Schick are currently the second most popular razor brand worldwide, if you include the Wilkinson’s Sword brand that they are sold under in Europe, and number one in Japan. The Schick brand is over 100 years old, but the Wilkinson’s Sword brand is older than the establishment of the United States, founded in 1772 by Henry Nock, famed gunsmith. They made swords. Now you can find Schick blades pretty much everywhere, with their current product line being fairly regular. A three blade, a four blade and a five bladed build.

Dorco are a little younger, having been founded in the fifties in one of the Koreas,  kidding, it was founded in South Korea. They have a fair few patents under their belt and continue to innovate, having released the worlds first seven bladed razor. I realize that the many bladed razor has come under fire for being superfluous in recent years, but I stand by the fact that they provide a better shave. I am currently waiting on one of their Pace 7 as I write and hope to review it soon, though who am i going to compare it with?

These firms operate quite similarly, in North America at the very least. Rather than offering a subscription service, like the newer firms, they stick to the age old storefront model. Selling a handle and replacement cartridges. This archaic delivery method tends to lead to higher costs for the consumer, well they sell the products in stores and they are priced very highly, whereas Dollar Shave Club and Harry’s send them to your house with accoutrements and cost much less, perhaps the delivery method isn’t the reason for the price.

I have a set method when I shave. I followed it back when I shaved every two days, and follow it more strictly now that I am reviewing a shave every three. The first shave will be with a new blade, and a follow up shave occurs a five days later. The shave itself is a five step three pass shave. First I use an exfoliant, to remove dead skin and ensure a smooth stroke. Next is the hot towel, which opens the pores and raises the hair. Then I apply warm foam, simply put some warm water in a cup and spray the foam in it, it will heat up quick. The fourth step is the three pass shave. First with the grain, then perpendicular to the grain, then finally against the grain. Finish up with a soothing balm to mitigate any irritation. I prefer menthol based post shave balm, as it closes pores faster.

So let’s get to it then. See how the Hydro 5 compares to the now legendary Pace 6 Plus.

The Fresh Blade – Schick Hydro 5 Razor Experience

This is going to be a hard review for the Hydro 5. It starts as having fewer blades than the Pace 6 off the bat, and that to me means a more difficult shaving experience. That is mostly for the to the bone shave that I use. For normal day to day one pass shaving I am sure that the Hydro 5 works wonderfully. But this is an in depth analysis, and so I must shave.

There are a few areas that the Hydro succeeds in, and the first is the handle. As was the case with the Quattro, I found the Hydro 5 a joy to hold. Nice, weighty and smooth in all the right places. There are just enough dips and grooves to assure a firm hold too. The Head pivots nicely, and it conforms to your contours well. The most impressive thing about the Hydro 5 is the lubricating reservoir, as they call it. It’s a giant lubricating strip, and let me tell you brother, once it get s going, this thing glides. Unfortunately, i cannot tell you what the gel is made from, but small price to pay for one of the easiest shaves I have ever experienced.

The Shave itself was great, a minor rocky start, a little early tug, but once I found the rhythm to the blade It was smooth sailing. That gel reservoir deserves an award, few other designs move like this. The first pass was good, but not amazing, but that didn’t matter too much, as the final two passes left me with the shave I was looking for. Time spent shaving was low, a little over five minutes, on what was one of my better shaving experiences.

That is not the end of the story. The Hydro 5 has a trimmer, and while the design of the trimmer is not quite as good as the Quattro, it is still one of the better ones on the market, and a step above even the mighty Pace 6 Plus’ trimmer. I was able to shave the philtrum and the Adam’s apple cleanly. Overall I was left very satisfied with the shave.

The Fresh Blade – Dorco Pace 6 Plus Razor Experience

I seem to have gushed over a product that isn’t the Pace 6 Plus in that Hydro 5 section, and it was deserved. But my shaving experiences with the Pace 6 Plus have all been amazing. The core design is one of the best on the market, and while it lacks a lubricating reservoir, it does have a sizable strip, and a nice bracing section at the base of the blades. The six bladed design means a closer together set of razors, and one of the closest shaves on the planet. The handle is great, not quite as good as the Hydro’s, but few are to be honest. It might not be as weighty, but it has more grip points, so you can be assured of a firm hold on the thing.

