Electric Shavers? updated devices?

[LaurenRose]

My brother's very old electric shaver finally died this year....he's been too busy to shop for a new one, so he's resorted to plastic razors for the time being.

I don't know what model or type it was except to say that it always reminded me of the one that Burl Ives rode in on, in the Christmas shows.
Norelco electric shaver maybe? seems to ring a bell. Wow, that's a long time ago.

If you have one that was acquired not too long ago and works well for you, please suggest the brand/model?

I've never used one, so I am not sure what to look for - and I want to surprise my dear brother. Thanks

[Doctor Rhythm]

I've found that some men have very particular beliefs about shaving and shaving products. Therefore, a razor might not be an appreciated gift.

That said, try to figure out if he's used to a rotary or foil razor, and get that style. I'd buy a name brand: Norelco for rotary, and Panasonic or Braun for foil, but only because it's a gift. It's a mature technology, so it's not like one company has unique features or has special manufacturing capabilities. Then just look on Amazon for something with good reviews at a price you can stomach. The offerings from Costco are usually gift-worthy as well.

[fsrph]

I've been using electric shavers for decades. Tried most of the brands. I'm currently using a Braun Series 7 and would very much recommend it. A less expensive recommendation would be a lower end Norelco rotary. It does a decent job actually much better than I thought it would. Look for Black Friday sales on both.

Be very careful when ordering replacement blades. Most available online, like at Amazon, are not OEM blades. Only use genuine Braun replacement blades. They cost more, around $40, but are well worth the money.

In fact, I just I changed my blades a few days ago (with genuine Braun blades) and the shaver cuts like it did when it was brand new.

Francis

[runner3081]

Be very careful when ordering replacement blades. Most available online, like at Amazon, are not OEM blades. Only use genuine Braun replacement blades. They cost more, around $40, but are well worth the money.

How many shaves do you get before needing to replace?

[Vinny_in_NJ]

I use Norelco and it gives an OK shave. Something they did with my generation (5 years old or so) and hopefully went back to the older style is to make the areas where the cutting circles are kind of large and it is a little hard to get a good shave at times right where the nostril meets the upper lip. The older style didn't have an issue. I always bought the 1 hour charging shaver and I get about a month of shaving out of it. I don't shave in the shower but I usually get the wet dry shaver.

I agree to buy OEM replacement cutters/blades. I tend to over extend my replacement interval but never had an issue using the OEM replacements over the recommended replacement time.

[margaritaville]

I recently bought a Phillips Norelco S7000 series rotary shaver. Closest shave I've ever gotten with an electric. I use a little Afta Pre-shave beforehand which helps it glide across my face.

Walmart carries two versions--the 7200 which is just the razor and the 7600 which includes a cleaning system with replaceable pods and a carry case. The 7200 is currently $79 and the 7600 is $109.

I much prefer the rotaries for their ability to go wet or dry and the ease of cleaning.

The literature claims the blades are self sharpening, but they also suggest you may need to replace them on a yearly basis at a cost of approx. $30.

[suemarkp]

I used to hate the Norelxo rotary chshavers and used Braun foil types. But a few years ago, DW found a cheap Norelco rotary which can be used on a face with shaving cream (previously, your face had to be dry or damp). This helped immensely and provided a decent shave. You can flip it open and just rinse off the blades and carrier. The Braun would nickel and dime you with their fancy bases using cleaning solution refills. That solution worked well, and trying to avoid it and just use a brush and water didn't work well. So the Norelco was cheap and maintenance is cheap because it is just a rinse off. If it goops up during a shave, you can stop, pop it open, rinse, and continue.

I still prefer a blade, but got the Norelco for a planned hospital stay. It worked well for that.

[fsrph]

Be very careful when ordering replacement blades. Most available online, like at Amazon, are not OEM blades. Only use genuine Braun replacement blades. They cost more, around $40, but are well worth the money.

How many shaves do you get before needing to replace?

It's at least 3 years since I've changed the blades. When the blades get older they still work but you have to go over each area several times. The bottom part of my shaving head developed a crack with sharp edges so I had to replace.

Beware buying replacement blades. On Amazon it's very difficult to determine what's an authentic Braun blade. I've even saw some there with authentic Braun packaging with a non OEM Braun blade in the package.

