Thread: Gillette to release NEW DE razor for the holidays

Genius marketing, everyone is banging on about global warming and single use plastic etc. Step forward the new Gillette DE, cheap and environmentally friendly.

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

Genius marketing, everyone is banging on about global warming and single use plastic etc. Step forward the new Gillette DE, cheap and environmentally friendly.

Yup, but I wonder about the environmental footprint of making said razor compared to the plastic version.

Bob

I wouldn't be surprised if they're from China or Mexico, so Procter & Gamble won't care. They care about their bottom line as their first, second and third concern. Everything else goes to the bottom of the list.

Originally Posted by BobH

Yup, but I wonder about the environmental footprint of making said razor compared to the plastic version.

Bob

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

Genius marketing, everyone is banging on about global warming and single use plastic etc. Step forward the new Gillette DE, cheap and environmentally friendly.

Yep with all the environmental concerns these day gillette being able to say " see all you have to dispose of is this tiny blade"....

From the environmental angle they couldn't sing too loudly. Im only guessing they would make a much bigger profit selling multi blade razors.
Gillette are champions of advertising, if they advertised the new DE like they would a new mach 1000 it could spectacularly backfire if everyone dropped their old multi blade for a new DE razor. (the irony!)
Im probably getting ahead of myself the tree huggers dont wash or shave anyway

Originally Posted by BobH

Yup, but I wonder about the environmental footprint of making said razor compared to the plastic version.

Bob

Thats a good question, Bob. As long as the product is environmentally friendly no one seems to care how its made effects the environment. Take the humble car, the internal combustible engine vs the electric battery , im no car buff but id hazard a guess that making the battery produces far more emissions.

The marketing ploy could work really well, especially with the push towards growing beards out of interest in being greener. I'm one of very few people I know of in my age range that actually shaves and I know of only 2 other people in their 30's that actually shaves their whole face.

As far as their bottom line of the DE versus a multiblade cart, it would appear that they get way more profit off of modern disposables. However, the cost of designing those products and building all associated equipment to manufacture them has to be astronomical. Unless they're dumber than I expect, they should just dust off old drawings and make the DE's. They still manufacture, or private label more likely, the blades and they have to be fractions of a cent to produce.

FWIW --

The Amazon.com announcement contains an FAQ:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a true Gillette Razor?

Yes, this is the first Double Edge razor set sold by Gillette in the US since the late 1980s. In 1901, King C. Gillette altered the shaving experience forever with the invention of the first safety razor. Now, more than a century later, Gillette is celebrating the holiday season by releasing the Gillette Heritage – Inspired Double Edge Safety Razor. This premium 3-piece razor set is inspired by the original 1929 Gillette double edge razor and is the perfect gift for those looking to elevate their shaving experience.

Will there be any re-issues of previously released models (like the Superspeed)?

At this time there are no plans to re-issue any previously released double edge safety razor models. This is currently the first Double Edge razor set sold by Gillette in the US since the late 1980s.

Will the new razor have the classic date code etched on the bottom of the razor head like vintage models?

The Gillette Heritage – Inspired Double Edge Razor does not contain a date code on it.

Why wasn't a "classic" design like the twist-to-open Superspeed used?

This specific razor is simply inspired by the original 1929 Gillette double edge razor. The Gillette Heritage – Inspired Double Edge Razor features a premium chrome plated handle inspired by the classic “Bar” handle and brings a historic design to your daily shave.

Where is the razor manufactured?

The blades are manufactured in Russia, the handle is made in the USA and the capguard is made in Germany.

What materials is the razor made out of?

The blades are stainless steel and the handle is a chrome plated alloy.

So, pretty clearly, it's _sold_ by Gillette, not _made_ by Gillette. And it looks a lot like an EJ DE89.

The cost of a branded EJ DE89, or equivalent 3-piece Merkur, from Amazon.com, is around $30 - $40. Assuming that the Gillette is of equivalent quality (probably made in the same shop), they've priced it competitively.

Neat !

Almost like when is a Gillette not really a Gillette.

Bob

Amazon recently advised me that my October 16th order would be delayed and I took the opportunity to rethink the order and cancel it.

I was curious, but also remembered that Gillette’s strength has always been marketing (hype), that I only use a safety razor when a straight razor shave is not an option for one reason or another, and that whatever Gillette may (almost certainly have someone else) come up with is unlikely to be better than what I already have.

If I should stand to be corrected on the last point, I am comfortable to sit on the fence and let others spend the money to prove me wrong.


B