The shave, well, the shaves in this case. I have used the Pace 6 Plus on numerous occasions, to the point where I am, as of right now, completely out of them. I have a few Pace 7s on the way to replace them, expect a review soon. The first pass went by easy, immediately smooth, but not as eventually smooth as the Hydro 5. All subsequent passes where better than the Hydro 5 though, that extra blade makes a cumulative difference to how a shave feels all the way through. The back mounted trimmer was serviceable, I feel they need to redesign it a bit in order to match the trimmer blades from Schick, but it does the job. I was able to shave the area beneath my nose quite closely, to the point where the tweezers weren’t necessary at the very least, and my Adam’s Apple posed not problem for the core 6 blade head here.

At the end of the day I would call the shave from the Pace 6 Plus the better overall, the more consistent experience. While the Hydro 5 excels in some areas, it falls short in others. There are moments of great joy, and moments of fervent hope. I would prefer my shave to be fantastic start to finish.

The Dull Blade – Dorco Pace 6 Plus Vs Schick Hydro 5 Razor

Oh good. I tend to find the 5+ bladed razors hold up well over time, far better than the 3 and 4 bladed counterparts. I went into my six day old, five night old? Shave with significantly less trepidation than I usually do. The Hydro 5 was… a challenge. Much of my love for the core shaving experience was derived from the gel reservoir, which on day 6 had completely vanished. In its place was a war against coarse hair, a bloody ‘Nam esque conflict that left me a little worse for wear.

The Pace 6 Plus held up as well as it normally did. A little blunt, a little longer to get the shave done, but done it was indeed got. I ended up with a to the bone shave, and happily threw the blade out glad.

Conclusion & Pricing – Dorco Pace 6 Plus Vs Schick Hydro 5 Razor

Here is where all of the positives of the Hydro 5 are rendered moot. I reviewed the Quattro and the Xtreme 3 already, and the pricing section hit them like a hammer. They had already been placed on the anvil of my opinion by that point though, so the fact that I may have to flog the Hydro 5, a razor I am actually quite fond of, fills me with despair. Handle and 10 cartridges will set you back $25. Which is actually fantastic, all things considered. The Pace 6 Plus, handle and 10 cartridges, costs the same, $25. You might be able to find either of them cheaper, this close to the holidays, but the on average price is that stated.

For a change of pace Dorco is not lagging behind in terms of product line. Neither Schick nor Dorco offer anything other than branded shaving foam. There is one area that Dorco prevail though, interchangeability. All Dorco handles can accept all Dorco cartridges, not the case with the Hydro. It does accept all the other Hydro models, of which there are three, but if you buy a Quattro cartridge when they are on cheap you will need to get a new handle too.

It is nice to have a review be this close. The Hydro 5 is probably the best razor available from Schick, it shaves close, it glides smoothly, and the price is far from terrible. But The rrp is a little higher than what I have found, so I expect it to rise come January, and the lack of cartridge options hurts it. The Pace 6 Plus offers the better overall experience, and the flexibility offered by them far surpasses the competition. I feel like razors are like your favorite beer. You keep trying a new one until something sticks, and then changing isn’t an option. But the companies behind razors have been using their huge market shares to increase the price of their products with little regard for the quality, and the profit margins on them are ridiculous, if they weren’t Harry’s and Dollar Shave Club and Dorco could not sell their products as cheaply as they do. I implore you to at least give a new blade a chance, see how much you save.

Dorco Coupon & Promo Codes 2018

You can actually save a good bit money right now by using the following 2018 coupon codes for Dorco USA Products!

1. Click here to activate and use coupon code FEBDUSA17 to save $10 on an order of $40 or more. 

The post Schick Hydro 5 Vs Dorco Pace 6 Plus appeared first on Gazette Review.

Harry’s are a fairly new start up, taking the Dollar Shave Club model and driving the price into the floor. They can do this due to their singular focus. They have just the one blade, a gorgeous little five blade design that has been honed to near perfection. Their sets come in two varieties, the Truman and the Winston, but I will be focusing on the Truman, and all that comes with it.

Dorco should be familiar to you by now, they have been my go to comparison brand after all. A Korean firm that were founded back in the fifties. A variety of patents under their belt, and some recent design innovations too. I fell in love with their six bladed design, but they surpassed it with the Pace 7, a seven bladed shaving nirvana. Looking forward to reviewing that one in detail, but it has yet to arrive.

