Electric razors?

[Grant Lamontagne]

I'm kind of thinking about getting an electric razor again.  For the last decade or so I've been using standard two and three bladed razors and I like them well enough, but since I don't shave every day (sensitive skin plus lazy) I tend to gum them up pretty quick.

I used to have a Phillips wet/dry rechargeable razor and I liked it, although sometimes it would give me awful razor burn, but then I get that sometimes with just about everything, so I'm not too worried about it.  Anyways, I got that one about 15 years ago and it died about ten years ago, and I imagine there have been advancements since then.

Does anyone here use an electric razor, have any recommendations or suggestions on what to look for?  I don't really want to go too far over $100 if I can avoid it, so not those super fancy, special ones....

Def

[Yadda]

I like the Norelco cordless with three heads.  I've had several over the past 30+ years.  I liked all of them.  I also have my original corded Norelco from 37 years ago.  I use it for traveling. 

[Alan K.]

I like the Norelco cordless with three heads.  I've had several over the past 30+ years.  I liked all of them.  I also have my original corded Norelco from 37 years ago.  I use it for traveling.

Me too.

There are so many models of the Norelco that it is confusing.  I bought one for my dad at Costco for around $40.  Not the top of the line, but not the economy model either.  It was, in fact, the last of the previous year's mid-range model at that particular Costco, and was half price on sale.

I like that the new ones can be used wet or dry and you can rinse it under the tap while you're using it.  The only thing I don't like about Norelco razors is every so often that message screen will tell you it's time to replace the heads and they cost around $30 or $40 themselves.

That's usually when I go looking for another whole new razor.  The one I bought for my dad came with a replacement set of heads so he was covered for that.  My own Norelco is an older model and I bought a sharpening kit that extends the useful life of the heads, so I haven't replaced the heads (or had to buy a new razor for myself) in the last 4 or 5 years.

If you get razor burn from an electric  razor try adjusting the blades for a lighter beard and use a pre - electric-shave lubricant that you get where you buy your other shave products.

[Toolslinger]

Philips user here (also with sensitive skin). I've had mine for 7-8 years now and it still works great. The blades are cost effective to replace and easily sourced. They have a range of models out now, but there are good options for under $100 at the local Wally-world.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I forgot to mention- it absolutely has to be a wet/dry model as I tend to shave when I'm in the shower.

 

Thanks for the input guys- so far it seems to be largely in line with what I have found in my research so far.

Def

[ToolJoe]

I used it a Norelco model (don't recall the model) for many years and it worked with no issue.

[Toolslinger]

Philips offers a wet/dry model as well. Mine is not that one as I don't shave in the shower.

[Alan K.]

Phillips Norelco is one company, so we don't need to be talking against each other.

Their online store is offering 20 to 75% off, and free shipping, at least through today.  The free shipping may not be available to Canada, but if you can decide quickly you might still get the discount.  I just had a quick look and they've got models between 30 bucks and over 600.  If I was to pay over 600 for an electric shaver it better be capable of more than just a shave.  For that much money I'd expect smooth skin and a happy ending.

http://norelco.factoryoutletstore.com/

[Grant Lamontagne]

A happy ending.... at least.....

Def

[AimlessWanderer]

Sensitive skin....

Razor burn.....

Inexpensive shaving....

I'm thinking that it's about time you tried double edge 

Ok, that's for shaving after a shower rather than in the shower, but now's as good a time as any to give it a try  I get less irritation that way than any other (electrics give me braile face), and it's very economical too. I can get a cheapo brush for under a fiver, my block of soap cost around a tenner and looks like I'll be getting well over a year out of it, a razor can be as cheap or expensive as you like, and the blades cost a couple of quid for a pack of 10.

[Whoey]

I just got a philips multigroomer kit at christmas as my old trimmer wasn't holding a charge long (and it got dropped and the main trimmer head split...) The new kit is definitely an upgrade, but it's not a very good stand a lone shaver... given that I never fully shave, and even the goatee trimming is once in a while not daily this is more suited to my needs.

New one has a quick charge, waterproof parts, and way more accessories than I'll ever need... so far so good...

http://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/QG3380_42/norelco-multigroom-grooming-kit/overview

[pfrsantos]

Sensitive skin....

Razor burn.....

Inexpensive shaving....

I'm thinking that it's about time you tried double edge 

Ok, that's for shaving after a shower rather than in the shower, but now's as good a time as any to give it a try  I get less irritation that way than any other (electrics give me braile face), and it's very economical too. I can get a cheapo brush for under a fiver, my block of soap cost around a tenner and looks like I'll be getting well over a year out of it, a razor can be as cheap or expensive as you like, and the blades cost a couple of quid for a pack of 10.

+1

I used an electric razor some years ago and my face looked like I slided face first in concrete. Had to leave it for disposable razors. Better, but still not smooth and rash free. I got a Merkur DE a couple of years ago. Beter shave I've ever had. Smooth, no rash, can shave everyday, if I want to.

I tried a SE disposable. Still need to get the hang of it but I'll probably get a proper SE. Needs more care, not so fast shaving but feels great!

 

[Humppa]

Hm... strange. Somehow. I used those three / four razor blade razors for some time.

But I went to a Merkur. But I hate to buy the razorblades. So I got myself a real razorknife some years ago. It is a Böker with a micarta handle. And a wonderful hollow grind. I use to sharpen it on a Belgischer Brocken and for keeping it sharp a leather strop is working great.

But I found out that the reason for razor burn is not due to shaving instrument. Mostly due to the creme I also used that spray/foam things from the super market - always had that burn. Then I went over to a razor soap that I use to cream up myself. With a good brush.

