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[Piano]

My facial hair has been growing faster and faster over the years so a little while ago I moved from shaving every third day to every other day. It worked okay for a bit but soon my skin decided it couldn't take the extra stress - I was constantly irritated and bleeding profusely every time I shaved.

Clearly continuing to shave every other day with a cartridge razor wasn't an option. I considered going the wet shave route, but first decided to borrow my dad's cheapo Norelco electric shaver to see if it could help me out at all.

To my surprise, it's actually been pretty great. Well, honestly, the electric razor doesn't work that well, but it gets about 90% of my facial hair, allowing me to just do one pass over trouble spots with a manual razor to clean-up. My skin has healed completely and I'm not bleeding profusely every time I shave any more.

I'm going to have to give his shaver back eventually, so I've been looking into getting one of my own. The more I've looked online, the more it seems like foil shavers, not rotary, consistently get better user reviews, with the cream of the crop being the Braun 790cc and the Panasonic Arc 3. The Norelco ones are apparently more hit and miss with people, except for the folks who totally swear by rotary shavers.

Anyways, I'm totally confused trying to figure out what works best. The rotary I've been using is hard to maneuver in tight spaces and requires a few passes to get anything done, but it also was $40 and hasn't had the blades replaced in years. Apparently foil shavers have issues with tearing, or like, just don't work well with neck hair or something? I have moderately thick facial hair along my neck. I would just stick with rotary but their ratings are consistently poorer than the foil.

Some of the foil shavers are on sale for Black Friday and I don't know whether or not I should bite. I'd rather not spend $150 on the Braun 790cc but if that's where it's at and is what's best for my skin then sure, I guess?

Any thoughts, GAF?

Yes, I have considered wet shaving. No, I do not want to spend two hours a week shaving. I don't have time.

 

[segasonic]

I wet shave in about a minute. Why should it take longer?

 

[Any Questions]

Buy cheap buy twice... However I use this with a feather blade.

Will never ever go back

 

[Wafflecakes]

As someone who tried both in recent years, I vastly prefer rotary.


Edit: and here come the shaving elitists.

 

[elfinke]

I too have vigorous facial hair, but I like to actually keep some hair on my face in many incarnations over the year.

So for me, foil was the answer, with its slightly smaller footprint and somewhat better manoeuvrability. Years and years ago, I bought the very best Panasonic that the local shaver shop had for sale. It was several hundred bucks or something ridiculous, but it is brilliant, even on annoying neck hairs, three day old growth etc.

 

[Robot Pants]

I can't recommend an electric razor. I used one for years but switched to safety razor and haven't looked back. Seriously.

 

[Piano]

I wet shave in about a minute. Why should it take longer?

I was under the impression that safety razor shaving is a slower, more deliberate process, otherwise you cut yourself. Not to mention the extra steps in the process.

As someone who tried both in recent years, I vastly prefer rotary.


Edit: and here come the shaving elitists.

Why?

I too have vigorous facial hair, but I like to actually keep some hair on my face in many incarnations over the year.

So for me, foil was the answer, with its slightly smaller footprint and somewhat better manoeuvrability. Years and years ago, I bought the very best Panasonic that the local shaver shop had for sale. It was several hundred bucks or something ridiculous, but it is brilliant, even on annoying neck hairs, three day old growth etc.

Ah yes, a contrasting opinion
Do you know what the model of the Panasonic is?

 

[Jasup]

Buy cheap buy twice... However I use this with a feather blade.

Will never ever go back

Heh, I use that exact same combo.

However about electric razors.
It's all dependent on personal preference. I used to use Braun electric razors exclusively, while my dad uses rotary shavers. I borrowed my dad's razor once or twice while visiting home, only to realize the rotary just seems to fuck everything up. At the same time my dad won't consider anything but a rotary electric razor.

Edit: and yes, foil shavers have issues. Especially the foil itself, which wears off eventually.

 

[hermit7]

I have used pretty much the same razor in the OP for a while and it provides a decent shave.

The only issue is the cleaning cartridges are limited use and run out fairly quickly. Replacements are around 15 dollars for a pack of 2. If you are willing to swallow that cost then go for it.

