickpettyjr.3134]

@@joyghosh7239 Safety razors can be used by all men, actually. Tons of different razors and blades offer different levels of aggression and smoothness. It's actually a fact that single-bladed razors are better for your skin.

[@joyghosh7239]

@@patrickpettyjr.3134 In India there's a single blade Cartridge razor named Gillette Guard I would suggest you to use that razor

[@theoavg]

Nothing of that is gonna take place with a one month beard. Only shavettes and straights have your back for this.

[@bradyschoch7562]

What?! Geo forgetting to clear the runways?! Unbelievable! I'm unsubbing! (Jk)

[@TV-lk2pw]

showdown ? none sense~ multiblades have serious problem. de blades are undisputable thing.

[@CHS4748]

I normally enjoy your videos, but this one is a joke! If you are comparing 2 different razors, you need to use the same shave cream or soap. This is an unfair comparison. You have given the Mach 3 a real disadvantage and clearly does not fairly compare the 2 razors. Great idea but poor execution.

[@uglyvision]

Everytime this guy shaved with cartridge razors he shaves weird and wrong with them. I have a thick dark Jewish beards and in my opinion the Mach 3 and pro glide give me a closer and better shave then any safety I’ve tried and I only need to do with and against the grain with a cartridge.

[@LORENSSIOK]

Its a comparison on how people shave. Those who use the mach3 more than likely dont use a brush and soap/cream.

[@MrBayeasy]

Actually it is a fair comparison, just not an equal one. If he used the same shaving cream the Mach 3 would have gotten consistently clogged up due to the richer more dense proraso cream and it would have performed even worse than it already did. Also as another user said he is comparing 2 different shaving "methods" in the sense that the people that buy disposable stuff don't typically buy good quality creams and such. Possibly the video could have been titled slightly differently to reflect that, but I think that by using that shaving cream he caused the razor to perform as good as it possibly could. Despite this it didn't perform well anyways, and I would say my only critique would have to be not seeing the aftershave results a few hours later and also there was no smoothness decision in which did a better job. He had to do so many more strokes to remove the same amount of beard, and he did so with a multi bladed razor. That results in a crazy amount of single blade equivalent passes, way too many, and I wouldn't be surprised if he had some irritation that was likely only mitigated by the quality aftershave products he used (which again, the average disposable razor user wouldn't typically invest in).

[@mr-sam-jax]

even with the same options , a cartridge razor will lose the game to the safety razor in a heavy beard growth !

[@uglyvision]

You shave really weird with the cartridge, I use a Mach 3 and it takes mine right off even with 3-4 days growth and I have a thick dark beard. Personally I find the safety’s even with a feather frustrating because it’s hard to get the upper lip and I need like at least 3 passes and I still miss spots. With the Mach 3 and pro glide I just do with and against and it gets everything smooth. No idea why you always shave so weird with a cartridge but you do sell the gimmick safety’s.

[@nthdegree1269]

Try this with a Mach 3 razor Watch this KZbin video Channel name is "Krazeeization" Title of video is "Muhle R41 vs Very Heavy Beard" You can type that in the search