Comments on: The Gillette razor theory of consumer behavior

By: Sandip Saini

Sandip Saini — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 08:39:50 +0000

Thanks for putting!!

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:44:28 +0000

I learned to shave with a classic safety razor (that’s the one that takes the double-sided blades most people think of when you say “razor blade”). This was in the early 90′s mind you, not 50 years ago. I used the “Excel” when it came out, and even used the Mach 3 for a while. With the matching gel products. After I was out of University and cared more about a good shave than how late I could leave the alarm and still make class, I went back to a safety razor and shaving cream applied with a brush. Its slower, but in my opinion a far superior shave.

By: Barrett Jacobsen

Barrett Jacobsen — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:57:54 +0000

I may be in the minority, but I like the vibrating feature. While I’ve done no scientific studies, I feel afterwards like there’s less irritation and while shaving it feels like there’s less drag/friction (which is what I understood the purpose of the vibrating to be, to reduce friction and allow for an easier/more comfortable shave – I don’t know if I got this notion from the packaging or where).

By: davidc

davidc — Mon, 18 May 2009 22:36:45 +0000

Is the super exponential increase in the number of blades occuring?
http://www.economist.com/images/20060318/CST393.gif
http://www.economist.com/science/displaystory.cfm?story_id=5624861

The only thing I can think of that is worse then marketing is a world where it is banned. Even if consumers make bad choices is that not slightly better then not having the ability to choose?

By: yankee interloper

yankee interloper — Mon, 18 May 2009 16:11:39 +0000

Hey Robin. Your post reminded me of the short film, the Story of Stuff. If you haven’t watched it, I recommend it. http://www.storyofstuff.com/ GIven your interest, you might start with Chapter 5: Consumption.

By: Carissa Bluestone

Carissa Bluestone — Sun, 17 May 2009 21:20:40 +0000

Excellent post, Robin. The first thing that sprang to mind was a 2004 piece in The Onion, entitled “F*ck Everything, We’re Doing Five Blades.” Life imitating art is kinda sad when said art is over-the-top satire. Perhaps we should make The Onion mandatory reading for marketing and product-development departments—if your “brilliant” idea shows up in The Onion, don’t do it.

By: Bill Mill

Bill Mill — Sun, 17 May 2009 04:23:43 +0000

Three razor blades *really are* better than two. I didn’t believe it, and stuck to my two-blader until I lost it and could not easily replace it, but now I’m sold.

Are five blades and a AA better? I certainly don’t think so, but I was wrong the last time.