The Gillette Mach3 is a line of safety razors produced by Gilette and introduced in 1998 after more than $750 million in research and development costs. The three blade design is marketed by Gillette as allowing for a shave with less pressure to the skin and with fewer strokes, thereby reducing skin irritation. The Mach3 is more expensive than many other razors. The Gillette Fusion with 5 blades is more expensive still, continuing the Razor and blades business model, or a "loss leader" model, adopted by Gillette in the early 20th century. Profit margins on Gillette razor blades are high.