The True Cost of Shaving: What Cartridge Razors Don’t Tell You

1. A Shaving Habit Defined by “Convenience”

For decades, most men have never truly chosen how they shave.

Walk into any supermarket or drugstore, and you’ll almost always see the same thing:

Multi-blade cartridge razors.

They appear to be the obvious choice:

Modern design. Easy to use. Low upfront cost

It all feels natural—almost unquestionable.

But what many people don’t realize is that this “default choice” has been shaped over time by large brands and capital:

Dominating offline retail channels

Controlling shelf visibility

Continuously pushing systems with more blades at higher prices

Over time, we’ve come to accept: Shaving = constantly buying expensive replacement cartridges. Without ever stopping to ask: Is this really the best option?

2. Looks Cheap — But Isn’t

The biggest misconception about cartridge razors is simple:

They are cheap to start, but expensive to maintain.

Let’s break it down with a simple, realistic example.

Assumptions:

Shaving once every 3 days (~122 times per year)

Typical usage:

Cost per shave:

The result is clear:

Each shave with a cartridge razor costs over 25 times more than safety razor.

Now, over a year:

Safety razor: ~€1.70 / year

Cartridge razor: ~€48 / year

Difference: €45+ per year

What does this really mean?

You’re not just buying a razor.

You're subscribing to a system that keeps charging you — over and over again.

3. It’s Not Just About Money

If it were only about cost, that alone might not be enough to change habits.

But the reality is, cartridge razors come with other downsides.

Skin Issues

The design logic of multi-blade cartridges is sample: more blades mean more cuts in a single pass.

This often leads to repeated pulling on the skin, increased irritation, redness and post-shave discomfort and a higher chance of ingrown hairs.

Many people assume this is just “their skin being sensitive.”

But in many cases, it’s actually the tool.

Environmental Impact

Cartridge heads are typically made from a mix of plastic, metal and rubber.

These materials are fused together, making them almost impossible to recycle.

Which means every used cartridge head eventually becomes waste. Over time, this creates a highly consumptive and unsustainable system.

4. A Simpler Alternative: Safety Razors

More and more people are rediscovering a classic solution:

The Double Edge Safety Razor.

At first glance, it may seem “old-fashioned.” But in reality, it solves many modern problems.

✔ Lower Long-Term Cost

The blade is incredibly simple: A single piece of stainless steel.

Extremely low production cost. That’s why the cost per shave can drop to just a few cents.

✔ A Better Shaving Experience

Single blade = less irritation 

More control over angle and pressure. Less pulling and repeated cutting.

For many users, shaving goes from something you endure to something you enjoy.

✔ More Sustainable

The blades are recyclable, the razor itself can last for years, and with minimal plastic waste, it offers a much more sustainable approach overall.

5. So Why Isn’t Everyone Using It?

The answer is simple:

Safety razors come with a learning curve.

They require understanding the right angle, controlling pressure and a short adaptation period.

That learning curve is exactly what holds many people back.

At the same time, we fully recognize a real concern:

If safety razors are better, why hasn't everyone switched?

A key reason is the learning cost and trial-and-error involved.

Traditional safety razors require users to find the correct shaving angle themselves, which can lead to cuts if used incorrectly, and often involve an uncomfortable adjustment phase for beginners.

That’s enough to stop many people from even trying.

Making the Switch Easier — The Idea Behind Taisoto DUO

This is exactly where Taisoto DUO comes in.

We didn’t just set out to make another safety razor.

We set out to remove the barriers for first-time users.

✔ Fixed 30° Shaving Angle

Taisoto DUO is designed with a built-in 30° shaving angle, helping users naturally maintain a safe and effective position.

This means:

No need to “guess” the angle

Reduced risk of cuts and irritation

A much smoother learning experience

✔Dual-Sided Design: Gentle & Efficient

One razor, two shaving modes:

One side is milder, ideal for beginners or daily use.

The other is more efficient, for a closer shave when needed.

Users can easily switch between the two, without buying additional tools.

✔ Foolproof Design

To reduce user errors, we’ve incorporated intuitive structural features that minimizing incorrect blade installation, reducing unnecessary learning friction, and improving overall consistency and confidence.

We aim to keep everything that makes safety razors great,
while removing the parts that make them intimidating.

6. Shaving Is More Than a Task

Once you start using a safety razor, something interesting happens.

Lather is no longer rushed.

Shaving is no longer a chore.

Each session becomes intentional.

That’s why many people call it: Wet Shaving.

It’s not just about removing hair.

It’s about slowing down, being present, and enjoying the process.

7. A Long-Term Perspective

In the short term, cartridge razors are convenient.

They seem cheaper, but over time, they cost more, irritate more  and create more waste.

Meanwhile, safety razors require a higher upfront investment, but become more economical over time.

Deliver a better experience along the way.

A Simple Question

At the end of the day, you can ask yourself:

Are you paying for convenience, or choosing a better long-term solution?

What This Means For You

Changing the way you shave doesn’t have to happen overnight.

But once you start looking at the cost, the experience, and the long-term impact,
you may begin to realize:

Some "normal" choices are not actually the best ones.

And often, the better solution is the simpler one.