The different between how these two firms operate is important. On the one hand we have Dorco, a big company that sells their products in a storefront exclusively, they have no subscription model, and Harry’s, a firm that focuses on their recurring subscription model, whilst also offering standalone sales. I love the subscription service that firms have been rolling out every since Dollar Shave Club pioneered the idea, though they have since been bought by a large firm. Harry’s is still a small company and thus you can be assured of a more personal touch.

I am very particular about my shave. I use a method that works for me, gives me the closest shave you could imagine, while minimizing any irritation. I must point out, a friend of mine tried the same shave style and ended up a little sore after, not sure what he did wrong, as I am left pristine, but perhaps it is just practice. It is a five step three pass shave. First I use an exfoliant, to remove dead skin and assure a clean stroke. Next is the hot towel, applied directly to the face to open the pores and raise the hair. Next is the hot foam, get a mug full of hot water and add the foam on top, should hat up quick. Then the shave itself. A three pass shave is once with the grain, once perpendicular to the grain and once against the grain. Bear in mind that your facial hair does not all grow downwardly. The final step is the application of a moisturizer, menthol for preference, as it closes the pores more quickly.

That shave will be your closest, I can guarantee you that. I will also be attempting to shave again with the blade a few days after I use it, 5 nights, six days to be precise. This is to test the longevity.

So let’s start shaving then, see if the Harry’s blade can match the Dorco Pace 6 Plus.

The Fresh Blade – Harry’s Razor Experience

I have already mentioned that this is going to be a close one, much like the shaves themselves. The Harry’s blade might be at a slight disadvantage from the get go though. It has five blades, to the Pace 6 Plus’s six blades. But unlike the five blade designs from Schick or Gillette, the Harry’s Blades are much closer together, so stroke to stroke is far smoother, more akin to the Pace experience. The handle of the Harry’s razor, in this case the Truman, is lovely. It has the weight of the Hydro 5 combined with the grip of a Pace 6 Plus, making it my new favorite handle. The Lubricating strip is nice, a good size too, but the chemicals used are an unknown, they work, no doubt about that, but I like to know what goes into them.

The shave went wonderfully. From first stroke to last this was a sublime experience. I really didn’t expect so close and smooth a shave from a five bladed razor. The first pass had no tug, likely as a result of the blade proximity, and the final pass as almost unnecessary, the sign of a well designed blade. If you want a little stubble left after the shave then look elsewhere, as after the first two passed you will be hard pressed to see the follicles. You can feel them though, which is why I insist on that final pass.

The trimmer at the back is on par with the Hydro 5, to my mind the best on the market at the moment. It left my philtrum and my Adam’s apple clean and without stubble. Overall a wonderful experience.

The Fresh Blade – Dorco Pace 6 Plus Razor Experience

Another week and another razor that seems to have endeared itself to me as much as the Pace 6 Plus. Going back to it after trying out the Harry’s blade was like returning to an old friend, a familiar experience and a shave to match. The handle is not as weighty, but the grips match it. The lubricating strip is slightly bigger, and the chemicals uses are well known to me at this point. A combination of Chamomile, Olive Extract and Allantoin. That Allantoin is an interesting one, it actively aids in the closing of cuts and small wounds, so if you slip, or are just terrible at shaving, you won’t have to worry too much about leaving the place looking like the set of Saw.

The shave, or shaves as is the case with the oft used Pace 6 Plus, was the usual. Smooth and easy, a closeness like few I have experienced in the past. I will have to add the Harry’s to the list that includes the Executive from Dollar Shave Club, the Hydro 5 from Schick and the Dorco Pace 6 Plus. The extra blade on the Pace 6 did provide a slightly closer first pass, which leads to a smoother third pass, so that is something it has over the Harry’s, but the difference between the two shaves was negligible. The real deciding factor is going to be in the price.

I love the Pace 6 Plus shave, and will likely not be replacing it until I try out the Pace 7. The Harry’s blade provides as good an experience from my perspective, but if you are looking for an upgrade this isn’t it. More of a side step, a slight difference in focus.

The Dull Blade – Dorco Pace 6 Plus Vs Harry’s Razor

It has been a long time since I tried the 5 night challenge with a Pace 6 Plus. They hold up very well to time, by Harry’s hold up better than any other razor I have had the good fortune of testing. They pay attention to longevity in a way no other firm does. The Truman comes with a razor protector. After you shave you put it in a box, and it keeps sharp for longer. My second shave with the Harry’s was nearly as good as my first. Not something that can be said for many.

