I’ve been shaving my face and head with the Sensor Excel for 30 years. I’ve tried pretty much every Gillette razor iteration. Recently, I tried the Leaf Thorn and Twig as well. Seeing the price of the “vintage” Sensor Excel handle go through the roof is pretty amusing. I still have 2 of the originals and figured I’d give the Vector handle shown here a go. I was shocked! This new handle gave me the closest shave I’ve ever had. Please, don’t waste your money on the “vintage” handle. Just get this new one for $7! So, what I’m saying is FOR ME, and I shave a lot, the Sensor Excel is the only razor you’ll need. These 5 blade things are a complete waste of money. Cheers!
@Michael 100% agreed. They are only playing with nostalgia’s recall value and expecting someone to fall for it. I still can’t believe how good this razor is. It’s crazy cuz I never considered it to be any good for some reason. Hope you have a great day mate ✌🏼
Found a guy who was selling a vintage one at a reasonable price. With the plastic holder tray and everything. But guess what, "no internashunal shipping plz" even though the system clearly offers it (meaning, the guy should ship it to the online store, and they deal with the rest) And when speaking about that on reddit, sellers egg each other to be as antagonistic as possible. You don't want my goddamn money and are willing to gloat about that? So I ask, is this new Sensor handle just a light piece of plastic, lighter than a cheap Good News? Are the old ones heavy like a Mach 3 handle? Are they metal?
@@bluebirdsigma The older handles were made of something, not sure if it was metal, that made them a bit heavier. The older handle was also thinner than this new handle. What I like more about the new handle is that it's thicker, lighter and the rubber grips are much more effective. I'm guilty of putting too much pressure on my face and head to get a closer shave and this new handle really allows me to have a better shave because it's a lighter handle. We all shave differently, have different varieties of facial hair, so I understand that what one person says is "the best" may not be the same for the next. For ME, this handle although seemingly made of cheap plastic and not so cool looking, gives me a better shave than the original handle that people are now selling for like $100 which is absolutely not worth it. I don't even use mine any more. That's how much I like the new handle.
I think Gillette should had still be making that razor now since it was an excellent razor and always gave me and my dad a close shave. I don't know why they stopped in making that razor
То что сам станок снят с производства, это способ продвинуть в то время МАК-3, новую систему бритья с тройными лезвиями. Но, кассеты как выпускались так и до сих пор выпускаются. Любители Датчика, ничего не потеряли. Есть станки сегодня в продаже, у них замки идентичны к Датчику. Вектор-3, сенсор-3, блю-3. Так что никаких сложностей я не вижу.
I still have my original Sensor and Sensor Excel razors from 1989 (Sensor)and 1993 (Sensor Excel)!! Several are still never opened! In my opinion, they beat those 3 and up blade razors. They don't clog as bad and they are easier to maneuver around my goatee and sideburns. They started adding more blades to inflate the price! I like the new Sensor, but i just wish they would add weight to it by making one in all metal like the originals. Other than that, its a very good value! Thanks for reviewing it! I happy to see you like it! Some stores near me still sell Gillette replacement cartridge packs. They are pricey, but worth it! Have a good week! JimG
Agreed 100%. I'll add that the Sensor(s) have an important advantage - the pivot is centred over the blades, so that the pressure is applied evenly over the blades. The Mach 3 has the pivot to the SIDE of the cartridge (at the leading edge), and the spring is weak - this makes it impossible to apply an even force over the blades! They should either make the spring stronger, or remove it altogether. I even prefer some cheap, fully rigid disposables, to the Mach 3. I'm currently using a traditional DE, but if I ever switch back for some reason, it'll be to the Sensor Excel. I've never tried the ridiculous Fusion & similar atrocities, and never intend to.
@gregsullivan7408 I myself am primarily a DE razor shaver also. I use the cartridge razors for the back of my neck and shoulder areas. Once in awhile I'll use them for my face if I need a quick shave before going out. DE razors shave me closer and more comfortably.
