System razors samplers and comparison?

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22
Hi everyone, I know we shouldn't be talking much about system razors or we might run the risk of getting excommunicated :) on the other hand, when traveling only with hand-luggage, they are the only option and, at least in my experience, there are a couple of system razors that are excellent (will reveal my opinion later :)).
I have a few questions about this topic:
1. Is there a resource, online, where different system blades have been systematically compared for quality, price, durability, etc.?
2. I have found a few online shops that offer the possibility to sample different blades (http://shavedash.com/, http://tryablade.com/ and recently https://www.razorbladesclub.com/) but is there a similar concept for system razor cartridges? Or is it such that the different connections between blades and handles makes it much harder?
 
A key concept in cartridge razors is that it's a closed system; i.e. the handles are compatible with a deliberately narrow range of cartridge options. I imagine that there are blog/forum posts out there with reviews of a range of cartridge systems but, as with all things shaving, YMMV.

I've gone through plenty and prefer single-blade options (e.g. Bic disposables) that allow me to do my usual two pass shave with consistently comfortable results, whether using brush and soap or canned foam. However, my priorities and preferences are unlikely to match yours.
 
There are not that many to consider:

The following are available in Europe

Gillette
GII/Trac II/Blue II
Atra/Contour/Vector
Sensor/Sensor Excel
Sensor 3
Mach 3/Mach 3 Turbo
Fusion/Fusion ProGlide/Fusion Power/Fusion ProShield

Schick Wilkinson Sword
Duplo II (GII compatible)
Profile Plus/Super II Plus/Ultra Plus/Comfort Plus/Twin II Plus (Contour compatible)
Tracer/FX Performer/FD Diamond - discontinued
Extra 2 Disposable
Extra 3 Disposable
Protector
Protector 3
Xtreme3
Quattro
Hydro3
Hydro 5

Personna
Tri-Flexx
Matrix
Caliber 3
GT5

Dorco
Dual Fit (GII/Contour compatible)
TG II (Contour compatible)
Pace 3
Pace 4
Pace 6

Bic
Easy Clic
Flex 4

Feather
FII Neo
MR3 Neo

EDIT
King of Shaves (Kai)
Azor
Hyperglide

Croma
Xenon 5 (aka Harry's to our cousins)

Without a razor handle, it will be hard to try most carts. Some can be bought as disposables versions, but are technically the same. However, eBay can be your only option to buy a handle sometimes as they withdrawn long before the carts.
 
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A key concept in cartridge razors is that it's a closed system; i.e. the handles are compatible with a deliberately narrow range of cartridge options.
Very good point Burgundy, even though I remember finding some kind of universal handle (maybe made in China). It would be interesting to try...
 
Hey @Sabre looks like you are very knowledgeable in this area. May I ask you which one you tried and what you found best for you? I recently happened to try MR3 Neo and found it truly excellent (but tried relatively few more otherwise and wasn't impressed).
 
Hey @Sabre looks like you are very knowledgeable in this area. May I ask you which one you tried and what you found best for you? I recently happened to try MR3 Neo and found it truly excellent (but tried relatively few more otherwise and wasn't impressed).

I think I have tried everything except the Bic's and Pace 4. I prefer the Mach 3 or GII/Contour compatibles (I have 2000 odd carts ) - NOS Wilkinson Sword Profile are a favourite. The Slim Twin/Extra 2, Tracer, Quattro's are prone to clogging if you try and shave a four day growth. Most carts are perfectly fine whether Wilkinson Sword Hydro 3 or a Dorco Pace 6 from Sainsbury's.

The average guy isn't going to be using a Feather cart as there are few suppliers - Connaught or eBay. I haven't used one in ages. I should use the SamuraiEdge...
 
Thanks for the feedback @Sabre, I'm impressed :) I've heard Dorco has recently released the Dorco Pace 7 (which is not available in Europe, though). I didn't hear too many good things about the SamuraiEdge but haven't tried it myself. If you get the chance, I suggest you try again the MR3 Neo, it worked great for me :) Thanks again!
 
Thanks for the feedback @Sabre, I'm impressed :) I've heard Dorco has recently released the Dorco Pace 7 (which is not available in Europe, though). I didn't hear too many good things about the SamuraiEdge but haven't tried it myself. If you get the chance, I suggest you try again the MR3 Neo, it worked great for me :) Thanks again!
I have two, but the opened one is in storage along with a Kai Tetra 4...

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@Sabre Color me impressed :) I was recently in Japan and happen to try the KAI cart as well, but found it only mediocre (unlike their double edge blade which is my favorite blade). Would be interested in knowing your opinion for those as well. If there is one that should make a ranking of those blades, that's definitely you @Sabre :)
 
@Sabre Color me impressed :) I was recently in Japan and happen to try the KAI cart as well, but found it only mediocre (unlike their double edge blade which is my favorite blade). Would be interested in knowing your opinion for those as well. If there is one that should make a ranking of those blades, that's definitely you @Sabre :)
I edited the list above, Kai blades have been in the UK since 2008 with the King of Shaves Azor. They were previously released as the Lynx razor but were not very successful. I think the Azor is fine, the handle makes certain angles difficult. What I think most cart users in the UK judge is how much they save against the latest pack of Fusion carts, and whether that saving is a dramatic loss of performance. Either that or they are cheap twin blade disposables users who buy the cheapest thing going.

I have also used the Kai 5, but just the once.
 
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