When it comes to men’s grooming, few names are as recognisable and widely trusted as Gillette. For decades, the brand has built a reputation for delivering consistent performance, reliable comfort, and close, irritation-free shaves. Their Fusion5 razor blade refills remain one of the most popular choices in the UK—especially for men seeking a hassle-free shave that balances longevity, smoothness, and precision.
This 11-blade refill pack is aimed at men who value premium shaving quality and want blades that last. But does it justify its price tag in 2025’s fiercely competitive grooming market? Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide.
Build Quality & Blade Technology
The standout feature of the Fusion5 line has always been its five anti-friction blades, designed to glide effortlessly across the skin with minimal tugging or pulling. Compared to older systems like the Mach3, Gillette promises a noticeably smoother shave—and in daily use, the difference is easy to feel.
✔ Five Anti-Friction Blades
The blade spacing and coating ensure the razor cuts hair efficiently without dragging against the skin. This is particularly useful for men with sensitive skin or those who shave frequently.
✔ Stabilised Blade Architecture
This updated version includes enhanced stabilisation, meaning the blades adjust better to the face’s natural contours. Whether you’re shaving around the jawline, chin, or neck, the cartridge maintains pressure and alignment for a more consistent shave.
✔ Improved Lubrastrip
Gillette has made the lubrastrip larger and longer-lasting than previous Fusion5 versions. It activates on contact with water, helping the razor glide seamlessly—especially useful for dry or coarse hair.
Comfort & Shaving Experience
From the first pass, it’s clear why Fusion5 has remained a bestseller. The shave is exceptionally smooth, with very little need to repeat strokes.
✔ Comfortable Even on Sensitive Skin
The lubrication and blade smoothness reduce irritation, especially for men who shave daily for work or prefer a clean-shaven look.
✔ Fewer Strokes Needed
The sharp blades capture more hair in a single swipe, meaning less time spent shaving and less friction across the face.
✔ Excellent for Thick or Fast-Growing Facial Hair
The anti-friction coating prevents snagging, making it effective even after 2–3 days of regrowth.
Precision Trimmer for Detailing
One of the strongest selling points of the Fusion5 system is the precision trimmer located on the back of the cartridge.
✔ Ideal for Edging and Finishing
Whether you want clean lines around your goatee, sideburns, or moustache, the precision blade makes detailing simple and accurate.
✔ Useful for Hard-to-Reach Spots
Under the nose, around the Adam’s apple, and along curves of the jaw—all benefit from the trimmer.
Longevity & Value for Money
Gillette claims one blade can deliver up to 20 comfortable shaves, though real-world performance may vary based on beard thickness, shaving frequency, and technique.
✔ High Durability
Most users can expect between 14–20 shaves per blade, placing Fusion5 among the longest-lasting premium cartridges on the market.
✔ The 11-Pack Offers Better Value
Buying in bulk significantly reduces the cost per cartridge compared to smaller packs.
✔ Consistent Performance Over Time
Even nearing the end of its lifespan, each blade maintains sharpness well and doesn't degrade suddenly.
✘ Premium Price Point
As expected with Gillette, the blades aren’t cheap. There are more economical options available, but few match the same level of comfort and quality.
Compatibility
✔ Fits All Fusion Handles
This includes the standard Fusion, Fusion5, Fusion5 ProGlide, and Fusion ProShield handles—making replacement simple if you already own any Gillette Fusion razor.
Who This Pack Is Best For
✔ Men with sensitive skin
✔ Professionals who shave daily
✔ Men maintaining clean, defined beard edges
✔ Those who prefer premium results without irritation
✔ Anyone already using a Fusion handle and wanting the best compatible refills
Areas for Improvement
✘ Price remains a barrier for budget-conscious buyers.
✘ Not ideal for very heavy beards if you prefer a single-pass shave; thick beards may still require 2–3 passes, though comfortably.
✘ Lubrastrip fades faster with hot water—something frequent hot-shower shavers may notice.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The Gillette Fusion5 11-pack refill blades deliver exactly what they promise: a close, smooth, reliable shave with excellent comfort and minimal irritation. The precision trimmer is genuinely useful, and the durability of each blade offsets some of the higher cost.
For men in the UK who prioritise shaving performance and skin comfort, this pack is a strong, dependable choice. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, you might not find Fusion5’s premium feel—but if quality is your priority, these blades are difficult to beat.
Overall:
✔ High performance
✔ Long-lasting
✔ Great comfort
✔ Excellent detailing capabilities
✘ Pricier than mid-range options
A recommended purchase for anyone seeking a premium shaving experience.