M5 Magnum 5 blade razor with trimmer, in travel case by Personna - Free Prime shipping

 (37 customer reviews)

I bought both the Gillette Fusion and the M5 Magnum at the same time so I could compare directly, having been on the lookout for good alternatives to inflated razor prices. I was previously a Mach 3 user, and a Gillette customer for the previous 5 years at least. Tried the M5 and Fusion out alternately, about a week on one and a week on the other. Mind you, a week for me generally equals maybe 2 shaving sessions, since I tend to be lazy and just do it when my face starts itching from a buildup of long hairs. So I was testing on an average of 3 days' growth.

For the uninitiated, the Fusion is Gillette's offering in the 5-blade replaceable-head shaving market. The M5 Magnum is also a 5-blade replaceable-head shaver, though manufactured by Personna, an unadvertised manufacturer, and is sold across the USA (don't know about other countries) as either a generic or house brand. That means that some retail chains actually put their name on the razor packaging -- mine was branded...Read more

First note, I get these branded for the Duane Reade stores in NYC. It's the same product, just different packaging.

I have to say that for the price this razor can't be beat. I find the shave to be just as good as the Fusion. My tough beard gives me problems with most other razors, but with 5 blades I can shave regularly and not cut my face to shreds. I combine this with Nivea shave gel (sensitive skin) and I get a perfectly smooth shave, every time.

Only two issues. The blades get dull just a little bit faster than the Fusion, but not to the point where it negates the savings. The other issue is the trimmer blade doesnt seem to be as sharp as the main blades and I find myself needing multiple strokes to take care of those stubborn sub-nostril whiskers.

Bought this item at costco, deciding that the $18 price tag was less than 1/2 of my mach 3 carts.

First off, I don't use shave cream, or lather or anything. I take a hot shower, then shave. I do not have anything close to sensitive skin, but I do have a thick beard and I tend to clog all other razors but the mach 3 (which is why I have used that razor for the last 10 years. Anyway, got out of the shower as usual, filled the sink with hot water and started the shave. It was a great shave, little to no snagging with a 3 day growth and was a nice close shave for me. Found it difficult to shave around my gotee due to being new with the razor and not knowing how to position it to shave with precision. Overall a very nice shave and was great for the money.

I agree that the trimmer blade is useless, it didn't even touch the sideburns when I tried it for a touchup.