I've been shaving for almost 60 years and have learned a few things.
I have tried blades, but I prefer electrics, and I have owned at least one model of most brands.In general I don't think tilting heads and other such "features" add much to a shaver.
My beard is about average in density.It's sligtly curly, so I have some problem with in-grown hairs and hairs difficult for a shaver to pick up.
I use this shaving technique:wash my face, dry it, and apply a light coating of baby powder.The washing removes the very fine grit that sticks to your face, and washing before shaving will extend the life of the cutters significantly, because they don't get worn by the grit.The powder helps the shaver glide smoothly over your face and produces a more comfortable shave.(Remington sells a "shaving stick" that does the same thing, but it will cost you four times as much as baby powder.)I like the corn starch powder, but the talc works well too.After going over my face with the shaver one time, I "brush up" the stubble by running my hand against the grain, and I run over it with the shaver again.I may do the "brush up" a couple of times.This helps get a very close shave.I clean my shaver with an old toothbrush (dry).That's fast and easy. (But be careful you don't pick it up to brush your teeth as I have done once or twice.Yuk) Special washers are a gimmick in my opinion.As far as I can tell, brushing the cutters is all that's needed.I don't have much use for charging stands either.I would appreciate a nice travel case, but most of the cases provided are pretty poor.
I haven't found much difference in the number of shaves per charge.I'd like to get a simple cord type shaver and avoid the hassle of charging, but I can't find any on the U.S. market.
Here's a rundown on the shavers I presently own, starting with the Remington DA-307.
Remington DA-307:Produces a fast, close shave, the next to the closest of those I've tried or owned.The trimmer is first-class.Very little irritation.The only drawback of this shaver, is that it doesn't have a slot-type cutter that helps pick up curly or long hairs.At a price of about $30, it costs less than replacement foils and cutters for many shavers.
Braun 1775:This is the lowest price Braun.It doesn't shave as close as the Remington.It's two other drawbacks are 1) it "bogs down" when it hits an area that has heavy beard (like on my chin), and 2) it has no slot cutter that would help pick up curly hair.I would not recommend this shaver even though it's travel setup is excellent - protects the shaver well and keeps it from getting turned on by accident.
Wahl 4000:It gives a fast, fairly close shave.It comes with three different (double) foil heads, labeled "sensitive", "close" , and "super close."They all work well for me except that the "super close" produces a little more irritation.I can't tell a major difference in the closeness of the shave produced by each.I think they should really be labeled "fast", "faster", and "fastest."It also does not have a slot cutter.In my experience, the Wahl is not as durable as others, but it does come with a two-year guarantee, which I have not had to use.
Panasonic ES7037:This has two foils and a slot bar.It's one of Panasonic's medium-upper-priced shavers.It produces the closest shave of any shaver I've tried.It takes a while to do this.For me it takes about seven minutes to shave with the Panasonic as compared to about five and-a-half for the Remington or Wahl.It's also quieter and has the least vibration, if that's important to you.It costs more than twice as much as the Remington and replacement foils and cutter bars cost about $45 which is pretty steep.
Norelco:The one I have is no longer on the market, but it takes me a very long time to shave with a Norelco, so I haven't been buying any lately.They are very quiet, have virtually no vibration, and produce little irritation.
Product DescriptionThis shaver has advanced dual foil microscreens. It is rechargeable and has a 40 minute run time.
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Remington DA-307 Microscreen 100 Men's Rechargeable Foil Shaver
I've had this razor for traveling for about 1.5 years. So far its very good even compared to my Norelco 9190XL which is a much expensive razor. The norelco sometimes pulls while the remington cuts really close and even long beard is notpulled. Nice surprise from Remigton as I was quite exceptic about the quality when I got it and now I am keeping it and thinking on replacing the Norelco!!