Nothing happened anymore.

All those thingies finally came to a price of 160 EUROs. Calculated to years I almost use it, I have to say that I have saved almost money using it.

Just a sidenote: When changing from razors to a razorknife... it will take some time and the first few times, you´ll look like you put your face into a running law-mower. But it will pass.

Electric razor for my beautiful mug? Never!! I have a long hair cutter, but just for my head during summer.

 

[Boaz]

Sensitive skin....

Razor burn.....

Inexpensive shaving....

I'm thinking that it's about time you tried double edge 

Ok, that's for shaving after a shower rather than in the shower, but now's as good a time as any to give it a try  I get less irritation that way than any other (electrics give me braile face), and it's very economical too. I can get a cheapo brush for under a fiver, my block of soap cost around a tenner and looks like I'll be getting well over a year out of it, a razor can be as cheap or expensive as you like, and the blades cost a couple of quid for a pack of 10.

I'm sure you have probably tried eBay for blades but if not its worth looking at. I've bought a few 100s for this sort of money £4.17 (6$) gives me 2 years worth of blades. Some of the Russian ones brilliant.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100-pcs-RAPIRA-SUPER-STAINLESS-Double-Edge-RAZOR-BLADES-/121823506052?hash=item1c5d3f2e84:g:EacAAOSwHnFVtqNE

[AimlessWanderer]

Sensitive skin....

Razor burn.....

Inexpensive shaving....

I'm thinking that it's about time you tried double edge 

Ok, that's for shaving after a shower rather than in the shower, but now's as good a time as any to give it a try  I get less irritation that way than any other (electrics give me braile face), and it's very economical too. I can get a cheapo brush for under a fiver, my block of soap cost around a tenner and looks like I'll be getting well over a year out of it, a razor can be as cheap or expensive as you like, and the blades cost a couple of quid for a pack of 10.

I'm sure you have probably tried eBay for blades but if not its worth looking at. I've bought a few 100s for this sort of money £4.17 (6$) gives me 2 years worth of blades. Some of the Russian ones brilliant.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100-pcs-RAPIRA-SUPER-STAINLESS-Double-Edge-RAZOR-BLADES-/121823506052?hash=item1c5d3f2e84:g:EacAAOSwHnFVtqNE

I'd not tried ebay to be honest, but some of the online shaving stores have bulk deals and occasional specials. i've probably got enough blades in to last me the next three months anyway, but I'll certainly take a look at ebay next time 

[Boaz]

Sensitive skin....

Razor burn.....

Inexpensive shaving....

I'm thinking that it's about time you tried double edge 

Ok, that's for shaving after a shower rather than in the shower, but now's as good a time as any to give it a try  I get less irritation that way than any other (electrics give me braile face), and it's very economical too. I can get a cheapo brush for under a fiver, my block of soap cost around a tenner and looks like I'll be getting well over a year out of it, a razor can be as cheap or expensive as you like, and the blades cost a couple of quid for a pack of 10.

I'm sure you have probably tried eBay for blades but if not its worth looking at. I've bought a few 100s for this sort of money £4.17 (6$) gives me 2 years worth of blades. Some of the Russian ones brilliant.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100-pcs-RAPIRA-SUPER-STAINLESS-Double-Edge-RAZOR-BLADES-/121823506052?hash=item1c5d3f2e84:g:EacAAOSwHnFVtqNE

I'd not tried ebay to be honest, but some of the online shaving stores have bulk deals and occasional specials. i've probably got enough blades in to last me the next three months anyway, but I'll certainly take a look at ebay next time 

Well worth a look, if you are needing to stock up its worth a few minutes to see what's available.

[Fortytwo]

I too can attest to the virtues of a good lather. I'm using a safety razor (seems it would have been my grandfathers and then my fathers) and my fathers old badger brush and a Tabac shaving soap. Internet has been a real saviour. Locally a pack of five blades was between three and four dollars, on the internet (can't remember if it was Amazon or Ebay) I got a hundred of the same blads for under ten.

[Noa Isumi]

I too got tired of the hyped up modern razors and went back to a old style double edge safety.
Cuts a lot smoother and a 100 blade carton of Astra Superior Platinum blades was around 10$ shipped on ebay.
Art of Manliness has a youtube vid up called "How to shave like your grandpa" that is a good intro for anyone looking to use this type of razor. and like most AoM vids is fairly entertaining in a retro Fallout kind of way that makes me miss when Nick@Nite played stuff from the 50s not the 80/90s some 25yrs ago

 Changing from modern gells and foams to soap&brush or even older cream/foam brand formulas does eliminate most if not all razor burn. It seems "Razor Burn" is actually an invention of the self foaming gell/foam market. the perfect thing to sell you new products with.

As for electric I use a Phillips 2head AA travel model when I am in a hurry or on the road. Handy since it shaves dry and can live in my glove box.
I have a Remington wet dry travel micro screen and hate it. Screens just don't seem to pick up the hair right or cut as close as the rotary.

[pfrsantos]

(...)
But I found out that the reason for razor burn is not due to shaving instrument. Mostly due to the creme I also used that spray/foam things from the super market - always had that burn. Then I went over to a razor soap that I use to cream up myself. With a good brush.

Nothing happened anymore.

(...)

Forgot to mention this. Also been using a brush and shaving soap. Lasts much longer and the shaving is much smoother/cleaner.


 plus


(just the soap, the brush is for scale, similar size to my Excelsior)

I'm currently using Nivea after shave balm but when I finish it I'll go back to after shave. I feel it refreshes more and also desinfects any small nick or cut.

The one I like best: