Wet Shave Showdown: NEW Gillette Skinguard Cartridge Razor vs. 1950's Gillette Super Speed

[@captainbackflash]

Dude, the HMS Terror was an expeditionship of the Franklin expedition from 1845 to 1848 to find the north west passage. The other ship was the HMS Erebus. Is there a shaving soat with that name, too?

[@droogii1142]

It has to be hard working for Gillette trying to constantly think of new gimmicks to sell blades and razors when they hit it out of the park with their product a century ago.

[@Larry]

What you get when a company focuses on jumping on PR bandwagons, rather than caring about their products and their consumer base.

[@nicetna2010]

@@Larry Exactly. Gillette should jump back into the game they invented. No matter the patents all ran out, they still own the name Gillette. If they began manufacturing new Fatboys, Super Speeds and Slim adjustables, Gillette would own the field again because of name recognition - their competitors would immediately lose market share. Dunno what Gillette is waiting for. They've already re-entered the de blade market.

[@KillerofGods]

@@nicetna2010 They dont have the machines and molds anymore. At best they'd be able to redesign a clone.

[@nicetna2010]

@@Yujiro945 Not everyone has skin that will allow against the grain. I have a particular patch on my neck - regardless which razor or setting, if I go atg it always produces ingrowns and irritation. Doesn't mean the razor is shit, just that the skin simply doesn't like it. I've found that coconut oil really helps me with that patch, and sometimes it will allow me to do atg. ymmv

[@nicetna2010]

@@Yujiro945 Yes, even the mild razors in my experience. Like I said, I have a particular patch on my neck where ir won't allow me to go against, even with a very mild Super Speed loaded with a green Astra. Regards.

[@CH-ec5on]

Usually whenever I watch one of your shootouts I end up watching a bunch more of your videos. Always Good! Thanks and Keep Up the great work!!

[@davidcoleman2463]

I use my Murker 38c . It works so well with every blade . Every soap or cream . I'm happy . ( 2 years DE shaving )

[@clinttrudeau4014]

How did I end up eating lunch in my car watching some guy on KZbin shaving!? Love these battle/comparison videos! Oh and I just hit an antique shop and scored a tuckaway set and a flare tip!

[@ianmuessig]

I really wanted to like the skinguard but it leaves so much stubble behind that I actually cause irritation trying to chase it. I also found the guard bar in the middle catches and pulls hairs (even more then multiple blades spaces together). I really wanted to like it but it just didn't work for me. They did however hit it out of the park with the new Pure tube cream, that stuff works as good as the best soaps I've used yet I can get it at Walmart for $6.

[@greeneeguy]

I love the showdowns. They are always a testament of simplicity winning out over mock innovation. Even a product as simple as the Skin Guard shows it’s one step forward and two steps back 👍🏻💈

[@bowenpeyton4087]

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[@briarcoleman9166]

@Bowen Peyton Instablaster :)

[@bowenpeyton4087]

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[@bowenpeyton4087]

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[@briarcoleman9166]

@Bowen Peyton you are welcome :)

[@njrm98]

I am yet to try DE shaving, but the skinguard has given me the best results. I can pickup an 8 pack for 24 bucks, and it has given me the least irritation of anything. With that said, it isnt a super close shave. However, with the skinguard i can take it against the grain without any trouble.

[@JayTekkenX]

They use the same cartridges on the Gillette Baldly razor (now discontinued). It works great with 1-2 days of growth. But after that it gets clogged and requires a lot more rinsing/manual extraction even with the larger gap between blades. It is great though for sensitive skin imo; for me no irritation after multiple passes. Maybe one day I'll try a DE safety razor on the head 😅

[@THX-C]

Love the shootout vids between vintage and contemporary razors.

[@stephenwilson0386]

I have a vintage 1952 Super Speed that belonged to my grandfather (and 1952 was the year my mom was born), as well as the much newer King C. Gillette DE razor they made a few years back. I never shaved much with cartridges, mostly electric before switching to wet shaving, but one of those razors with a good cream and brush is such a better experience.

