Category · 96 verified · 2 brands

Shaving Replacements: Razor Blades & Trimmer Heads

A dull razor blade is the primary cause of razor burn, ingrown hairs, and skin irritation. Each shave microscopically damages the blade edge, and after 5-7 uses, the blade tears rather than cuts hair. Compatible cartridges use the same stainless steel or titanium-coated blades as brand-name razors at a fraction of the cost.

Jump to brand:Braun Norelco

Brand · 48 listings

Braun

Brand · 48 listings

Norelco

Reference · Buying Guide

Guide to Razor & Trimmer Replacement Parts

Razor cartridge compatibility follows the handle platform. Gillette Fusion, ProGlide, and Fusion5 cartridges are cross-compatible. Schick Hydro 3 and 5 cartridges fit their respective handles. Compatible cartridges are engineered to match the blade geometry, lubricating strip composition, and pivot mechanism of the OEM design.

For electric shavers and trimmers, replacement heads are model-specific. Philips Norelco rotary heads are classified by number series (SH30, SH50, SH70, SH90). Braun foil shavers use cassette-style heads numbered by series (32B, 32S, 52B). Always match the series number, not just the shaver model name.

Blade quality is measured by the coating. Entry-level blades use stainless steel. Mid-range blades add chromium coating for corrosion resistance. Premium blades use titanium or diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating for the sharpest, longest-lasting edge. Compatible cartridges at the premium tier use the same coating technology as OEM.

Comparison · OEM vs Compatible

What actually differs

Feature	OEM	Compatible
Blade Material	Precision stainless steel	Precision stainless steel
Blade Coating	Titanium/DLC	Titanium/DLC (matched)
Lubricating Strip	Aloe/Vitamin E	Aloe/Vitamin E
Shaves Per Cartridge	5-7 shaves	5-7 shaves
Price Per Cartridge	$4 - $7	$1.50 - $3
Annual Cost (shaving 3x/wk)	$120 - $200	$45 - $85

Reference · FAQ

Frequently asked

01Will compatible cartridges fit my Gillette handle?

Compatible cartridges are designed to snap onto standard Gillette Fusion and ProGlide handles with the same locking mechanism. They will NOT fit Gillette SkinGuard or Labs handles, which use a modified pivot system.

02Why are brand-name razor cartridges so expensive?

Razor companies use the 'razor and blades' business model — selling handles at a loss and charging premium prices on replacement cartridges. The actual manufacturing cost of a multi-blade cartridge is $0.50-1.50. Compatible manufacturers sell closer to the actual cost with reasonable margin.

03How do I extend razor blade life?

Rinse the blade after every few strokes during shaving. Store the razor dry (not in the shower). Strop the blade on denim or a leather strip to realign the edge between uses. These habits can extend cartridge life from 5 to 10+ shaves.

Federal Protection

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. 2301-2312) prohibits manufacturers from voiding your warranty solely for using third-party replacement parts.Read more