@@JimG7755 I was shocked as to how good this razor is myself. My skin has adapted to a 5 bladed cart or R89/setting 5 on the Rockwell T2 to give me the best shave. Knowing that the Mach 3 never stood a chance, I had a pre conceived idea that the Sensor excel didn’t stand a chance but man was I wrong. Good to hear you have some of the OG handles. I see some of them online and the pricing is just ridiculous.
@@gregsullivan7408 That makes so much sense as to how the mechanics work with the sensor excel. I am so blown away. Wish dad was still around, he would have loved to say ‘I told you so’ 🤣
Terrific shave, AllyDz! Brings back a lot of good memories for me; my first razor was the Gillette Techmatic, and I used every "evolved" Gillette razor until the five bladed ones. The Sensor Excel remains my all time favorite, especially when accounting for its cost, simplicity, and smooth shaves. Seems like a lot of commenters here had the same experience. As always, I enjoy your good insights and your passion for shaving! All the best, Karl
I was going to buy the Mach 3 when it came out in the 90's. Then I tried it and went back to the sensor. I love the fact that it is easily maneuverable and can get into the nose area with ease. Have been using it for over 30 years now and still have the OG handle.
This and the skkingard are the best cartridge razors. And because I am clean shaven most of the time or at least during mid week, I often get ask at work about my shave routine, don't suffer from sensitive skin (since I survived after the Muhle R41) etc. etc. etc. I always recommend these two with soothing balm, for sensitive skin. Thing is the fusion 5 doesn't feel ringht anymore. Mach3 is fine I still love it.
@@allydz yes Ally. Tbh sensor excel costs 13£ per 10 pack, the skingard costs a bit more, 16£ per 8 pack. Now I do use couple of safety razors (king c, Wilkinson schick, muhle etc). To be honest if for saving money I’d say de razors are more cost effective. But the sensor blades last me about 10-12 saves per blade, the skingard 15-16. So if you’re me shaving twice a week at most I would say that it doesn’t make much difference. Having said that it didn’t really made much difference in my case. However, classic wet shaving is a nice hobby 😏
@@alexgeld7173 I agree, anything with these fusions mostly seems like an over kill. Funnily enough, both the 2 bladed carts and fusions work but the Mach 3/turbo doesn’t. Used to be my only razor until I was 23 and then I ditched it for the Fusion.
@@allydz Fusion wise, I only recommend the ProGlide. Funny enough I rarely suffer from razor burns but it feels like an overkill, since I can get the same result with feather blades and one blade lasts about 10 shaves. And they cost like 15-16 quid for a pack of 50 over here in the UK. So talking about cost effective, I think feathers are the best deal for the buck. Moreover over when it comes to Safety razors I don’t feel like I need anything than my trusted King C (got 2) and Wilkinson Sword’s butterfly. I’m considering getting the R89 just because I love the quality of the R41, but I don’t know! My first King C I had since it first came out and it doesn’t show signs of aging (just a bit of a scuff one since of the top cap), I’m asking myself do I really need to buy another razor? Same goes for the soaps. I’ve tried quite few, but my all time favourites are Nivea Sensitive shaving cream, proraso’s blue and green lines and TOBS grapefruit and sandalwood (proraso’s doesn’t work for me for some reason), the last which I funnily like to mix with the proraso’s sandalwood lotion and balm, over Geo F Trumper’s skin food, which I like to use more as a preshave, and it doesn’t really smell as sandalwood it goes down better with my Eton College and Grapefruit creams from TOBS. So actually I think I found my razors and blades of combination (blades I’d say Feather, Cloud Bruice Lee, Gillette platinum, Parma Sharp 7 o’clock, the black 7 o’clock, Wilkinson Sword Gillette, Lord platinum and super stainless ), my brushes, my razors and my crams and aftershaves unlike a lot of guys who are still trying tons of products.