[@Brandon191]

You have to try the matching aftershave. The cooling lasts for hours and really helps beat the heat.

[@bH-eo5tz]

Nice video. As much as I want to try this new Gillette blade, I’m still butt hurt over their dumb video of toxic masculinity and refuse to buy their products! But also I stick with straight razors over cartridges. Gives me WAY less irritation over cartridges and over DE razors. Plus there is no having your razor clogged while using a straight razor!! Keep up the great content.

[@XX-pl4eg]

same

[@martinanderson5858]

I have a 1959 Gillette tto. Wouldn't give it up for the world🥰 I wish Gillette would come back to more traditional razors though.

[@TheCrash212]

Great comparison video, Matt. Super Speed = quick to open, load and close. I love my Super Speeds. Two of mine are on the way to you for revamp. Treat them kindly!!

[@georgiyvinogradov2532]

Thanks for the video, Guys! Having Barrister and Mann in your stock is definitely a good idea. As to the scents, I've tried Reserve Wave - seems like a very classic fresh scent to me...👍

[@jeronimomacias481]

Love the shootout videos. I was looking at the Gillette skinguard for air travel but the cost turned me off. I do like that Gillette is finally listening to the market.

[@chrisgaurissr1504]

Matt your barber shop sent soap is awesome. Easy to lather my face remained slick during the entire shave. And it didn't dry out like some soaps I've tried.

[@RazorEmporium]

Chris Gauris, Sr so happy to hear that!!

[@hbk42581]

I use the Skin Guard for clean up. It is gentle enough that I can go ATG with it but it gets dull and uncomfortable to do that after maybe 3 uses. I have never been able to go ATG with a safety razor. Haven't mastered that technique yet

[@bigharryyy03]

I’ve always had success with the SkinGuard. It’s my go to travel razor and it rinses fairly easily. It won’t give you BBS on the first pass, but if you do multiple passes like you would with a DE razor it’s fairly comparable.

[@terrym1065]

Nice comparison Matt👍 You would think, as Gillette turns from a purely manufacturing and marketing company, to a semi political statement maker, that they would want to do something about the waste and ecological impact of disposable razors. With that being said and getting back to the shave "showdown", it's obvious the improvements made to cartridge razors has about reached its peak. They come with lots of gimmicks now, heated, vibrating, lights etc..🤔 The old Super Speed still works, is 70 years old, no plastic, not disposable and cheaper for the long haul👌 I'm glad the vintage won the contest, no question😉 Great video and comments as always. Enjoy!

[@LeoDodier]

Hi Matt. The Superspeed answer...faster blade loading...It's all about blade sales (I learned that from you!) You also gave the cartridge razor an advantage that most people won't have and that's by using a high quality shave soap over the canned products that cartridge shavers probably use.

[@snkneo-geo933]

Gillette Skin guard and Mach 3 is just as good as a Saftey razor, people saying Saftey razor's are better is just a Myth!!

[@NickzAndMikz]

Safety razors are actually better by way of long term cost, skin irritation, and certainly more fun with the history and collecting

[@august4633]

As someone with extremely sensitive skin (I’ve tried everything), it actually works quite well for me. I get much less skin irritation compared to regular Gillette cartridges. I don’t like using a straight razor as the margin of error is much smaller (if I angle it slightly too close to my skin I will get razor bumps and redness for several days or even weeks).

[@myblueskynight]

The only “NEW” Gillette razor I would ever buy today is if Gillette came out with a “Special Anniversary DE Safety razor”. “A Special Collectors Edition!” Oh the possibilities of design and creativity they could have with that project! It could really be FUN! Would you buy one Matt? I would!👍😊

[@RazorEmporium]

of course I would buy one but I think that ship has sailed....

[@myblueskynight]

HAHAHAHA...Your'e right! I'm so glad we have our Vintage Ships!!! And I'm starting to get a whole fleet as my collection grows!

