Schick Quattro Titanium Review

Our BIC Flex 5 Titanium Experience

We know this razor well and can say from experience that it still performs well enough to continue earning our respect. Compared to other cartridge razors on our list, we don't think there's a better deal for the price.

Most of our testing was done at home in front of the bathroom mirror. Sometimes we were in a hurry to get to work, other times we were touching things up before a date. On the whole, we've always liked the quick, smooth results this razor has given us over the years.

Putting on the finishing touches to our neck before work.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

Proof of this razor's ability to provide a close shave without nicks or cuts.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

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Even at a lower price, the Schick Quattro Titanium has all of the key ingredients that are needed in a cartridge razor: a pivoting head, metal handle, lubrication strips, skin guard, and a well-balanced handle. We're going on six years of using this razor, and while it's not perfect, it still works better than most razors we tested at a bargain price.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Shave Quality

For its price point, the Quattro Titanium offers a solid shave. We were quite impressed with its ability to bulldoze through stubble with its four-bladed cartridge.

Although some areas of our face and neck required more than one pass to achieve a smooth shave, we were always satisfied with the final results, which looked clean and felt smooth. The only caveat is that it may take a bit longer.

One thing we really liked was this razor's latticed blade system. Its four horizontal blades are sectioned off by seven vertical guards. The result is a boxed system that goes a long way towards preventing nicks and cuts, especially for those who are still fine-tuning pressure. We always felt comfortable pressing firmly on the razor.

Glide and Comfort

Although not perfect, the Quattro Titanium has a decent glide that moves across the face and neck fairly well.

The sectioned blade design requires a slower shaving motion for a smooth glide. Instead, it tends to drag, and while not uncomfortable, it is slower. When we pull it more quickly across the skin, it occasionally pulls at our hair.

Handle Ergonomics

The comfortable, grippy handle gives the Schick Quattro Titanium a little more mass, making it easier to hold. Its traditional shape fits nicely in the hand.

The Quattro Titanium has a pretty straight handle, and at first we thought it would be less comfortable to hold onto. It turns out we were wrong. Its traditional design has a hint of an hourglass shape, and just enough of an arch to fall easily into our palms. We also liked the raised-rubber gripping that keeps it from slipping. It worked well, even when our hands were wet.

Build Quality and Durability

This razor is better made than many budget models in our lineup. We loved the solid metal handle, and feel it will last through a few cartridge packs. The Quattro Titanium definitely hits the mark here. However, we didn't like the shaving head (which is made primarily of plastic), or how it attaches to the razor handle.

Based on our experience, the attachment mechanism is small and somewhat weak. Its less-than-substantial design doesn't hold onto the blade cartridge very well. In fact, we often found it difficult to tell whether the cartridge was firmly in place.

Ease of Cleaning and Blade Replacement

The Quattro Titanium earned its lowest marks in this test. Its overall performance wasn't as good as we hoped, and it performed just below average for the group we tested.

The vertical guards on the front of the blades prevent hair and shave cream from flowing freely, and the back side of the cartridge is almost completely enclosed. This combination led to a bit of havoc when we tried to rinse the Titanium. It takes much longer, which is annoying when you're shaving in a hurry.

With a little extra effort, we were able to achieve success, but the overall process didn't compare well against other models we tested alongside it. This is especially true if you use a thicker or creamier textured shave cream.

Should You Buy the Schick Quattro Titanium?

We think the Schick Quattro Titanium has three key selling points: it's an affordable cartridge razor, provides a decent shave, and does a great job of preventing nicks and cuts even if you don't have the most delicate hand. Its value goes a long way considering it also comes with multiple head replacements in the starter pack. We think it is a great option for newbies because of its protective nature and easy price tag.

What Other Razors Should You Consider?

If you're looking for an absolutely seamless, smooth shave with a lubrication strip that will last a long time, we recommend increasing your budget by about $10 for the Gillette ProGlide Shield. This model makes shaving quick and easy without leaving behind any bumps or razor burn.

But if you're in a pinch because you're on a business trip, forgot your main razor at home, and just need something to get you through the next few days, the BIC Flex 5 Titanium Disposable will take care of you.