On the cutting edge

Just like two heads are better than one, The Gillette Co. (Boston, MA) is betting that three blades on your razor are better than two.

The MACH3(TM) razor from Gillette, which hits stores this month, features three blades in a progressive configuration for "a better way to shave," according to Thomas Gallerani, vice president of the shaving technology laboratoryat Gillette.

The shaver evolved from a number of design approaches over a 20-year period, most notably the SensorExcel(TM) and other predecessors. After Gillette launched the first twin blade, Trac II(reg), in 1971, the thought was, "If two blades are good, why not three?" Gallerani adds.

The first prototypes of the three-blade approach in the 1970s meant an uncomfortable shave, with excessive pull and nicks. However, the MACH3's difference is that it evolved from older, established razors like the Sensor, Atra Plus, and Trac II and brought their existing technologies together in a whole new way, Gallerani says.

MACH3 features an ergonomically designed handle, and fits into a carrying case. The razor takes replacement cartridges, which are sold separately.

Gillette engineers prototyped and tested the razor, then converted it from prototype using Unigraphics CAD software from Unigraphics Solutions. Gillette then consumer-tested the product on men, who found the razor reduced the need to reshave because of the progressive alignment and diamond-like coating of the blades. The razor also removes 40% more hair than a two-blade system. The need to reshave is the biggest problem for the majority of men.

Cartridge

MACH3's cartridge is a plastic-molded component made from Noryl(TM), a proprietary blend of polystyrene and polyphenylene oxide. The cartridge features an open architecture to allow debris, such as hair and soap, that might otherwise clog the head, to flow freely through it. A forward pivot is built into the cartridge rather than the blade handle, which allows the three blades to stay in progressive alignment as they move across the face.

Indicator(TM) lubricating strip

The lubricating strip at the razor's top is composed of polystyrene and polyethylene oxide (PEO), which are blended and co-extruded, and aloe and vitamin E. The strip delivers PEO lubricant during the shave, dissolving and wearing with use to let the user know when shaving quality is no longer at its highest. Gillette tested the strip on men, and calculated the average rate of wear to determine when the blue stripe would dissolve.

DLC(TM) comfort edges

The blades' DLC coating is a non-metallic, semiconductor-like deposit of carbon, which has been converted to a diamond-like, non-crystalline material. The material is two to three times harder than steel, and is applied in an 800-angstrom-thick layer.

Blades

MACH3's cutting edges are positioned in a progressive configuration and made from stain-resistant carbon steel, which Gillette buys directly from suppliers in Japan, Sweden, and England. The blades are about 10% thinner than Gillette's regular blades, their thinnest yet, and are the first major blade innovation in this category since the 1960s, the company says. The blades are independently spring-mounted, like the predecessor MACH3 borrows much of its technology from, the SensorExcel(TM).

Microfins

The razor's microfins on the cartridge's guard element help urge hair out of follicles and provide a masking sensation to the shaving process, which, Gillette's laboratories found through research, contributes to overall shaving satisfaction.

MACH3 vs. SensorExcel

Here's a look at the new razor, as compared to its predecessor, the SensorExcel:

MACH3SensorExcel

Dimensions: 51/4 inches long (cartridge to end of handle)5 inches long (cartridge to end of handle)

11/2 inches wide, 1/2 inch long (cartridge)11/2 inches wide, 1/4 inch long (cartridge)

Blades:Three, individually spring-mountedTwo, individually spring-mounted

Microfins:YesYes

Lubricating strip:Indicator(TM) with Vitamin E and aloeLubrastrip(reg) with water-activated moisturizers

Handle:Ergonomically shaped metal, with three rubberized, crescent-shaped gripsFlexgrip(TM) handle with soft grips

Cartridge:Open-architecture cartridge with pivot Open-back, flow-through cartridgebuilt in and single-cartridge docking

Cost:$6.49-$6.69 (razor) $6.79 (four-pack of cartridges)$4.49 (razor) $5.29 (five-pack of cartridges)