[@brianjohnson6021]

To change blades faster, want a shirt. Nice vid

[@sotyfan73]

I use Gillette Skinguard, great razor. But you'll get a much better experience with it if you use the Gillette Skinguard Shaving Gel or Foam. They're designed to compliment each other. I can get so many shaves with them both. But if I use a different shaving gel or soap the experience isn't as great.

[@mikeh9701]

Hi Matt- Great shave(s) and razor comparisons; thank you! For me, a Super Speed (so named for its ease of loading a blade into the razor from a dispenser pack) with a Gillette Nacet blade or Kai blade would definitely be my choice over any cartridge razor. I think you would be happy if you decided to carry the B&M brand of soaps. Seville, the Reserve line, the Wave line, seasonal releases, are all things to consider; all are top-notch soaps (in keeping with the Super Speed theme)! Take care and best regards, Matt!

[@johnwachter6975]

Nice challenge vintage wins the day! Have a great day.

[@opinionator3884]

My 1965 SS is my favorite razor. I really love shaving with it. But the Skinguard really helped reduce the bumps my son had as well as his irritation. Cartridges of all types really do seem to have trouble clogging with good shave cream/shop.

[@kobi6y6]

Matt, I’m really enjoy & appreciate your honest reviews.

[@Benny016]

Anyone got any good news on the King c gilette saftey razor? Please let me know

[@chrischiampo7647]

Gillette Super speed For The Win 😎😀😀😊😊😊

[@RazorEmporium]

Congrats Chris Chiampo - you're the winner of the Weekly T-Shirt give-away! Please contact us at [e-mail] with your address and size and we will get it shipped out right away! Thanks everyone! Stay tuned next week for another giveaway! - Razor Emporium Team

[@dylanchalmers3011]

Skinguard is amazing

[@sheshaveswithjill4838]

I bought a SkinGuard to test and it works great

[@jacobskovolsen9099]

Looking in my mailbox every day, waiting for my first super speed :-)

[@roderickjacob7248]

Which one has the closer shave?

[@JoelHardmanfv2006]

Superspeed - because you could change the blade faster! Also B&M Reserve Waves is one of my favorite scents.

[@dartmouthshaving1442]

Great comparison Matt! From a viewer point of view, the Superspeed seems to require less passes to clear all the lather compared to the Skinguard. I never tried the Skinguard may still cause more irritation than the Superspeed. I will not tell people not to use the Skinguard but I would prefer to recommend the Superspeed. I think your video proves the Superspeed dominance. Again, great comparison...

[@marksardar4557]

Timely review on day 2 of my first straight razor, Boker Engelbert II, backed up with a Mercur HD. Temperature here is getting up to 36 deg C, 97 F but not humid.

[@Matteo-sc2lz]

Nice shave.gillette skinguard is Amazing for my head and face!

[@razorman-rw6kn]

Have Gillette now realized that 5 bladed razors are just silly and now are going back to a Trac 2 with extras. If Gillette brought back the Superspeed they could dominate the wet shave market as well.

[@Bungle2010]

The HMS Terror wasn't a pirate ship. It was a 19th century British Royal Naval vessel, that was eventually converted into a polar exploration ship, and was lost during the 1840s in the Arctic with the loss of all hands. There was a TV drama based (loosely) on that ill fated mission made quite recently. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Terror_(1813)

[@ratchetz]

Thanks for the comparison! Any plans to try modern disposables/options that are similar to DE; specifically, the bic metal and/or Gillette guard?

[@RazorEmporium]

Craig Arthur we will add them to the list of video showdowns!

[@patrickpoppe6011]

I think if you use a shaving gel the cartridge razor will work better, I’m not a fan of shaving gels or cartridge razors but if you travel and want to spend the least of time with shaving it’s a good alternative. I can’t say for myself that shaving with a safety razor is cheaper because you start buying more razors, accessories, shaving soaps... and the reason I’m buying all those things is because I enjoy shaving and shaving with a cartridge razor is just a utility.

[@georgehaven8895]

Good to see Gillette responding "'a little" and hope for more. It's been staying about 88 degrees with humidity at 72 percent. Much cooler than it's been up North recently. Thanks for all you do for the wet shaving community.