@@alexgeld7173 If you have the King C, R89 is literally the same razor with a different handle. I went through the same journey where I got the EJ DE89, then King C, R41 and fell for the R89. The 3 razors (except R41)feel and shave literally the same. That’s some interesting mix with the creams and soaps you mentioned. It’s awesome to have a cool beautiful range of shaving gear. Thanks again for sharing in such detail
I Bought on Ebay a Newer Gillette Sensor Excel Cartridge Razor Handle Just Like Yours Plus mine Came with 3 Razors 2 Gillette Sensor Excel Cartridge Refills and 1 Gillette Sensor 3 Cartridge Refill I zcan See why you Like The Gillette Sensor Excel it's Smooth Gliding on Our Face Plus it Feels like a Gillette Sensor 3 Except the Excel is a Twin Blade Refills Plus it's a Better Shave Experience Than The Mach 3 I Dispise The Mach 3 I Don't know What The Majority Sees in Mach 3 As I Would Say the Gillette Sensor Line is Better And a Better Shaving Experience Plus I Also Love The Original Gillette sensor Refills They are The Best Gillettes In My View Would you Agree 😁😊
@joebustos3513 It's a shame they don't make them any more, I'm not exactly a fan of the Mach 3 as well. I shaved with the fusions and proglides since they were launched for the longest time.
@@allydz exactly Bro Plus I Can Buy the Disposable Version of Gillette Sensor 3 Disposable Razors and Take off the Refills And use it on My Gillette Sensor 3 Cartridge Razor Handle And I Save a Lot of Money 💵 😊😊😊
I’ve been shaving my face and head with the Sensor Excel for 30 years. I’ve tried pretty much every Gillette razor iteration. Recently, I tried the Leaf Thorn and Twig as well.
Seeing the price of the “vintage” Sensor Excel handle go through the roof is pretty amusing. I still have 2 of the originals and figured I’d give the Vector handle shown here a go. I was shocked! This new handle gave me the closest shave I’ve ever had. Please, don’t waste your money on the “vintage” handle. Just get this new one for $7!
So, what I’m saying is FOR ME, and I shave a lot, the Sensor Excel is the only razor you’ll need. These 5 blade things are a complete waste of money. Cheers!
@Michael 100% agreed. They are only playing with nostalgia’s recall value and expecting someone to fall for it. I still can’t believe how good this razor is. It’s crazy cuz I never considered it to be any good for some reason. Hope you have a great day mate ✌🏼
It’s all about the blade not the handle bro I’m a fan as well for nearly 30 years too
Found a guy who was selling a vintage one at a reasonable price. With the plastic holder tray and everything. But guess what, "no internashunal shipping plz" even though the system clearly offers it (meaning, the guy should ship it to the online store, and they deal with the rest)
And when speaking about that on reddit, sellers egg each other to be as antagonistic as possible. You don't want my goddamn money and are willing to gloat about that?
So I ask, is this new Sensor handle just a light piece of plastic, lighter than a cheap Good News? Are the old ones heavy like a Mach 3 handle? Are they metal?
@@bluebirdsigma The older handles were made of something, not sure if it was metal, that made them a bit heavier. The older handle was also thinner than this new handle. What I like more about the new handle is that it's thicker, lighter and the rubber grips are much more effective. I'm guilty of putting too much pressure on my face and head to get a closer shave and this new handle really allows me to have a better shave because it's a lighter handle. We all shave differently, have different varieties of facial hair, so I understand that what one person says is "the best" may not be the same for the next. For ME, this handle although seemingly made of cheap plastic and not so cool looking, gives me a better shave than the original handle that people are now selling for like $100 which is absolutely not worth it. I don't even use mine any more. That's how much I like the new handle.
I think Gillette should had still be making that razor now since it was an excellent razor and always gave me and my dad a close shave. I don't know why they stopped in making that razor
Agree brother… they obviously want more margins with the newer more expensive cart systems.
То что сам станок снят с производства, это способ продвинуть в то время МАК-3, новую систему бритья с тройными лезвиями. Но, кассеты как выпускались так и до сих пор выпускаются. Любители Датчика, ничего не потеряли. Есть станки сегодня в продаже, у них замки идентичны к Датчику. Вектор-3, сенсор-3, блю-3. Так что никаких сложностей я не вижу.
