Well I think I want to venture from the conventional razor and into an electric razor. I have been using the Mach series since I was like 18 or so, from the 3 to the 5 into the Fuzion!! Anyway, so now I am looking for an electric razor. The last time I used one I remember it tearing up my face, and I have sensitive skin. Thus I only shave 1-2 times a week, but owing my own business, I get to decide how I look! But that's still how much I would shave. So what do you guys use? Does it really save money vs. the standard blade, or the Mach 5 in my case? How often do you have to replace the heads? Give me the full scoop. I have been looking at the Braun 7 series and the Norelco Architect. Feed back would be much appreciated!
Dust, like you I also have sensitive skin. I've had rosacea for ten years now and because of that I can't use a lot of shaving products. I tried using electric razors at one point but found that they did more damage than good. In my case, the electric razor wouldn't cut evenly and the blades would pull and pinch on my skin, leaving it bumpy and cut up. I finally stumbled upon a company called the Art of Shaving which makes great shaving products which are all natural. I had to get rid of my Mach razor and get a Gillete Sensor razor, which made a huge difference. Sometimes it's time consuming but not having irritated skin is well worth it for me.
I also have sensitive skin ... I only use razor blades with 3 blades along with Bigelow Shaving Cream (relabeled Italian Poraso Shaving Cream) sold at Bath & Body Works. It's the best shaving cream I have ever used. I have given this shaving cream as a gift to most of my male family members and they have switched to this cream after using it. It's not super cheap (10 for the large tube / 5 for the small tube), but it lasts a long time.
Right now, I use a Gillete Mach 3 but I want to change. Once all my blades run out, I'm thinking of switching to a double-edged safety razor. No more razor burn and the blades are much cheaper!
I've always used gillette products (now using a fusion power), but have gone back and forth with electric razors. The blade and foils do need to be eventually replaced on the electric razors, but the time of replacement is much longer (usually every 1-2 years) and the cost is generally around $30 for the foil and blade. The most recent electric shaver that i've purchased for my father is the panasonic vortex. Amazon.com: Panasonic ES8109S Vortex Wet/Dry Shaver with Nano Technology and HydraClean System: Health & Personal Care The hydraclean function works really well in terms of cleaning the blade and foils (he would only clean his until it would get really bad) and in terms of comfort, I was able to switch between it and my fusion with very little break-in period. Prior to that I had a norelco electric shaver with the nivea face lotion packets. The wet-dry shavers are nice in general since they allow you to use shaving lotion/cream to help make for a more comfortable shave. At the end of the day, I go back to my fusion. A 4 pack of cartridges lasts me about 3 months, so a costco 16 pack (~$40) lasts me for the entire year. Since I would use a shave gel with the electric razor, I wasn't actually saving that much time with the electric razor. Dave
Thanks for the input guys, time is not so much the issue. I bought a 40 pack of mach heads in march and am using my last one. A head last 2-3 shaves before I have to replace it.
I have use electric razor for like 4 years And just swith to fusion 5 blades and now I think the electric one is scrap. it dont let the skin smoot like the standard one. I only use hot water and sometime, hand foamed hand soap. and it work very well
+1 to the Panasonic. I have an older (year or so) ES8109 and will never go back to a conventional. I've got sensitive skin as well and iirc, the transition took less than a week.
I've been using a self cleaning Braun for about 4 years now and love it. I'd always get a nasty rash from razors. I change the head/screen every 12-18 months or so. Love it.
I use shaving oil, and shaving cream with no scents and chemicals. I order my stuff from The Art of Shaving. I believe the site is Theartofshaving.com
I really want to get a better shaving creme... just using a 3 blade razor right now but I can't remember which one...
I gave up the disposibles years ago and never liked the electric shavers. I used a double edge for a while and now use a straight razor for every shave. It has a long learning curve but you can't beat it for the closest , most comfortable shave. If your interested try Badger & Blade :mounty:
I found that a blade irritated my skin so I switched to electric years ago. I will shave with a blade before a big event or something but otherwise stick with the electric. I tried one that was grabby years ago (I don't even remember what it was?) and then switched to a Braun. The Braun screens are great, they shave closely and quickly. I replace the block and foil about once a year or longer. I do oil the moving parts and clean it out about every 2 weeks. Mine is probably 5 years old or more and is still going strong. The rechargeable battery doesn't last very long now, but I don't care about that. I highly recommend the Braun.
Same here - Braun self cleaning works very good... For a really close shave I use mach 3 in the shower with shower mirror
I dislike electrics very much. The disposables also ticked me off via irritation. http://westcoastshaving.com/images/merkur_701.jpg I went to a Merkur straight razor and haven't been happier! I'm on week 3 of my new shaving regimen and enjoying it very much. My face hairs grow fairly slowly so I can generally get away with shaving every other day. Use that with a good shaving soap and warm lather, and you're good to go! I kind of want to get into straight razor shaving, but scares the hell out of me.
Have electrics gotten a lot better over the years? I gave one of the three-headed Norelcos a try some years ago. Hated it. It was comfortable, which is no real surprise, because I don't think it actually shaved much of anything. I had similar luck with a Panasonic of some sort. This was maybe five years ago. I now use a Mach 5. I have to give it credit, it's an excellent razor. Just about the time I started growing weary of the price of replacement cartridges, I caught the Clark Howard show on the local FM talk radio station. He kept getting callers telling him that the cartridges can be made to last for MONTHS if you care for them properly. Basically, he claims that you should clean the razor thoroughly when finished with it, dry it off, and store it someplace dry. No leaving it in the shower, for instance. I pour a little IPA onto mine before putting it away. Anyway, I think he's on to something. I can go at least a month, probably longer than that, on a cartridge. I shave every other day, but also shave my head, so it's seeing a lot of use. That little blue "wear indicator" thing is practically GONE by the time I change cartridges. I also recently switched from "Nivea For Men" gel to an inexpensive Gilette foam. Target didn't have the Nivea in stock, and I was leaving for a trip, so I bought what was on sale. To my surprise, I really liked it. I swear, I get a closer shave with the foam. Perhaps I've got skin that isn't very sensitive. :lol:
Gillette Mach 3 works the best for me. You don't need 5 blades, Fuzion does nothing but cuts and irritation for me...
i use this along with a good shaving cream and i get the cleanest shave possible. you have to really master it to not get cut or razor burn but its worth it. doesn't take too long either