 

[Raticus79]

This rotary one's been working fine for me:

http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/remington-r5150-cordcordless-mens-rotary-shaver/6000190673285

The battery died a long time ago, but I always just have it plugged in anyway.

The blades have lasted quite a bit longer than the lifespan on the package.

Haven't tried a high end foil one, so maybe ignorance is bliss in my case. It's true that it requires multiple passes.

 

[Deaf Spacker]

I'm watching this thread with interest, wet shaving is starting to piss me off.

 

[PHOENIXZERO]

I bought a Braun Series 3-340s five months ago for $40 to replace my old rotary that I had for like 12 or 13 years, the battery on it was pretty much kaput in 2012 ago but since then it'd still work after being plugged in for a bit until that stopped working too. The first couple times I used the foil it cut really close on about 90% of my face/neck now it's more like 75% and the throat area is a pain in the ass. I'm not super anal about it though so it's not a big deal.

 

[Wafflecakes]

Why?

The foil razor simply didn't cut a bunch of my hairs depending on their angles, especially on the jaw and neck.

Plus the shave itself took longer and wasn't as smooth.

(Both razors were roughly the same price)

 

[illiniguy05]

Go foil, works much better as you work it perpendicularly against the grain of your facial hair.

 

[bryehn]

In my experience, they all suck. I've moved back to a manual (and beard trimmer).

 

[DrSlek]

Try a laser when it's released.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-skarp-laser-razor-21st-century-shaving#/

 

[Pepto]

Try a laser when it's released.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-skarp-laser-razor-21st-century-shaving#/

I thought that was a scam?

 

[Engell]

I have a top end Braun with self cleaning, also had a rotary from Philips but that was one of the cheaper models, so don't know about the high end ones.

Still prefer my Gillette Fusion manual with the vibrator :-D
the electric ones irritate my skin, i was hoping the Braun cleaning system would solve that issue, but it didn't.

Btw. i sharpen my Gillette razors, so i only change the blade every 4-6 months, or something like that

 

[Engell]

I thought that was a scam?

think they got kicked from kickstarter due to not having anything to show other then an idea.

 

[Giard]

I had a Braun foil when I was younger, it wouldn't cut anything. Actually scratch that, my skin got caught in it once, bled a lot.

I haven't tried a rotary though, so I'd go with that just because.

 

[elfinke]

Ah yes, a contrasting opinion
Do you know what the model of the Panasonic is?

This one:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0021AG0Z6/?tag=neogaf0e-20

ES8249, has plenty of power for any face. You can use it dry in front of a mirror, or wet in the shower, whatever suits your morning routine. The flip out hair trimmer is a bonus too, if you do decide to keep some hair on your face.

All that said, I've very rarely ever had a bad shave, whether it is naked blades, razor etc. Technique and decent foam/gel makes up a lot of it. Just don't buy a cheap foil, there's not enough power (they may spin fast but will bog down the instant they hit a clump of fine hair which is when it all goes to shit very quickly).

Good luck!

 

[bengraven]

I'm a blade guy. Letrix just never work for me.

Especially foil. Fuck the foil ones.

 

[ClosingADoor]

I'd rather not spend $150 on the Braun 790cc but if that's where it's at and is what's best for my skin then sure, I guess?

I've been using this one for over 5 years now. You won't regret it.

 

[Nostremitus]

I've used both. Foil razers tend to provide a much closer shave with my hair. A good foil will make your face smooth with no hint of growth when touched. I've yet to find a rotary than could do the same. Just be prepared to clean it regularly and replace the foil guard when needed. The only way to get a super close shave is with a thin foil.

I also use Dollar Shave Club and get four bladed razers. I prefer a wet shave but don't always have time, foil is the next best thing.

 

[Captain_Fujisawa]

I have a slightly older version of that Panasoinc. It replaced a Braun foil, which replaced a Phillips rotary. The Panasonic is the best of the three, fully waterproof and the linear motor means that even at 10% it's still cutting like at 100%.

I have some difficulty using it on my neck, my hair is pretty soft, so it takes a few goes around. It isn't as close as a wet shave, but I prefer it not so close.

