I was using a certain competitor's 3-blade system, and tried some store-brand "compatible" cartridges that were AMAZING. Much better than the brand-name cartridges... longer-lasting, with a smoother shave and less irritation.
After some searching around online, I learned that pretty much all of these store-brand compatibles are actually manufactured by Schick. They're all Hydro 3's, slightly adapted to fit the other guy's handle. So I bought a "real" Hydro 3 handle, to try that out, and I found it to be a better handle too.
The only problem is that it's pretty much impossible to purchase a pack of Hydro 3 cartridges. Schick is WAY to focused on the upsell, and trying to get people to switch to Hydro 5 (I'm sorry, but I'm just not interested in a 5-blade system). So if you can find a five-pack of Hydro 3 cartridges in a store at all... it's actually four Hydro 3's, with a "bonus" Hydro 5 (they both fit the same handle). I hate to throw that Hydro 5 one away, but I don't really care to use it either.
It's crazy that Schick seems unenthusiastic about selling Hydro 3 cartridges for their own handle... but are happy to sell private-label Hydro 3 cartridges for their competitor's handle, and split the profits with a store. At any rate though, they're the best cartridges on the market today, no matter which handle you're sticking them on.
