Some interesting links and reading material. I think we can all agree multiblade carts are the devil so this isnt a post to dogpile them. Been there, done that. But in my recent research it costs Gillette, in full production, 50 cents to make each 5 blade cartridge. Then they resell them $4.50-$5.00 a head making that a 4,750% profit. So I was searching around for info on the manufacturing process itself. (much like the how-its-made video on DE blades) But I figure P&G is so secretive and protective of the process, no pictures or video of it exists. I guess they dont want to show how easy it is to make money off of ill informed consumers.
http://www.madehow.com/Volume-5/Safety-Razor.html
http://makkai.com/2012/04/how-intellectu...s-shaving/
I would like to counter argue that a Injector razor does provide a very good shave at an affordable cost so I disagree with the author on his point there. I agree that the use of patents to protect the product line is an effective tool in cornering a market.
And for a mind melting read on razors from a college instructor with a law degree
http://www.law.uchicago.edu/faculty/rese...ades-myths
One thing he doesnt point out, or just doesnt know, the government contract to supply all troops with Khaki sets during the war actually cemented Gillette as America's #1 choice of razor. It indoctrinated thousands of men to the use of Gillette, and provides that psychological link needed to ensure a repeat customer after the war. In addition, it gave Gillette a huge financial boost right when the blade patent was about to expire ensuring repeat customers with a known product post-war. (I think you could compare it to the gvt purchase of Aries K-cars and Diplomats for gvt use when Ioccocca ran Chrysler) Only I have yet to meet a gvt worker that ran out and bought a K-car after their staff car broke down driving the General around base.
http://www.madehow.com/Volume-5/Safety-Razor.html
http://makkai.com/2012/04/how-intellectu...s-shaving/
I would like to counter argue that a Injector razor does provide a very good shave at an affordable cost so I disagree with the author on his point there. I agree that the use of patents to protect the product line is an effective tool in cornering a market.
And for a mind melting read on razors from a college instructor with a law degree
http://www.law.uchicago.edu/faculty/rese...ades-myths
One thing he doesnt point out, or just doesnt know, the government contract to supply all troops with Khaki sets during the war actually cemented Gillette as America's #1 choice of razor. It indoctrinated thousands of men to the use of Gillette, and provides that psychological link needed to ensure a repeat customer after the war. In addition, it gave Gillette a huge financial boost right when the blade patent was about to expire ensuring repeat customers with a known product post-war. (I think you could compare it to the gvt purchase of Aries K-cars and Diplomats for gvt use when Ioccocca ran Chrysler) Only I have yet to meet a gvt worker that ran out and bought a K-car after their staff car broke down driving the General around base.