The Pace 6 Plus gets no fancy protective case. It sits out with the elements and slowly grows dull. Very slowly as the second shave was also fantastic. Not quite as smooth as the second Harry’s, but that is to be expected. Still smoother than the vast majority of razors on the market.

Conclusion & Pricing – Dorco Pace 6 Plus Vs Harry’s Razor

It is here, for most of us, that the real choice is made. If the price of a product is not in your budget then you cannot entertain the idea of it. The Harry’s Truman, get it?, package will set you back $15 every two months. That is 8 cartridges, less than other subscription services. But we know that the longevity of a Harry’s blade is slightly better than the competition. The Dorco Pace 6 Plus would cost you $44.50 for 26 cartridges and the handle, working out at around $14 every month. Slightly cheaper, but a lump sum price. Really depends on your means then doesn’t it?

Harry’s have a leg up in terms of products as well. Not only do they stock their own brand of foam, like Dorco, but they have a whole list of stuff. Lip balms, face washes, travel kit lotion and post shave balms. They do not sell an exfoliant, which is a mistake, but it is nice to see a firm dedicated to provided a tailored shaving experience. They only have the one blade choice, so the fact that Dorco cartridges are interchangeable isn’t all that big a blow to them, but it is still a boon to Dorco.

This is hands down the most conflicted I have ever been about a razor product. Harry’s are fantastic value, and their blade offers a shaving experience on par with the second best that Dorco have to offer, I cannot inform on the best as I have yet to try it. They have a range of excellent products, though they missed a trick with the exfoliant, and they offer one of the best prices in the business, though over time you will be spending a few dollars more. I feel like I just talked my way into calling this one in favor of Dorco and their Pace 6 Plus, but I implore you to give Harry’s a go as well, they offer an excellent trial service just for that, you can always go back to the Dorco after.

Dorco Coupon & Promo Codes 2018

You can actually save a good bit money right now by using the following 2018 coupon codes for Dorco USA Products!

1. Click here to activate and use coupon code FEBDUSA17 to save $10 on an order of $40 or more. 

The post Dorco Pace 6 Plus Vs Harry’s Blades appeared first on Gazette Review.

Dollar Shave Club is one of my favorite brands. Their product is not simply a razor blade, but the entire shaving service. They offer a plethora of products that will suit your needs, and their pioneering delivery service is one of the best on the market. The company was founded by Mark Devine and Michael Dubin back in 2011, both were unhappy with the state of the razor industry, with their overpriced products, and were sick of forgetting to get razors. Their subscriptions service delivers a months worth of razors direct to your door, and you can customize the delivery to include all kinds of balms and pre shave accoutrements.

Dorco tend to the traditional, they offer a range of razors, at very reasonable prices, but have not got a subscription service in North America, they do in the United Kingdom though. Subscription razor services were a reaction to the overpriced nature of razors, and the fact that buying a replacement set of heads is an easy to forego expense. Dorco have addressed this by selling their products online at excellent prices.

Key differences here are obvious. Dorco and Dollar Shave Club have very different business models, but one to think about as a customer is the kept beard experience. Dorco are Korean, and beards are seldom worn there. The recent upswing in beard popularity in the west seems to have caught a fair few companies off guard, but not Dollar Shave Club. They offer a wide range of beard maintenance products, so consider them if you are looking to cultivate rather than prune.

The methodology is important, and I have spent many years honing my shaving style. Each blade will be tested against three days growth then again against 2 and a half days growth six days later. I will be using my own 5 step – 3 pass shaving method, if you are like me and prefer a clean-shaven face then this is the one to go for. First we use an exfoliant, to remove dead skin and allow the razor to glide. Next is the hot towel, this opens the pores and raises the hairs. Then we apply hot foam, get a cup full of hot water and just put the foam on top, will heat up nice and quick. Then the shave itself. First with the grain, perpendicular to the grain then a final pass against the grain. Finish up with a post shave balm, something with menthol in it to close your pores sharpish.

This is the week I was looking forward to when I started my comparison series between Dorco and Dollar Shave Club. The more blades the easier the shave, the easier the three pass shave at the very least. I cannot get enough of how close these things shave, and next week when I try out Dorco’s seven bladed razor I will be doubly excited.

