For the past several years I’ve considered myself a Gillette guy, insomuch as I’ve shaved exclusively with Gillette razors for as long as I can remember.  So although I said “sure” (I pretty much always do) when the people that handle the online marketing for Schick offered to send me one of their new Quattro Titanium trimmers, I fully expected I’d use it a few times, write a review, and then toss it the garbage alongside a used strand of dental floss.

Before I get to the review, let me a give you a quick hit list of the biggest features of the Quattro Titanium Trimmer.

• 4 titanium-coated blades
• edging blade for precision in hard to reach places
• adjustable 4 position beard, mustache (and anywhere else you want to use it) battery-powered trimmer

At the end of the day, the Quattro Titanium is a standard multi-blade razor with a small built in trimmer, and that’s really all you need to know.

Comparatively speaking the Schick feels different on my face than the Gillette.  I’m guessing that perception is stems from so many years of using a powered Gillette that I’ve basically forgotten what a normal razor feels like.  Feel-wise the Schick is not better, it’s not worse…it’s just different.

In terms of shave quality, my evidence, anecdotal as it may be, suggests that, when the blades are brand spanking new, the Gillette outperform the Schick (not to suggest the Schick does a bad job).  Two or three shaves later, however; my Gillette blades were clearly starting to lose their edge, while with the same wear and tear, the Schick was still shaving hairs with the same ease as it did new.  Maybe it’s the titanium thing, maybe it’s just better design, I really don’t know.

What I do know is that the Schick blades seem to hold up better, and since 8 blades will run you about $20 (how ridiculous is that?), durability is kind of a big deal.  A sharper blade also means fewer cuts and fewer ingrown hairs.  I like that.

What sets the Quattro Titanium Trimmer apart from other razors in its class, is, well, the trimmer.  Powered by a single AAA battery, the built-in, 4-way adjustable trimmer, is a handy little bonus.  Most of us guys with facial hair have an assortment of trimmers to manage it, so adding yet another trimming device might seem like overkill, but…

While you’re not going to trim an entire goatee (especially if you’re Kevin Youkilis) with the Quattro Trimmer, it’s very adept at knocking down the wayward hairs that sprout up between normal groomings.  I find it especially handy when working directly under my nose, and just above my upper lip.  Could I accomplish the same thing with one of my other trimmers?  Yup, absolutely, by the Quattro is already in my hands, and its diminutive size makes it easy to get at the unruly spots without too much concern for over-clipping.

I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t miss the vibration-thing of my Gillette razor, but I’m more than willing to part with it for the built-in trimmer, and more importantly, razor blades that maintain their edge for more than a couple of shaves.

My recollection is that I became a “Gillette guy” because I got one in the mail one day.  It seems fitting that I’m becoming a Schick guy for basically the same reason.

Spend $30 or Schick products and you’ll save $5 off you’re order.  Shipping is always free.

Schick Quattro Trimmer

8 Count Quattro Blades

4 Count Quattro Blades