Dollar Shave Club is a razor and grooming product supplier that you may know from their funny commercials and their angle to take on the over-priced razor industry. In addition to an array low-priced products, they offer a number of affordable starter kits, which include a monthly subscription of razors and shaving gel refills. So you never have to bother going to the store.
It is important to note that this review is more about some of the items you can receive from DSC. The collection of items you see in this review is not a box that is available for purchase. That being said, Dollar Shave Club does have several sets to choose from:
"Mixed Blade Starter Set" which costs $8 and is the closest to the box you see here today. This is also the only set that I see where you can make it a one-time purchase (for $9.50) instead of a subscription.
"New Member Starter Set" which is also $8, but only for new customers.
As well as a "Build Your Own Starter Set," which asks you a couple questions to determine what is best for you.
They are also currently offering what they call the "Heatwave Limited Edition Set" for $18, which has a limited edition heavy metal handle.
All of the sets – and more on the site – include a monthly subscription in which you will receive a refill of four razors and shaving gel. The monthly installments are at full cost. You can cancel any time.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
I liked the look of the box, even if the mailing label got in the way. I got a kick out of its design to look like the person on the box has shaved. The items were a little thrown in there, but there isn't really anything that requires padding.
Inside the Dollar Shave Club Box
4-Blade and 6-Blade Razors - Retail Value $8.50 (4-Blade) or $10 (6-Blade)
Designed for a precise shave that requires less strokes, the Club Series 6-Blade is best for shorter hair or daily shavers. It features a flexible head and built-in trimmer blade for all those hard to reach places like under a nose or the edge of a sideburn. I have to be honest, I didn't even notice the trimmer blade until the website pointed it out, but the 6-blade made short work without it.
The Club Series 4 Blade features four blades designed for easy rinsing, wide enough to allow thick and long hair to pass through. They are great for anywhere you find longer hair, like the face, armpits, or legs.
Both feature a slim profile design for hard-to-shave spots and have a lubricating strip to keep things smooth. While they initially made their razors with men in mind, DSC invites women to try them out as well. As they say on their site, "the only thing you need in order to use a unisex Dollar Shave Club razor is hair you want to remove." So check them out.
I tried them both out in the same session. I shave one side of my face with the 4-blade and then used the 6-blade on the other. I asked my wife which side felt better and she said both felt the same. However, I will say the 6-blade was much more efficient. Since I shave in random intervals, I think I'll just leave the 6-blade on my handle for the foreseeable future.
Note: The Mixed Blade Starter Set only includes two of each blades for you to try. Other sets offer the option to receive a four-count of either blade.
Club Series Diamond Grip Handle - Retail Value $7
Whether you go with the 4 Blade or 6 Blade Club Series cartridge, both are compatible with this weighty, diamond-patterned grip handle designed for ultimate comfort and control. It comes in a few different colors, although I believe most of the starter kits will include the black one. I've been using the same Mach3 handle I got when I was 16. So this was a big step up for me. I like the weight and grip of it. I don't know if I can go back.
Razor Cover - Retail Value $5
For many years, I have just be throwing my razor into my toiletry bag, which dulls the blade and gets hair on everything else. So I was very excited about this simple razor cover, which keeps your razor protected and dry between shaves. It's clamshell design is lightweight and durable and features a ventilated base to let your blade drip dry. It's compatible with all DSC razors.
Shave Butter (6 oz.) - Retail Value $8
Shave Butter is a translucent shaving cream alternative that helps soften whiskers and enables precise navigation. The website says it's formulated to be gentle in that it soften hair for maximum glide, helps reduce the occurrence of ingrown hairs, and fights razor bumps. I found it lovely and as advertised.
Post Shave Cream - Retail Value $9
Gone are the days of your father's stinging, potent aftershave. DSC's Post Shave Cream is designed to give you lasting hydration with a formula made to replenish your skin while not feeling greasy. A hydrating blend of Safflower Oil, Squalane and Sodium Hyaluronate – with a subtle herbal fragrance – will give your face rich and lasting hydration. I've never used any post-shave product, but I was pleasantly surprise how soft my fave felt after using this.
Verdict
I was pleasantly surprised with these products from Dollar Shave Club. Not only how much I liked the experience, but also the prices. I did a quick internet search for comparable items and kits. I must say from what I've seen Dollar Shave Club has everyone beat. They offer more for less and even their refills are cheaper. Just their Mix Blade Kit would last me months and only cost around $11.50 (a one-time purchase plus shipping). There are a lot of options out there, but the long and short of it is you can find exactly what you want at Dollar Shave Club and usually at a cheaper price.
Keep track of your subscriptions by adding this box to your subscription list or wishlist.
Let's Talk About Value
The Mixed Blade Starter Kit is $8 if you subscribe for monthly refills or $9.50 as a one-time purchase. Shipping is a few dollars. The items you receive in that box retail for $31. That is a savings of $23 or $21.50, depending on which option you choose. That is a sold amount of savings, especially if you are just starting your grooming journey. In fact, all of the starter kits offer great savings. Plus, the razor refills are cheaper than comparable options.
To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? As I said, this particular box is not on their site. The Mixed Blade Starter Set is the closest one and there are several different kits available.
What do you think of Dollar Shave Club?
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