So what to do? You can buy blades directly from Braun. Or on Amazon check who the seller is and look for the Braun blades with tens of thousands of reviews that are priced appropriately (over $40 for Braun Series 7).

Francis

[LotsaGray]

Used electric razors for over 40 years. Have had many blade shaves but can count on one hand the times I personally did blade shave on myself.

With that said, I started shaving using dad’s Norelco. Then a Braun foil receive as Christmas gift. Then back to Norelco. Currently have two rechargeable Norelcos. Keep one in travel toilet kit ready to go and one on bathroom counter. I rotate each time I recharge. Both sets of rotary heads/blades get replaced about annually. I do agree that OEM heads are best.

As above if he is into foil then get a Braun. If into a rotary, get a Norelco

[Sandtrap]

I've been using electric shavers for decades. Tried most of the brands. I'm currently using a Braun Series 7 and would very much recommend it. A less expensive recommendation would be a lower end Norelco rotary. It does a decent job actually much better than I thought it would. Look for Black Friday sales on both.

Be very careful when ordering replacement blades. Most available online, like at Amazon, are not OEM blades. Only use genuine Braun replacement blades. They cost more, around $40, but are well worth the money.

In fact, I just I changed my blades a few days ago (with genuine Braun blades) and the shaver cuts like it did when it was brand new.

Francis

+1
Braun Series 7 (had it and earlier versions for decades).
Newer versions are not better, some are worse.
Bought a Series 9 and gave it to my son who loves it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Z8 ... =UTF8&th=1
Blades: As stated, do not buy the cheaper counterfeit ones.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086X ... =UTF8&th=1

Had Norelco for decades, but over time, the blades were all counterfeit, even the supposedly OEM Norelco brand blades, With that, the Norelco was downhill and junk. Same for the newer and newest (pricey) units which got more flimsy and cheap over time.

Suggest getting whatever old (new) electric razor he had. Panasonic, Braun, or Norelco, etc.

j

[tm3]

Lots of personal preference in a pick like this, as some greatly prefer the foil type (Braun) and others prefer the round cutter type (Norelco). If he liked his Norelco, get him a Norelco. My experience and what I've read online about comparisons indicate that the deluxe multi-hundred $$ don't shave any better than the basic $50ish models, and the "cleaning stations" are a marketing gimmick as they don't really beat a rinse under the tap -- good news for your wallet!

[tm3]

Possibly more than you would ever want to know about new Norelco shavers:

https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/th ... 0x.659831/

[edge]

The best electric shavers are Braun and Panasonic.

[orlandoman]

Here's a place to check out for original manufacturer parts https://www.shavers-and-replacement-parts.com/

[Padlin]

I use a Braun 7, maybe 7 or so years old, I’ll get whatever the new model is if it dies some day. FWIW, I swap the blade assembly once a year around Xmas, no idea if it really needs it then, but it’s what I do.

No complaints.

[padams]

I used Norelco rotary shavers for over 30 years. The first was made in Holland, and lasted for fifteen years or so. I sent it in for battery replacement, cleaning and service two or three times. When the motor finally died, I had replaced the original "self-sharpening" blades only once, and the unit was working as new, including the flip-up trimmer. The second Norelco was built elsewhere (not in Europe) and was of notably lower quality, but shaved just as well. I sent that unit in one time for battery replacement and service, and replaced the blades one time. It died after about five years, as I recall. My final Norelco lasted longer. I sent it in for new battery install and service once. I was still using the original blades, and it was working well, when the replacement battery started to give out. The businesses I had sent razors to for service were no longer operating. I had difficulty finding anyone willing to work on the razor. It seems that over the years these have become cheaply-made, disposable products, and I found no business to replace the battery and service the unit. Disgusted, I tossed the unit in e-waste, and switched to a bladed razor. I hate contributing to the waste stream, and am now considering whether I could train myself to use a straight-edge and strop without excessive blood loss.

[LotsaGray]

I might be able to train myself to use a straight razor and my hand might be steadying to survive today. I doubt that will be true in XX years.

I would recommend trying and old double sided safety razor. You can likely come up with some simple jig that allows sharpening blades. If not, the waste generated will return to metal oxide which might be whence it started.