I still have my original Sensor and Sensor Excel razors from 1989 (Sensor)and 1993 (Sensor Excel)!! Several are still never opened! In my opinion, they beat those 3 and up blade razors. They don't clog as bad and they are easier to maneuver around my goatee and sideburns. They started adding more blades to inflate the price! I like the new Sensor, but i just wish they would add weight to it by making one in all metal like the originals. Other than that, its a very good value! Thanks for reviewing it! I happy to see you like it! Some stores near me still sell Gillette replacement cartridge packs. They are pricey, but worth it! Have a good week! JimG
Agreed 100%. I'll add that the Sensor(s) have an important advantage - the pivot is centred over the blades, so that the pressure is applied evenly over the blades. The Mach 3 has the pivot to the SIDE of the cartridge (at the leading edge), and the spring is weak - this makes it impossible to apply an even force over the blades! They should either make the spring stronger, or remove it altogether. I even prefer some cheap, fully rigid disposables, to the Mach 3.
I'm currently using a traditional DE, but if I ever switch back for some reason, it'll be to the Sensor Excel.
I've never tried the ridiculous Fusion & similar atrocities, and never intend to.
@gregsullivan7408 I myself am primarily a DE razor shaver also. I use the cartridge razors for the back of my neck and shoulder areas. Once in awhile I'll use them for my face if I need a quick shave before going out. DE razors shave me closer and more comfortably.
@@JimG7755 I was shocked as to how good this razor is myself. My skin has adapted to a 5 bladed cart or R89/setting 5 on the Rockwell T2 to give me the best shave. Knowing that the Mach 3 never stood a chance, I had a pre conceived idea that the Sensor excel didn’t stand a chance but man was I wrong. Good to hear you have some of the OG handles. I see some of them online and the pricing is just ridiculous.
@@gregsullivan7408 That makes so much sense as to how the mechanics work with the sensor excel. I am so blown away. Wish dad was still around, he would have loved to say ‘I told you so’ 🤣
I need blads
Terrific shave, AllyDz! Brings back a lot of good memories for me; my first razor was the Gillette Techmatic, and I used every "evolved" Gillette razor until the five bladed ones. The Sensor Excel remains my all time favorite, especially when accounting for its cost, simplicity, and smooth shaves. Seems like a lot of commenters here had the same experience. As always, I enjoy your good insights and your passion for shaving! All the best, Karl
Haha… “Evolved” for sure. Gillette and their marketing team.. Sensor is such a cool. Thanks for watching Karl!!
I was going to buy the Mach 3 when it came out in the 90's. Then I tried it and went back to the sensor. I love the fact that it is easily maneuverable and can get into the nose area with ease. Have been using it for over 30 years now and still have the OG handle.
@@dred1606 jealous you have the OG handle… they are hard to find 😎✌️
My go-to razor is the Mach 3 Turbo and the Parker Closed comb. But yeah sometimes I use the Fusion 5 pro glide for fun
Haven’t used any Parker’s razors so far but heard great feedback about them. All 3 fantastic razors ✌🏼
Has this razor been discontinued?
@pato2200 I just checked Amazon and it’s definitely available
This and the skkingard are the best cartridge razors. And because I am clean shaven most of the time or at least during mid week, I often get ask at work about my shave routine, don't suffer from sensitive skin (since I survived after the Muhle R41) etc. etc. etc. I always recommend these two with soothing balm, for sensitive skin. Thing is the fusion 5 doesn't feel ringht anymore. Mach3 is fine I still love it.
@alexgled7173 Good to hear bud, thanks for sharing your experience 👍 😀
@@allydz yes Ally. Tbh sensor excel costs 13£ per 10 pack, the skingard costs a bit more, 16£ per 8 pack. Now I do use couple of safety razors (king c, Wilkinson schick, muhle etc). To be honest if for saving money I’d say de razors are more cost effective. But the sensor blades last me about 10-12 saves per blade, the skingard 15-16. So if you’re me shaving twice a week at most I would say that it doesn’t make much difference. Having said that it didn’t really made much difference in my case. However, classic wet shaving is a nice hobby 😏
@@alexgeld7173 I agree, anything with these fusions mostly seems like an over kill. Funnily enough, both the 2 bladed carts and fusions work but the Mach 3/turbo doesn’t. Used to be my only razor until I was 23 and then I ditched it for the Fusion.
