As a middle aged consumer, I am very conscious of product utility versus costs.  Due to almost daily nicks from disposable blades and additional encouragement from siblings, I purchased a Mach 3.  Being somewhat of a "squeeze water from dime" individual, I get the max use out of my purchases.  I can honestly claim that for a relatively small cost increase over disposable blades the Gillette Mach 3 is superior as nicking is unheard of.  I have a tough middle age facial growth and I get super close shaves from individual blades.  Usage varies slightly but average 4 shaves per cartridge...