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The mathematics of multiblade razors The Economist has a short, tongue-in-cheek piece this week about the math behind the evolution of multiblade shaving systems. “For the most cynical shavers,” the piece says, “this evolution is mere marketing. Twin blades seemed plausible. Three were a bit unlikely. Four, ridiculous. And five seems beyond the pale. Few people, though, seem willing to bet that Gillette’s five-bladed Fusion is the end of the road for razor-blade escalation.” Apparently, adding extra blades is quite a technical challenge. The nerds in The Economist’s graphics department whipped up the chart shown here in an attempt to predict the future proliferation of blades. “With only five data-points, it is hard to be sure exactly which mathematical curve is being followed. If it is what is known as a power law, then the 14-bladed razor should arrive in 2100.” After we’re all gone, thankfully. —Posted by Tim Nudd

March 20, 2006 | Permalink

Comments

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A little prediction of the future via The Onion, Feb 2004:
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/33930

Posted by: gillsans | Mar 20, 2006 2:49:01 PM

The best thing that describes this blade phenomenon is that old SNL mock-commercial with 18 or so blades and the "phantom" 6th blade. Good stuff.

Posted by: | Mar 20, 2006 10:21:27 PM

The funny thing is, is that the Dan Aykroyd skit from SNL was after the twin came out. They were joking and went up to the "absurd" number of five blades. Which... is where we currently stand.

Posted by: | Mar 20, 2006 10:39:45 PM

What, don't you feel it? This is an exciting time in the world of shaving. At least it is inside the quiet office of 'vice president, head of hair removal.'

Posted by: Doug | Mar 21, 2006 1:05:05 PM

And the tagline from the old SNL parody spot?
"Because You'll Believe Anything"

Posted by: Stubble Kaye | Mar 22, 2006 9:52:55 AM

It works great on the Scrotum.

Ladies, how is it on the labia majora?

Posted by: BagofNuts | Mar 22, 2006 10:06:32 PM

Check out my link for original and amusing articles about hair removal. Questions? These articles have answers!

Posted by: pubic hair removal | May 12, 2006 12:15:55 AM

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