@@allydz Fusion wise, I only recommend the ProGlide. Funny enough I rarely suffer from razor burns but it feels like an overkill, since I can get the same result with feather blades and one blade lasts about 10 shaves. And they cost like 15-16 quid for a pack of 50 over here in the UK. So talking about cost effective, I think feathers are the best deal for the buck. Moreover over when it comes to Safety razors I don’t feel like I need anything than my trusted King C (got 2) and Wilkinson Sword’s butterfly. I’m considering getting the R89 just because I love the quality of the R41, but I don’t know! My first King C I had since it first came out and it doesn’t show signs of aging (just a bit of a scuff one since of the top cap), I’m asking myself do I really need to buy another razor? Same goes for the soaps. I’ve tried quite few, but my all time favourites are Nivea Sensitive shaving cream, proraso’s blue and green lines and TOBS grapefruit and sandalwood (proraso’s doesn’t work for me for some reason), the last which I funnily like to mix with the proraso’s sandalwood lotion and balm, over Geo F Trumper’s skin food, which I like to use more as a preshave, and it doesn’t really smell as sandalwood it goes down better with my Eton College and Grapefruit creams from TOBS. So actually I think I found my razors and blades of combination (blades I’d say Feather, Cloud Bruice Lee, Gillette platinum, Parma Sharp 7 o’clock, the black 7 o’clock, Wilkinson Sword Gillette, Lord platinum and super stainless ), my brushes, my razors and my crams and aftershaves unlike a lot of guys who are still trying tons of products.
@@alexgeld7173 If you have the King C, R89 is literally the same razor with a different handle. I went through the same journey where I got the EJ DE89, then King C, R41 and fell for the R89. The 3 razors (except R41)feel and shave literally the same.
That’s some interesting mix with the creams and soaps you mentioned. It’s awesome to have a cool beautiful range of shaving gear. Thanks again for sharing in such detail
which razor gives you the closest shave? : Gillette mach 3, Gillette Fusion, Gillette Sensor Excel, Gillette Fusion proglide
Amongst the 4, Fusion proglide for me.
What about Gillette Vector?
@derion917 this sensor excel and vector essentially use the same blade and system.
It is sold in India as Gillette vector 3 I guess.
Wow, I just looked it up and That’s absolutely correct 👍🏼
@@allydz vector is similar but not the same excel cartridges dont fit on vector handle
I Bought on Ebay a Newer Gillette Sensor Excel Cartridge Razor Handle Just Like Yours Plus mine Came with 3 Razors 2 Gillette Sensor Excel Cartridge Refills and 1 Gillette Sensor 3 Cartridge Refill I zcan See why you Like The Gillette Sensor Excel it's Smooth Gliding on Our Face Plus it Feels like a Gillette Sensor 3 Except the Excel is a Twin Blade Refills Plus it's a Better Shave Experience Than The Mach 3 I Dispise The Mach 3 I Don't know What The Majority Sees in Mach 3 As I Would Say the Gillette Sensor Line is Better And a Better Shaving Experience Plus I Also Love The Original Gillette sensor Refills They are The Best Gillettes In My View Would you Agree 😁😊
@joebustos3513 It's a shame they don't make them any more, I'm not exactly a fan of the Mach 3 as well. I shaved with the fusions and proglides since they were launched for the longest time.
An excellent cartridge - better than the Mach 3 IMHO
100%
The Sensor Excel is the best cartridge razor ever
It's awesome brother. One of the razors that has stayed in my rotation.
Try the track 2
@krank30000 Man I would love to. They don't make them any more..
The Best!!!!!!!!! ❤
Nice
Thank you 😊
I Have a Gillette sensor 3 Cartridge Razor Handle i Bought in 2007 i Still have Yet To Try The Gillette Sensor Excel 😊😊😊
@@joebustos3513 Oh wow, yes they did the excel 3 as well. they don’t make them anymore right..
@@allydz exactly Bro Plus I Can Buy the Disposable Version of Gillette Sensor 3 Disposable Razors and Take off the Refills And use it on My Gillette Sensor 3 Cartridge Razor Handle And I Save a Lot of Money 💵 😊😊😊
@@joebustos3513 that’s nice, didn’t realise them disposable carts worked with the razor
@@allydz yes Bro Plus Same Mechanism 😁😁