So let’s get to cutting, or to not cutting, we’ll see how it goes.

The Fresh Blade – Dollar Shave Club The Executive Experience

Now we’re cooking. The last two weeks have been all about the base line products from Dorco and Dollar Shave Club, this week we are in the Flagships, the Executive and the Pace 6 Plus, two identical razors supplied in very different ways.

As I said, this is a supreme razor blade, the six blades are packed tight, so as to provide a near perfect shave in one with the grain stroke. Good enough for almost everybody, if not myself. The handle is balanced well, and has a nice sturdy, heft feel. I like a bit of weight to my razor handle, too light and it throws off my swing. This one is just right for medium length lilting strokes, near perfection. The lubricating strip is big here, bigger than most on the market, and it is under slung with an additional strip, allowing you to shave at your own speed and direction. Unfortunately I have no idea what’s in it, as that information is hard to come by.

On to the shave, and let me tell you brother, this thing slides by perfectly. This is the first Dollar Shave Club blade that matches the Dorco equivalent in terms of straight up closeness, not too much of a surprise considering Dorco supplies them. The mark of a good multi blade is its ability to shave to nothing on a single stroke. I found after the first pass that subsequent passes were almost unnecessary, but I’m a stickler, and by the end of the shave I was left clean and pristine.

I say that the razors with fewer blades are better for beard trimming, but they tend to not come with a back handle trimmer, which are great for the area below the nose. It means that if you want ultimate control over your shave you will have t buy an Executive or a Pace 6 and the like. For those of you who prefer the to the bone shave, a trimmer makes shaving the Adam’s apple a joy, and long time readers will know how hard I find that area.

The Fresh Blade – Dorco Pace 6 Plus Razor Experience

I cannot get enough of this razor. It’s been a week or so since I used one, but I have shaved with it three times in the past for other reviews. It is like an old friend, and until I test out the Pace 7 it is likely to be my personal go to blade after I finish up all of these reviews.

The handle is perfect for me, the weight is just right, and the ridges allow you to maintain a light grip, without fear of it falling. The lubricating strip is a little different from the lesser Dorco blades, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E and Lavender. No Allantoin in sight, but seen as it is paradoxically more difficult to cut yourself with a 6 bladed razor, that solution to cuts seems unnecessary. The range of motion to the pivot head is fantastic too, the blade will conform to even the sharpest of jaw lines easily.

I have a go to word to describe my shaving experience with the Dorco Pace 6 Plus, sublime. Each stroke easy, and the third pass almost superfluous. As with the executive, there is little to no pull from this six bladed monster, and the tightness of the shave after the first pass is one of the best on the market. The final pass went by smoother than other blades too, there being less on the skin. If you are after a stubbled look, then you will have to look elsewhere.

Again, much like the Executive, the trimmer at the back is great. I used it on the tricky upper lip and Adam’s apple, giving me a tighter shave, with other blades I have to be left satisfied with minor roughness in those areas, thankfully that is not the case with either of these blades.

Well, fresh bladed Executive’s and Pace 6 Plus’ work wonders, but we’re not done with these blades yet, let’s see how they do after a week sitting out.

The Dull Blade – Dorco Pace 6 Plus Vs Dollar Shave Club The Executive

This is a section for the thrifty. I want to know if how usable a blade is after the first week or so. I knew going into this that I would do a little damage, but it is a sacrifice I was willing to make. Thankfully this week we are testing 6 bladed builds, so they didn’t hurt quite as much.

The executive and the Pace 6 Plus are the same razor, so they must have the same longevity. Stands to reason. So let’s talk about the latter-day shave on these six bladed builds. I am impressed. I have shaved with lesser blades a few days later and been near cut to ribbons, but the mark of a good multi blade is its ability to shave close up to a week later, and both of these do that. There is some minor pull in the first stroke, but after a moment I found that easy rhythm, came away from the shave pristine and usual. If you are going for the ease of use of the Dollar Shave Club delivery method the Executive is the only one that really lives up to it.

Conclusion & Pricing – Dorco Pace 6 Plus Vs Dollar Shave Club The Executive

Welcome to the section that Dollar Shave Club usually wins hands down. The price. And while that as held true for both the Pace 4 and the Pace 3, the Pace 6 Plus is going to surprise you. The Executive will cost you $9 per month, that’s a handle and 5 cartridges per month. That’s $111 per year. Not to shabby. The Dorco Pace 6 Plus is $44.40 for the handle and 26 cartridges, due to a discount on the 24 cartridge pack at the moment. Expect to pay $64.40 normally. Works out, at 5 cartridges per month, to $103 per year.