[@BrettzGaming56]

B&M Seville is one of the best shaving soaps I've ever tried.

[@thelonelyranter5223]

I tried the skin guard, tugging is significantly reduced but to be honest, the Gillette Guard from India is way better...Gillette listen..ONE BLADE is all you need!!! I still prefer my super adjustable. It’s called Super speed for fast blade changes matt! I also like to think it’s also called super speed because you can shave quickly and effortlessly like your in cruise control. 😀

[@Sierra-xi2ty]

But how will Gillette make ALL the money if they cannot sell you cartridges.

[@thelonelyranter5223]

Sierra 117 they can with the Gillette guard. It has one blade and is a cartridge razor.

[@chuckwiderstrom8994]

always great reviews on razors,thanks

[@apzimm87]

The skinguard is the reason i started shaving regularly

[@buddhamack1491]

Even the best cartridge razor still requires 36 passes of a single area and multiple rinses to unclog it to match the few blade buffing strokes of a double edge razor. All those strokes of the cartridge razor ends up leaving more razor burn than even the most aggressive double edge blade and head combination. That said with cartridge razors less blades was always better, the more you add the more surface area there was for tugging and irritation. I still prefer a 20 cent razor blade than expensive cartridges any day of the week.

[@talega1]

Glad you tried it....BUT it shines in the lower part of the neck... at least in my case: I get irritation and ingrown hairs with most razors. My hair grows in all directions, have 2 swirls. I do get a better shave w a DE , but starting the next day I will be using tweezers to pluck out hairs....and I hate doing it. The SkinGuard is not perfect, it leaves stubble, but I can go in any direction and it causes little irritation. I am currently experimenting w other cheaper two bladed carts. Rest of the face is done w DE's; or SE or Shavette, or.....I grow a beard...

[@deshave5260]

The sight of a cartridge razor is enough to strike TERROR into me! Great vid and thanks for posting.

[@MatthewDavidT]

I have around a 1966 flair tip super speed and have never been able to get a single good shave from it in a year that I’ve owned it... love my 76 black beauty SA and shaved me great between 3-5. What may be wrong with my Super Speed? Thanks in advance!

[@irnbird1]

Cartridge blades absolutely SUCKS! There isn't any need for them. One blade is the best. That's just my opinion. And you asked about why it's called a Super Speed. I believe it was because because it could change blades out super quick with the new style dispenser Gillette put out then. Am I right? Great video as usual Matt!

[@RazorEmporium]

yes you are!

[@josie42]

it’s called the Super Speed because of the razor packs that could slide a blade right out onto the head of the razor so you can be shaved and out the door with super speed!

[@opinionator3884]

You absolutely have to press harder with a cartridge. It makes sense that you need to push harder with the cartridge as they do not have the weight in the head like a DE razor. If you do not apply pressure, you will get tugging and it will skip and not be close. I always rinse from the back of the cartridge as well to clean it out. Another area that you may have to change to truly test a cartridge is that they work well with the gel-based shave cream in the can which is not as thick as the soaps that DE shavers use so it does not clog. Try it with Gillette gel and apply pressure and you will get a better comparison. I have made the switch to DE but use a Mach 3 when traveling and get great results as I have years of experience with them. They are quicker as well. I switched not because of a lack of closeness, razor burn (I get more with DE), or tugging; I did it because of the cost.

[@kgrinda]

Very nice. Keep up the great videos. Thanks

[@TheHugoFoxx]

Thank you so much man. You got my dilemma solved once and for all: I'll go for a new mild DE razor!!

[@BillfromtheHills]

All about the blades.....it's always been about the blades. Change them fast equals change them more often..... Paraphrase of Matt :)

[@lvnitlovnit09]

I believe the Terror was the lead ship in the failed Franklin arctic expedition of the mid-1800's. Not a pirate ship. Besides the cooling effect, how would you describe the scent?