 

[Piano]

Well, then, it seems like foil is generally the best except for the times when it inexplicably doesn't work for someone.

And of the foils it sounds like a toss-up between the Panasonics and the Braun.

I guess I'd lean Panasonic since it's leagues cheaper. Or do I get what I pay for?

 

[undrtakr900]

For those of you with extremely-sensitive skin (like me), where: Razor, Foil and Rotary all give you razor burn, you should try/get the Andis T-Outliner. It is literally the only shaving device that doesn't make me break out.

 

[DrSlek]

I thought that was a scam?

I don't think it's a scam, but I know it was removed from Kickstarter for violation of terms of use. The specific violation being that Kickstarter requires a proper working prototype. I think at the time they had a prototype, but not one that met with the standards that Kickstarter requires.

 

[clav]

Foil.

Rotary pulls on my hair.

Each person is different though as it all depends on the type of hair. Some people hate foil because its design doesn't catch long hairs easily.

Just remember the basics of shaving. Do not press. You'll learn this if you decide to pick up manual shaving (e.g. safety razor).

 

[Captain Tuttle]

Did I read correctly that OP was dry shaving with a blade/cartridge? If so, it's not surprising you destroyed your face.

Unless I'm misunderstanding wet shaving (wet face, apply shaving cream, shave and rinse)?

 

[Piano]

Did I read correctly that OP was dry shaving with a blade/cartridge? If so, it's not surprising you destroyed your face.

Unless I'm misunderstanding wet shaving (wet face, apply shaving cream, shave and rinse)?

I was definitely using shaving cream. Rinsed face with warm water before hand, too.

 

[Captain Tuttle]

I was definitely using shaving cream. Rinsed face with warm water before hand, too.

Ah OK, I definitely misunderstood then. Were you shaving right after a hot shower, that always gives me a nice close gentle shave?

Regarding electrics, I used a rotary years ago and found that it gave me razor burn or whatever it's called

 

[Dabanton]

For those of you with extremely-sensitive skin (like me), where: Razor, Foil and Rotary all give you razor burn, you should try/get the Andis T-Outliner. It is literally the only shaving device that doesn't make me break out.

Ordered one of these on Tuesday. I had to get rid of my old electric trimmer as I was moving. My skin flairs up if I even attempt to use anything else.

 

[Stinkles]

I wonder if anyone knows why electric razors literally don't work on some faces, like mine. It has no effect beyond occasionally pulling on a beard hair. I wish it did work because I use a new disposable razor every day. They get blunt almost immediately. I literally can't afford MACH 3s etc.


Although I can and do dry shave my face and head with no problems.

 

[Sanjuro]

I recently got a cheap foil Braun shaver and giving it a shot.

Should be noted, I've not had a clean shave in almost a half decade. Just figured I would give it a shot for cleaning up the neck.

Normally I've just been using a barber style shaver to clean up.

 

[HiResDes]

For those of you with extremely-sensitive skin (like me), where: Razor, Foil and Rotary all give you razor burn, you should try/get the Andis T-Outliner. It is literally the only shaving device that doesn't make me break out.

Holy shit this is what I use. It doesn't get super close, but I like to be able to grow a shadow within a couple of day's anyway. Stubble looks good on me.

 

[Daingurse]

For those of you with extremely-sensitive skin (like me), where: Razor, Foil and Rotary all give you razor burn, you should try/get the Andis T-Outliner. It is literally the only shaving device that doesn't make me break out.

Yeah I use this one too, clippers work way better for me. My skin is just too damn sensitive and I get horrible bumps using a razor.

 

[Princess Carl]

I wonder if anyone knows why electric razors literally don't work on some faces, like mine. It has no effect beyond occasionally pulling on a beard hair. I wish it did work because I use a new disposable razor every day. They get blunt almost immediately. I literally can't afford MACH 3s etc.


Although I can and do dry shave my face and head with no problems.

I would like to know this as well.

 

[ShamePain]

This one has been working well for me for the last 5 years or so, apart from my neck I get a pretty clean shave. I think it's pretty economical in the long run as I don't use shaving gels or do anything with the shaver itself.

 

[Piano]

Ah OK, I definitely misunderstood then. Were you shaving right after a hot shower, that always gives me a nice close gentle shave?

