What do you recommend for a good electric razor?

J

Johnclarke

Joined
May 6, 2001
Messages
369
Ok, I need to get a new electric razor and I figured everyone around here likes to try the latest gadgets. I don't imagine everyone here shaves with a blade, but being bladeforums perhaps everyone does and I should join the crowd. Lol.


Should I buy a cheap model with a cord or a top of the line cordless?

Should I get a wet/dry razor?

What razor do you recommend and why?
 
Braun Synchro. gets damn near as clean as my strait razor does but costs about 125$ self cleaning and very quick

Regards
Dennis
 
I've tried primarily Norelcos and Brauns, and I am a big fan of the Brauns. The shave is closer and they are just a better fit for my hand and easier to maneuver in my half-comatose a.m. state of mind. If you do get a Braun, get an upper end one -- they have better rechargeable batteries than the entry-level ones.

- Mark
 
My dad uses a Braun and he likes it very much. Can't remember, it's either his second or third one he's had. He pretty much has a heavy beard and says that it works quite well on it.
 
I have tried every electric razor out there, and none work better than the Brauns. I use mine every morning before work, and it does a pretty decent job. Not as close as a razor, but very close.
 
I can't say that I've had alot of different shavers and don't have alot of facial hair. One was a Remington about 10 years ago that was used for about a month, then a Braun that I still use. I recently replaced the screen and cutting block, only because I had dropped it and the screen ripped. The rechargable battery really doesn't hold a charge well anymore, but I use it corded now. It's a quality product, not a consumer item.

gm
 
Question: Do any of you have coarse, curly beards? I'm curious because I've tried a number of electrics and found them lacking. I'd like to get one that actually worked, and I hate shaving with blades.

I've tried old model Panasonic Wet/Dry, Norelco Quadra Rotary, old model Braun Flex Integral (the best of the lot--made me look as if I hadn't shaved for only 1 day), and Remington TCT. With the exception of the Panasonic, all went back to the store/manufacturer. The Panasonic was hurled against a stucco wall.

Any input appreciated.
 
Timely thread. My 5 yr old Braun won't hold a charge anymore, time for new. I've had two Braun's in past 10 years... time for round 3.

This thread indicates so far that another Braun is in my very near future.

I will mention the two features that I think are essential:
1. the pop up beard / long hair trimmer, even if you don't have a beard or moustache... electrics don't always get all those hairs, and the renegade long one needs the beard trimmer to nip it.
2. the "lock" that keeps the "on" button locked in the off position.

My previous Braun didn't have the lock. On about 3 occasions, I heard a buzzing, vibrating sound at the airport, and tracked the sound to my suitcase. I got some funny looks. :D And then had to dig into my suitcase and be sure to produce a razor to calm the fears of those around me. ;)
 
I'll also jump on the Braun electric razor band-wagon. I have used the Braun Rechargables for quite a few years now, and they do give a nice, close shave (if used correctly). BUT, I'm also not all that happy with the fact that the Braun that I currently use (about 5 years old) will only hold a good charge for about 5 days worth of shaving.
 
I have a pretty thick beard and am tough on electric razors. Rechargables are great. Ones that are rechargable AND can use a cord are a plus (nothing worse than a dead battery and no cord). That is a major braun advantage.

Currently use a norelco which is great on the chin and neck but takes a while to get used too. Pretty fragile too. One of the kids dropped it about 6 inches and it has never run the same. It is wet/dry but I do not find that I get a close shave with an electric when used wet, I dont know why.

Used Brauns for a long time. Even the top of the line ones tended to have batteries that wore out and the screen/blade has to be replaced frequently. I find that the screen type shavers does not do a great job on the neck.

Had a low end remington at one time and was not impressed. No experience with their newer products.

There is a new Braun out that uses a new type of screen and I might have to give it a try.
 
Originally posted by eda-koppo
Question: Do any of you have coarse, curly beards? I'm curious because I've tried a number of electrics and found them lacking. I'd like to get one that actually worked, and I hate shaving with blades.
Click to expand...

I hated shaving until I discovered the Bump Fighter razor, available at Wal-Mart. The blades have a thin spacer on top so that the blade doesn't shave at the skin.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PBE) affect about 80% of black men and many other men with curly hair. Essentially, the just-shaved hair tends to kink over and grow down into the skin, causing inflammation.
I tried electric razors, trimmers, etc. Nothing else worked. This is the only kind of razor I will use now.
 