There is one area that Dollar Shave Club have the edge, pun intended. The range of products offered by Dollar Shave Club is very impressive. If you like to have all the hassle removed from your razor shopping, and the ability to customize a monthly order to your exact specifications, then Dollar Shave Club are certainly worth it, the quality of customer service is amazing, and the personalized nature of the business impresses me. Dorco do not offer any accoutrements other than foam, but their blade heads and handles are interchangeable, unlike Dollar Shave Club. Changing a head in Dollar Shave Club is easy though, just tell them and pay the higher price.

This isn’t as hard to call as the other Pace Vs Dollar Shave Club articles. Dollar Shave Club usually have the edge in price, and offer the better service and the wider range of products. For a change it is actually more expensive to go with them, so this match goes to the Dorco. The Pace 6 Plus is still my favorite razor on the market, though we’ll see how it fares against the Pace 7.

Dorco Coupon & Promo Codes 2018

You can actually save a good bit money right now by using the following 2018 coupon codes for Dorco USA Products!

1. Click here to activate and use coupon code FEBDUSA17 to save $10 on an order of $40 or more. 

The post Dorco Pace 6 Plus Vs Dollar Shave Club The Executive – Razor Review appeared first on Gazette Review.

Dorco are a South Korean company, making in roads all over the world. Their US branch has been in operation for a while, and their UK services are excellent, taking on the subscription shave clubs. Since 1955 the have crafted top quality razor blades, and in the last few decades have been innovating in the field. They offer a seven bladed razor, which I haven’t got a chance to try yet but I am excited to do so.

This week I will be pitting the Pace 6 Plus against the Fusion. The Fusion is a solidly designed five bladed razor, and the quality on offer is up to Gillette’s usual standard. There may not be much in the way of design flourishes, but there doesn’t need to be. The Pace 6 Plus is a six blade design, and with the Plus variant Dorco really have poured their heart and soul into it. Every aspect of the build has been tweaked, from the shape of the handle to the chemicals used in the lubricating strip.

The methodology is simple. I will shave once every three days, first with the Gillette then with the Dorco. I will use a five step process, first an exfoliant, then a hot towel followed by warm foam. The Shave, step four, will be a three pass shave, with the grain, perpendicular to the grain and finally against the grain. The last step is the application of a menthol infused moisturizer, to close of the pores and reduce irritation. The end result should be, and has been in the past, a perfectly smooth face with zero stubble.

I am a huge fan of razors with lots of blades. There was a time when I scoffed with the rest of them, guffawing at the concept of adding more and more blades to a razor. But the difference, not only in time shaving, but also in quality of the shave has to be felt to really get.

The Fresh Blade – Gillette Fusion Experience

I used a Fusion for a long time before switching to a cheaper model. I was not dissatisfied with the razor itself, just found myself without the funds to keep up the habit. In the last while I have been using the Dorco blades, so going back to this was a little strange. First a look at the default handle. It is the quintessential design. Easy to hold, lots of grip fins, but it lacks in the range of movement department. There is some give, but not enough for me. The blade itself is very well designed, five tightly packed blades and a thin trip at the top.The lubricating strip at the top is a bit of an unknown, Gillette do not have detailed information on its make up freely available. It cooled and glided easily, for a while at least, so it gets a thumbs up from me in terms of composition. The unique feature here is a nice trimmer blade on the rear of the cartridge. Easy to miss, but it does a tremendous job of shaving the tricky area under the nose.

On the to the shave itself. Well I came away from this feeling a little underwhelmed. The first pass went by wonderfully, as did the second. The problem came in the third pass.As I rinsed the blade after the second pass I noticed the lubricating strip had vanished. It just wasn’t there. It is possible that I just had a bad cartridge, so I will be coming back to this blade in the future, but this shave became slightly more difficult that in needed to be from then on. The final pass was something of an attrition. Not too much tug, but with a 5 bladed razor I expected none, and was disappointed. Not cuts sustained, so that was a small blessing, but still.