Regarding electrics, I used a rotary years ago and found that it gave me razor burn or whatever it's called

Yeah, I shaved after a shower a little less than half the time. My skin has always been fussy with shaving and moving to every other day was just too much for it.

Plus the hair around my jaw and chin is really, really tough for some reason so it takes multiple passes.

I recently got a cheap foil Braun shaver and giving it a shot.

Should be noted, I've not had a clean shave in almost a half decade. Just figured I would give it a shot for cleaning up the neck.

Normally I've just been using a barber style shaver to clean up.

Has the Braun worked well? What model is it?

This one has been working well for me for the last 5 years or so, apart from my neck I get a pretty clean shave. I think it's pretty economical in the long run as I don't use shaving gels or do anything with the shaver itself.

Is the cost of cleaning cartidges or whatever high? People seem to vary in how much they replace them.

 

[DiscoJer]

I once managed to cut the hell out of myself (my neck) with a foil razor. You press too hard and the foil breaks and you've got jagged metal against your skin.

I dunno how they are even legal, they're like a death trap.

 

[elfinke]

Is the cost of cleaning cartidges or whatever high? People seem to vary in how much they replace them.

Can be expensive, especially if you shave every day and thus wear the foil and cutters out quick. That said, I've replaced my foil and cutters less than once per year since owning the Panasonic no worries at all. Ideally I try to time purchasing those disposable items around Father's Day or even xmas when they are on special, too, which helps.

I once managed to cut the hell out of myself (my neck) with a foil razor. You press too hard and the foil breaks and you've got jagged metal against your skin.

I dunno how they are even legal, they're like a death trap.

Fucking lol, that sucks.

You shouldn't need to press, if you're pressing there is something wrong with either technique or the machine itself. Or both. A feather touch is all that is needed with a decent foil.

 

[ShowDog]

Buy cheap buy twice... However I use this with a feather blade.

Will never ever go back

I do exactly this. Brush a bit of $1 shaving cream from the can into your face and make some quick sloppy passes with a Merkur and Feather blades. It's quick and cheap as fuck, I shave every other day and it takes less than 5 minutes.

People act like you need to shave carefully with a safety razor (and especially with Feather blades) but it just isn't true and you won't get nicked or cut unless you're slicing it haphazardly into your nose and lips.

 

[killer rin]

I personally use a Rotary Electric Razor with no problems, though mine has a trimmer built into it so I usually do a quick pass through with that, then go over my face and neck with the razor part of it.

 

[Deaf Spacker]

The Braun 790CC is under £100 in the Amazon Black Friday sale, I've ordered it.

 

[Zaptruder]

I wonder if anyone knows why electric razors literally don't work on some faces, like mine. It has no effect beyond occasionally pulling on a beard hair. I wish it did work because I use a new disposable razor every day. They get blunt almost immediately. I literally can't afford MACH 3s etc.


Although I can and do dry shave my face and head with no problems.

@_@ Because apparently your hair has steel particles embedded within them.

 

[Brakke]

I used a rotary for years and years and I never once had a shave I was happy with. Moved to wet shave and now I "get" shaving. I use feather blades.

Double-edge blades are awesome for being cheap and precise. But fuck it, those Gillete five-blade cartridges are good for being quick and impossible to cut yourself with. I always have a pack of cartridges in the drawer just in case I don't have the time / inclination for a proper shave.

I wet shave in about a minute. Why should it take longer?

How? Do you grow 0 hair on your face?

 

[Brakke]

Although I can and do dry shave my face and head with no problems.

whaaaaaaat. I did this once and was such a spotty bloody mess I called in sick and spent a day at home crying in pain. how. is your head just all callouses by now?

 

[shem935]

Just don't shave. Beard gaf is always looking for new members.

 

[Luigiv]

I find both types to be equally useless. And I mean literally useless, as in they don't work at all on my facial hair.

Wet shaving is the way to go.

Just don't shave. Beard gaf is always looking for new members.

If only it were that simple. Even if you grow a beard, you still need to shave your neck, if you don't want you're beard to look like crap (which go figure, is the most annoying part to shave).