If you've recently tried to pick up a pack of Gillette Sensor Excel blades in Boots, a supermarket, or a chemist and come away empty-handed, you're not imagining things. Sensor Excel blades have largely disappeared from UK high street shelves — but they are still manufactured and available to buy online. This guide explains what's happened to them, why they remain so popular, and where to find them.
Are Gillette Sensor Excel Blades Discontinued?
Gillette Sensor Excel blades are not fully discontinued. Gillette has discontinued the permanent Sensor and Sensor Excel razor handles, but the replacement blade cartridges continue to be manufactured and sold. The blades have disappeared from most UK high street retailers — including Boots, supermarkets, and chemists — because Gillette's current marketing focus is on newer systems such as Fusion5, ProGlide, and Gillette Labs. They remain available from specialist online retailers — including our Gillette Sensor Excel collection, which is kept reliably in stock.
Why Are Gillette Sensor Excel Blades So Popular?
Gillette has released many newer, more heavily marketed systems since the Sensor Excel — so why do so many shavers refuse to move on? The honest answer is that the twin-blade design genuinely works well for a lot of people.
Two independently sprung blades adapt to the contours of the face, and soft Microfins ahead of the blades hold the skin taut to reduce drag and irritation. Without the bulk of a modern five-blade pivot head, the compact head gives precise control around the nose, jaw, and sideburns — areas where larger cartridge heads can struggle.
For shavers with sensitive skin in particular, fewer blades often means less irritation. Each blade pass is another opportunity for redness and razor burn, and the Sensor Excel's dual-blade system causes less friction than its multi-blade successors. If skin sensitivity is your primary concern, the Gillette SkinGuard is also worth considering — it's specifically engineered to minimise blade contact with sensitive skin.
There's also the cost factor. Sensor Excel refills are generally cheaper per cartridge than Fusion5 or ProGlide replacements, making them better value for regular shavers who prioritise a comfortable, reliable shave over the latest technology.
Are Other Classic Gillette Ranges Also Hard to Find?
Sensor Excel isn't the only classic Gillette range that's disappeared from the high street. GII Plus and Contour Plus blades have similarly vanished from most UK retailers while remaining in production. If you rely on any of these older ranges, buying online from a specialist retailer is currently the most reliable option — we stock all three at Crazy Kangaroo.
Will Gillette Sensor Excel Blades Continue to Be Available?
Gillette continues to manufacture Sensor Excel blades, but they are not actively promoted and their long-term availability is uncertain. Shavers who rely on them are advised to buy in bulk while stock is reliably available — the blades have a long shelf life, and larger packs offer better value per blade.
Where to Buy Gillette Sensor Excel Blades in the UK
Crazy Kangaroo stocks genuine Gillette Sensor Excel blades in a range of pack sizes — from a standard 5-pack through to bulk bundles of 50 blades. All blades are 100% genuine Gillette, supplied from authorised sources, with fast, free UK delivery via Royal Mail First Class.
Browse our full Gillette razors and blades range to see everything we stock.