If you are after the stubbly look you will have to look elsewhere. After my first pass I was essentially done. There was roughness, enough to warranty the two further passes, but it was pretty much only noticeable to myself. The trimmer is a nice touch here. As I tend to point out, more and more folk are wearing beards, so having the option to style your facial hair is a must for any company trying to snag a bit of that market.

Overall I had a worse experience than I feel I should have. I think I will be adding an addendum to this article next week, when I have the free time to shave with another Gillette Fusion razor. In the meantime I have to judge this to be underwhelming.

The Fresh Blade – Dorco Pace 6 Plus Razor Experience

This is only the second time I have used the Dorco Pace 6 Plus blade, and I was as impressed with the quality on offer as I was the first time. The handle is a little more advanced than the Fusion, with a good range of motion. They are as ergonomic as each other, and equally easy to keep a nice tight grip on. The lubricating strip on this build is itemized, unlike the Fusion, so we know for a fact what is used. Aloe Vera, vitamin E and Lavender extract. A balanced combination, a mix between anti-aging vitamin E, cooling Aloe Vera, soothing and scented Lavender. Not too shabby. This build has a trimmer blade at the back as well, a tight packed little blade that made short work of the philtrum, even if its position meant I could only shave one way.

The shave itself was sublime. Like silk over a bread knife. This blade glided across my skin without issue. The first two passes where enough to stop on, but I finished up with the third and was left with what is possibly the closest shave I have every had. There is still the slight stubble of the Adam’s apple to deal with, but at least I didn’t slice it open, as I am wont to do. These two razors are not appropriate for those looking for a tight stubble look, their first pass shaves too close for much to be visible, better to look at the three bladed variants from which ever company you prefer.

I already mentioned how good that shave was. The Lubricated strip stayed on til the end for this build, and the shave was better than any I have had before. I am looking forward to the seven bladed build from Dorco, because at this rate it is the only model on the market that might be able to beat the Pace 6 Plus.

The Dull Blade – Dorco Pace 6 Plus Vs Gillette Fusion

Now we take a look at the longevity of the builds. I leave the razors sitting in a container after I use them, for two days after shaving. Then I test the now no doubt more blunt blade. Getting your money’s worth is important, these cartridges cost a fair amount of cash so getting only one shave out of them would be ridiculous.

The Fusion came out a little worse for wear after my first shave with it, the lubricating strip having ceased to exist at some point in during my last shave, so i went into this shave a little trepidatious. It didn’t do too badly, but the tugging was present from the first moment I put the blade on my skin. I made it to the end relatively unscathed, some slight redness, but still clean shaven.

The Pace 6 Plus was a whole other matter. I swear it was an easier shave the second time. I could be a little rougher, a little faster, I knew it was unlikely to cut me at all. I got to the end of the shave, shaved to the skin, in less than ten minutes. It was probably my closest fastest shave yet. Very impressed with this.

Conclusion – Dorco Pace 6 Plus Vs Gillette Fusion

The price is going to separate these two, and I am sad to say that it is another poor showing for Gillette. It is no lie that they make some of the finest shaving products in the world, but I feel that their prices are not as competitive as they should be, a Fusion, with a handle and 4 cartridges will cost you nearly $30, the same as the Mach 3’s rrp. The same from Dorco, handle and 6 cartridges of Pace 6 plus, is a mere $16.50.

One final note on these razors. Buying from Gillette will restrict the cartridges you can use. The Fusion handle will only accept one of the two Fusion type cartridges, the manual or the power. The Pace 6 Plus handle will fit any of the Pace range, from the 3 to the 7. Gillette do offer a wider range of accessories and accoutrements, like balms and foams, all of which are fantastic.

There is not a doubt in my mind that the Gillette Fusion Power is a great product, but it seems to me that it is far outstripped by the Pace 6 plus. Now it might have seemed unfair to compare a six bladed razor to a 5 bladed razor, but 5 is the most blades that Gillette put on their builds, and neither of these are the flagship for either Dorco or Gillette.

Addendum – I shaved again with a new Fusion and while the lubricating strip did last all the way to the end, it was gone by the time I was done. I decided against the follow up shave because of this. Could be a bad pack of cartridges.

Dorco Coupon & Promo Codes 2018

You can actually save a good bit money right now by using the following 2018 coupon codes for Dorco USA Products!

1. Click here to activate and use coupon code FEBDUSA17 to save $10 on an order of $40 or more. 

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