Originally posted by eda-koppo
Question: Do any of you have coarse, curly beards? I'm curious because I've tried a number of electrics and found them lacking. I'd like to get one that actually worked, and I hate shaving with blades.

I've tried old model Panasonic Wet/Dry, Norelco Quadra Rotary, old model Braun Flex Integral (the best of the lot--made me look as if I hadn't shaved for only 1 day), and Remington TCT. With the exception of the Panasonic, all went back to the store/manufacturer. The Panasonic was hurled against a stucco wall.

Any input appreciated.
Click to expand...

I've got a heavy, curly, fast growing beard. It looks like pubic hair if I don't trim it 3 times a week :)
I think electrics suck in general, but I've never tried a real expensive one. I love the Gillette Mach 3. Only way to go.
 
Guys, I am asian, have sparse facial hair and all the razors I tried felt like being attacked by weasles. My wife gave me a Braun, but with all the previous razors, I am a bit gunshy. Hell it felt like an Epilady on my face. I use the sensitive skin disposables and gel. I hope the Braun works for me. Any other ideas would be appreciated.
 
Originally posted by bandaidman
Ones that are rechargable AND can use a cord are a plus (nothing worse than a dead battery and no cord).
Click to expand...

Ah, yes... a must-have feature that I neglected to mention as it seemed so absolute.

By the way, I resorted to electrics after putting up with irritation on my neck from regular dual-blade disposables for years. The electrics do not generally shave as close as blades (when you drag the blade against the grain, disposables are super-close) unless you make repeated passes and really bear down. I.e., you can shave pretty close w/ electric, closer than with-the-grain shaving w/ a disposable, but you can control how close you shave and not get so close you get too deep and get irritation and ingrown hairs. blah blah blah.

Also, while I have only had 3 electrics in my shaving career (disposables before that), I haven't used one that wasn't both rechargeable AND could be used with cord plugged in. Also, I have seen on other types of electronics products, but not on razors, where the guys who designed the recharger only made it large enough (current delivery capacity) that it could only recharge the batteries, and could not deliver enough DC current to drive the device WHILE you were recharging. This is cheap, cost cutting, and stupid design. I haven't seen this on shavers yet, but it could be lurking out there on cheapies, so "Kav EE ought Imp Tore", let the buyer beware.

Originally posted by bandaidman
Used Brauns for a long time. Even the top of the line ones tended to have batteries that wore out and the screen/blade has to be replaced frequently.
Click to expand...

I find I have to replace the screens and cutters on the Braun's about yearly. I have medium weight facial hair.

Screens and cutter heads are not cheap ... usually at least $20.

Found a site for those with lots of time to review the "razor reviews" by ordinary Joe shavers:

www.epinions.com

Like many "free for all" review sites, most stuff gets 4-5 stars out of 5, an inherent bias that seems to reflect some need for high reviews of things one has bought as validation. It's helpful to read some of the negative reviews and see if that reviewer:

1. sounds knowledgeable, balanced.
2. has complaints that apply to you (e.g. "I have a gnarly beard and this shaver sucks..." or "This didn't work well in the shower")

www.epinions.com also links you to some mail order sites to get you started bargain hunting. I suspect you could try EBay, while steering around "used shavers". That is only a step better than "used underwear, recently washed". :barf:
 
Originally posted by copfish
all the razors I tried felt like being attacked by weasles.
Click to expand...

Hey, "Weasles Ripped My Flesh"....that would be a good name for an album! ;)
 
Originally posted by copfish
I use the sensitive skin disposables and gel. I hope the Braun works for me. Any other ideas would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

Not sure this will help, but I've found:
1. wet skin seems to be more easily abraded than dry skin. However, wet whiskers seems to be more soft and easily shaved than dry. For me, shaving dry keeps the electric razor from abrading my wet, and thereby seemingly more delicate skin. When I shaved with disposables, I used to saturate a washcloth with hot water and then hold it against my face/neck for about a minute. This softened up the beard but didn't get my skin too soft/mushy like a long shower does.
2. keep the razor clean of stubble so it cuts cleanly, and don't push down very hard
3. accept a fairly close shave as good enough. Bearing down hard and making repeated passes does shave closer, but can give you the same razor burn you get with disposables.
4. for me anyway, a new sharp Braun screen & cutter doesn't yank hairs out of my face. But when it starts to do so, time for a new screen AND cutter head.

The Norelco "Advantage" product line dispenses some sort of shaving lotion for a "wet shaving feel". Not for me, but maybe some kind of lube w/ the electric would help you.

http://www.norelco.com/razors/
 
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