[wintermute]

I found Panasonics to be the least irritating AND the closest shave. My Braun foil is faster, but not as close and more irritating. Norelco is in-between them, for me.

[SpaghettiLegs]

Be very careful when ordering replacement blades. Most available online, like at Amazon, are not OEM blades. Only use genuine Braun replacement blades. They cost more, around $40, but are well worth the money.

How many shaves do you get before needing to replace?

I’ve had a Braun 7 series for about 12-13 years. I replace the cutter every 2-3 years but only use the shaver a couple of times per week. Braun recommends every 18 mos I believe. The shaver has a cleaning system that also helps keep it sharp. The refills for it are a little pricey but you can also just add some isopropyl alcohol to the container and will help get a lot more mileage out of them.

[FIRWYW]

Norelco 7300 here. I bought when my old cheaper norelco died. Absolutely was amazed at how close the shave was. Accidentally left it at my in laws. I bought a 2nd of the same. It was CRAP and worse than my cheap old norelco had been. I now have the crappy one at work in case I forget to shave and the good one at home. Big difference. (I am going to get new blades for the crappy one but it honestly just feels like it has less power. (Both bought at same big box store)

(I also don’t like how the newer norelcos have the bigger part sticking out the side of the wings. Makes it harder to get those hairs right at the verge of the nose.)

[KlangFool]

I found Panasonics to be the least irritating AND the closest shave. My Braun foil is faster, but not as close and more irritating. Norelco is in-between them, for me.

+1,000.

My cheap Panasonic have lasted at least 20+ years so far. You just reminded me to buy another one just in case.

KlangFool

[Tdubs]

I recently bought a Phillips Norelco S7000 series rotary shaver. Closest shave I've ever gotten with an electric. I use a little Afta Pre-shave beforehand which helps it glide across my face.

Walmart carries two versions--the 7200 which is just the razor and the 7600 which includes a cleaning system with replaceable pods and a carry case. The 7200 is currently $79 and the 7600 is $109.

I much prefer the rotaries for their ability to go wet or dry and the ease of cleaning.

The literature claims the blades are self sharpening, but they also suggest you may need to replace them on a yearly basis at a cost of approx. $30.

+1

[bongo]

I got the Norelco 6900 on sale at costco right now and am happy with it so far.
https://www.costco.com/philips-norelco- ... 55464.html

[tm3]

I hate contributing to the waste stream, and am now considering whether I could train myself to use a straight-edge and strop without excessive blood loss.

Folks who use straight razors seem very pleased (reference the forum link I provided). It is a step that I considered, but never tried.

An alternative is a razor that uses double edge blades instead of plastic cartridges. Slight learning curve, but less waste, lower cost (5 to 50 cents a blade), and a result that is as good or better.

[RXfiles]

Razor is faster and better shave. Someone bought me a braun series 9 for christmas a couple years ago and I can't stand having to go over my face 72x to get all the hair.

[Van]

I did Braun for years and then I tried a Panasonic about a year ago. I much prefer the Panasonic.

[Padlin]

Razor is faster and better shave. Someone bought me a braun series 9 for christmas a couple years ago and I can't stand having to go over my face 72x to get all the hair.

This is very true, been using the series 7 so long I don’t even think about it. It does take a lot of passes and is not as close as a razor, not that I expected it to be. Might be worth checking the others when mine finally bites the bullet. I do break out the razor when I need a better shave.

[tj]

How many shaves do you get before needing to replace?

I’ve had a Braun 7 series for about 12-13 years. I replace the cutter every 2-3 years but only use the shaver a couple of times per week. Braun recommends every 18 mos I believe. The shaver has a cleaning system that also helps keep it sharp. The refills for it are a little pricey but you can also just add some isopropyl alcohol to the container and will help get a lot more mileage out of them.

To be clear, you just refill the cleaning solution trays with isopropyl alcohol? How does it help extend the life?

[margaritaville]

To be clear, you just refill the cleaning solution trays with isopropyl alcohol? How does it help extend the life?

At least for the Phillips, they say their cleaning solution has lubricants that extend blade life. I’d guess using straight IPA would reduce blade life by stripping everything off them—who knows?

[Padlin]

Same for the brawn. The issue is the fluid isn’t really cheap and the unit itself is a pain to clean. Mine died after a few years, I didn’t bother to replace it.