Terming it a “revolutionary advance in shaving technology,” the Gillette Corporation today unveiled the Uno™ and the Uno Buzz™, two new wet shaving systems for men featuring advanced blade technology.
“Unlike other shaving systems, which rely on progressively more and more blades to deliver a close shave,” explained the Company’s head of product development, “The Uno™ uses a single, extremely sharp blade, precisely positioned on the head of the shaver. As the user drags the shaver across his face, the unique Uno™ blade slices into the hair, delivering an exceptionally efficient and close shave.”
Similar to the Uno™, the Uno Buzz™ has incorporated within it a battery and a small loudspeaker that emits a patented “bzzzzz™” when turned on by the user. “The buzzing noise enhances the shaving experience, creating an unparalleled level of shaving excitement,” said a Company spokeswoman.
Gillette cited several advantages to Uno’s™ unique single-blade technology. The single blade is far easier to clean than are shavers with multiple blades, it is less likely to clog with stubble, and it can be more precisely positioned on the face for accurate trimming.
Gillette’s announcement caught competitors by surprise, particularly the Schick Corporation, which had been hoping to one-up Gillette’s previous shaving breakthrough – the Fusion – with a seven-bladed razor it planned to call the Septum. A Schick spokesman promised the Company would soon bring to market its own single-bladed shaver to compete with the Uno™, but Gillette scoffed at the claim. “The Uno’s™ unique technology is protected by a welter of patents and trade secrets. Duplicating the single-blade technology will simply not be possible,” said one Company attorney.
Gillette said that the Uno™ shavers themselves will be priced at 99 cents, while the blades will retail for $15.00 each. “It may seem expensive,” said the spokeswoman, “but that’s the price one has to pay for being the best a man can get.”