Electric shavers? Advice please.

Tek81 · 15 Nov 2016 at 12:13

I've decided to do away with the humble Bic razors that I've been using for the last few years and go the electric route. There's so much choice though, I'm not sure where to start. I have a budget of about £100 and my only stipulation is that it must be a well known brand.

I'd really appreciate some advice from those of you who use one. What sort have you got? What are the advantages / disadvantages?

Cheers
James.

tom_e · 15 Nov 2016 at 12:15

If you want a decent shave take the £100 and buy a merkur razor, some blades, a badger hair brush and some shaving soap.
Should still have some change and it'll be many times more pleasant than Bic razors and a proper shave unlike the electric ones.

DaleTheWhale · 15 Nov 2016 at 12:19

A three year old can grow a better beard than me, so I use an electric as it works perfectly for my needs.

Been using an old electric for ages which was horrible until I finally bought a "Philips AquaTouch S5420" from Amazon and it's been amazingly good, however it works well for me as my 'beard' grows at a pace of a snail travelling the world.

I'm not sure how well it would work on a better beard! - The Phillips OneBlade also looks pretty good.

NexusK · 15 Nov 2016 at 12:24

ThaReaperGuy said:
The Phillips OneBlade also looks pretty good.

I didn't like it at first but it's grown on me. For someone with a thick beard like mine it's not good enough for a daily shave though. A fresh shave with it leaves about the same amount of stubble i would have 24 hours after shaving with a cartridge razor or DE. Fine for weekends, not so much for during the week unless you are a lumberjack.

Jimbeam3678 · 15 Nov 2016 at 12:25

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Braun-790cc-4-Electric-Rechargeable-Cordless/dp/B003VYYV6Q tend to hear god reports about these.

Schizo · 15 Nov 2016 at 12:29

Jimbeam3678 said:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Braun-790cc-4-Electric-Rechargeable-Cordless/dp/B003VYYV6Q tend to hear god reports about these.

I would buy that purely on the basis im saving £190

Voicon · 15 Nov 2016 at 12:33

Jimbeam3678 said:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Braun-790cc-4-Electric-Rechargeable-Cordless/dp/B003VYYV6Q tend to hear god reports about these.

schizo said:
I would buy that purely on the basis im saving £190

I have that razor and it's excellent, had it for years, you have to buy the cleaning solution every now and then and I changed the blade and head once, was about £25 I think.

Tek81 · 15 Nov 2016 at 12:34

tom_e said:
If you want a decent shave take the £100 and buy a merkur razor, some blades, a badger hair brush and some shaving soap.
Should still have some change and it'll be many times more pleasant than Bic razors and a proper shave unlike the electric ones.

I was considering a Merkur a few months ago, however I'm really wanting to try electric.

Jimbeam3678 said:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Braun-790cc-4-Electric-Rechargeable-Cordless/dp/B003VYYV6Q tend to hear god reports about these.

Liking that one. It looks similar to one I saw earlier, but that was a 9 series and about £100 more expensive.

Meridian · 15 Nov 2016 at 21:26

In general, wet shaves are the closest, but the biggest pain. Foil electrics aren't as close as wet, but closer than floating head electrics. But floating head electrics are the most convenient and easiest to use. I've used all, and ended up with floating head (Philips 920), but need an old foil to get a couple of bits closer. I'd suggest a twin-foil.

hornetstinger · 15 Nov 2016 at 21:27

Consider the braun foil shavers, I've found them to give a better and comfier shave than rotating head

Dirk Diggler · 15 Nov 2016 at 22:22

I use a Braun foil 5 series, and I have done since I switched from wet razors about two years ago. I shave dry until I've covered all my stubble, and then I go over again and periodically run the shaver under the hot tap as I progress through the second helping.

Works for me.

SkeeterUK · 15 Nov 2016 at 22:32

Tried a Philips one before its no good with loose skin like under chin or bottom corners so gave up and went back to the best shaver imo the Gillette mach 3.

chaparral · 15 Nov 2016 at 22:32

Jimbeam3678 said:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Braun-790cc-4-Electric-Rechargeable-Cordless/dp/B003VYYV6Q tend to hear god reports about these.

The find the new Braun Series 9 is a much better shaver...https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Electric...qid=1479249006&sr=1-1&keywords=Braun+Series+9
I own both the 7 & 9 series..

bainbridge · 15 Nov 2016 at 22:33

Even going from bics to a decent disposable will be a massive step up!

I've abandoned the latest mutiblade offerings from Gillette etc because the blades are ridiculously expensive. Nowadays I buy a multipack of whatever decent brand disposable is on offer for about a fiver and they last ages.

Currently using Wilkinson sword 3 blade razors and they're fine.

SexyGreyFox · 15 Nov 2016 at 22:33

Jimbeam3678 said:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Braun-790cc-4-Electric-Rechargeable-Cordless/dp/B003VYYV6Q tend to hear god reports about these.

I have a Braun 3 which is superb, I can't imagine what the 7 series is like.

String said:
I use a Braun foil 5 series, and I have done since I switched from wet razors about two years ago. I shave dry until I've covered all my stubble, and then I go over again and periodically run the shaver under the hot tap as I progress through the second helping.

Works for me.

For many years I've done the same as you but on my second pass I'll take the top off and put liquid soap in it, dip it into hot water and off I go.

MadMossy · 15 Nov 2016 at 22:39

tek81 said:
I was considering a Merkur a few months ago, however I'm really wanting to try electric.

I tried all sorts, have a merkur 34c and a braun series 7.

The braun is good for a quick shave, but its not even remotely close as the merkur can do. If i use electric I have to shave at least once a day sometimes twice.

If i use the merkur I can get away with every other day.

Dirk Diggler · 18 Nov 2016 at 12:54

SexyGreyFox said:
For many years I've done the same as you but on my second pass I'll take the top off and put liquid soap in it, dip it into hot water and off I go.

Just noticed this. What do you mean, you turn the foil upside down and just squeeze a bit of Carex or something on there?

Nick1881 · 18 Nov 2016 at 13:52

I use a Panasonic electric, much better then the Philips I had before.

I use a king of shaves for a close wet shave, never cut myself with it.

Not sure I'm brave enough to try a Merkur, I got my dad one for Christmas years ago, he stopped using it because he kept cutting himself.

SexyGreyFox · 18 Nov 2016 at 18:03

String said:
Just noticed this. What do you mean, you turn the foil upside down and just squeeze a bit of Carex or something on there?

Exactly

Sin_Chase · 18 Nov 2016 at 18:10

Nick1881 said:
Not sure I'm brave enough to try a Merkur, I got my dad one for Christmas years ago, he stopped using it because he kept cutting himself.

You wont cut yourself easily with a Merkur safety razor, which is what most use. The hotspots are around the lips and the slightly more difficult angles where you have to be slow and steady, but for cheeks, neck etc you can go at it without too much concern.

I cant get a decent shave unless I wet shave, my hair is so thick and it's uncomfortable to use an electric. I use a badger/boar brush combination as the bristles are a bit more resistant and lather better on my skin/hair.