[@RazorEmporium]

I'm horrible with describing soap scents - clean and fresh ;)

[@aamannadal7419]

What DE blade was used - Polsilver,perhaps?

[@RazorEmporium]

Aaman Nadal pol silver

[@aamannadal7419]

Polsilver,it's written together.I'm a russian,so I know better.

[@NuggetsHoopster]

Really enjoyed the shave and would love to represent your brand on the t-shirt.

[@AndreGFPinto]

Great video, would love that tshirt. Have super speeds been produced really up until the end of the 80s? I presume that follow the same coding as the super adjustable

[@RazorEmporium]

yes

[@JeroenvKL]

I can understand artisans wanting the premiere of a new release. But sales wise it would be very good if they ship out new releases to shops just before releasing so they are available everywhere on the same day.

[@zacbushong1344]

Sounds like a razor to use in a pinch on the road. Will does make fine soap. Terror is about perfect for my swamps of Florida this time of year! Thanks & Take care, Zac

[@Sierra-xi2ty]

B&M is definitely worth carrying however the safer bet is just carrying their reserve and other normal scents. Seasonal scents probably doesn’t have as high of a return.

[@dtboice]

Yes! Totally should carry B&M. Their Seville is amazing. Their static scents are not going anywhere and most people like them. Their seasonal scents are a lot more adventurous so some people will love them others not. Thats one of my favorite things about B&M. I hated eventide but would not trade my fireside or roam for anything. It takes courage to break from the norm and release soaps that could get bad reviews.... Anyway. For sure, it would be cool if you had their normal scents, risky but really cool to cary seasonals.

[@BigJonkulous]

I don't love all the barrister and mann scents, but even the ones I haven't loved are still interesting.

[@jjl1131]

Love the videos Matt. Agree with you on the Skinguard. Pretty smooth but have to press too hard. Please enter me in drawing for a t-shirt. Thanks. John

[@bh9262]

I don't use cartridge razors anymore. I do thank Gillette for directing me to using safety razors. I really enjoy them. I love my Rex adjustable..

[@TheLchr]

Appreciate your showdown only for proving myself that I made the right move to traditional wet shaving. No cartridge razor for me ever again. Besides the more than obvious cost efficiency of a DE razor/blade combo it is the luxury of wet shaving with a DE vs. a cartridge razor which counts for me.

[@JohnHartConductor]

Thanks for another great showdown, Matt! I’m still in favor of your comparing a Super Speed or Tech to the Gillette Guard single-blade “open comb” cartridge they developed for the Indian market. I’ve been using it on airline trips when I can’t carry on my DE blades, and it works well. NB: I do find that I have to push harder because of the very minimal blade exposure, but combined with the reduced friction from the open comb design it seems to balance out to a pretty comfortable and efficient shave. My only gripes are the overly light plastic handle, and that the embedded blade is not as sharp as my go-to Permasharp DE blades. Still, I’d love to know your take on it.

[@sheshaveswithjill4838]

yes include Barrister & Mann

[@Travelingsalesman23]

Can you please review the Gillette heated razor

[@abhijitgt6637]

When was this New Gillette Skin guard razor released?

[@RazorEmporium]

Not sure- I think within the last year however.

[@abhijitgt6637]

@@RazorEmporium we don't get this in India yet...😢

[@danielerubado32]

Nice face shave! I use Gillette skinguard for my head.it fantastic. Very smooth shave,no razor burn, redness, ingrow hair. Nothing.is the best razor for my head! Second mach3 turbo. Face merkur 34c, ed d89bl.

[@bastawisy3000]

Great comparison! I still think DE razors have the edge, pun intended :)

[@achimkohlhage1328]

Thankfully n finally you're mentioning it, 'sensitive skin'. In most cases it's related to overuse. Since quite some time I take my time to preprep my beard b4 shaving. Either oil, or glycerin, it does not matter. My shaves afterwards, even with beasts like R41 go easy, smooth, irritation free, usually 3 passes. I wud even go so far to say, there's no soap with enough slickness in itself to stand 3-pass shaves with R41 or equivalent, not leaving some irritations, especially the neck. By just the preprep, it's going to avoid that... With the R41 as example, I preprep btw all 3 passes, but I've got the time, am retired.

[@lioneltijerina]

I still use my 1979 Gillette Atra handle with Atra Plus cartridges along with my 1957 Gillette Super Speed Flare Tip and several other DE razors in rotation. I think that even it would beat this plank they're calling a sensitive skin razor.

[@LPcasper]

If Gillette listen wet shavers for real, they have to put in the market a DE razor and stop to trying to convince all of us that cartridges are the right way to shave. I guess they don't listen anyone but only the money from cartridge packs and foams.

[@jmwinf]

I'm not going back to a cartridge anytime soon, I enjoy my shave from the super speed.

[@djdougd61]

Thanks Matt for the review!

[@bluezzer1]

LOL 😆 The Terror isn’t a pirate ship, it was one of the English exploration ships that was lost in the Canadian Arctic 🥶 searching for the north west passage.

[@RazorEmporium]

Thanks- Will told me this when he handed me the soap weeks ago in MI but I had forgotten :(

[@jakemckeown9961]

Use the skinguard vs Harry’s.

[@edwardmiles6513]

I've never used Barrister and Mann either. So many soaps, so little time (or stubble). I fear that the soaps I've accumulated already may outlast me. It's nice to see a Flair Tip Super Speed (a.k.a. original Flair Tip or Silver Tip). It's such a good razor to get so little attention online. Red Tip, Black Tip, Blue Tip, 40s style, Ranger Tech, Milord--seems like the poor Flair Tip just doesn't get any love (almost as little as my beloved Black Handle Super Speed). One thing the public says that Gillette doesn't listen to is that cartridge razors and way overpriced, which is why one of Gillette's competitors is vintage Gillette. (Ain't Karma a bear?)

[@crackpotcrackpot2504]

the reason it skipped spots and clogged is a simple one shaving soap is to high in fat content witch is not good for cartridge razers you should have used caned goo or better still a cream like parmolive or Gillette pure cream

[@MartinOcando]

Jeeze, at around 3 minutes in I was like Matt Shave Already!!! The lather is drying out 😂 Now, quite frankly, I think the skin guard is kind of a gimmick, like every new Gillette razor for the past 30 years. It's unbelievable that Gillette has had the solution for over 100 years, and they still keep trying to move the market towards what makes more money instead of what's best for people's skin. Yes, for traveling it might be a good idea, although I rather take a classic Track II.

[@opinionator3884]

The gap between the blades is what makes the difference. Instead of the first 2-3 blades lifting the hair from below the skin level, and cutting it below it, causing bumps and ingrown hairs, the spaced-out blades do not lift like the other cartridges. I introduced my son to the Skinguard and it cleared his face up on the bumps irritated spots.

[@MichaelSpotts1]

My ahhhaaaaa moment was with a Valet razor with a feather single edge.

[@rayr5950]

An older Valet Autostrop with a GEM blade is even better and the blades don't poop out after a couple shaves like the Feather FHS blades do.

[@robbruno6713]

Another great showdown video!

[@RKinNJ]

B&M SEVILLE 100% must have by far my top scent so far in the 4 month's of wetshaving that I've been a part of!

[@coyotegrad-collectables]

Razor Emporium needs it's own soap!

[@RazorEmporium]

done! www.razoremporium.com/razor-emporium/

[@patkeating97]

Awesome vid, Matt!

[@fredhug85]

Thnx Matt- you can have the cartridge.☹️

[@skinder124]

Surprised you haven't looked at Defender razors yet

[@COwens-el4kr]

love the Super Speed!

[@ohger1]

Being a *man*, I haven't touched a Gillette product for months. And I never will again..

[@jedknouse7053]

I've not tried B&M either.

[@mikerose51]

SuperSpeed to allow for faster and easier blade loading/Changing! It’s all about the blades that’s what is their bread and butter

[@Lckebo]

Great comparison! :D

[@paritushdutt9351]

Great video