I think you are referring to razor blades themselves? In any event, it is my opinion (in any case not professional knowledge) that Razor companies make their profits off the blades and not the razor handles in the same way printer companies make money off ink and not printers. Blades need to be replaced very frequently (once a week or so) and are proprietary systems in 100% of the cases, meaning you cannot use a blade from a competing company in your gilette razor. The high price, as far as I am aware, is due to two factors: The first is indeed the issue of R&D, the second is in most cases the "Luxury factor" associated with the brand name. In both cases it is worthwhile for any manufacturing company to charge more for their blades since it is a product almost everyone uses very frequently, men and women alike, and provides a steady flow of cash towards the company.