Time to replace my electric shaver, a Braun; no longer available, the beehive screen replacement part model.
Can anyone suggest one, based on personal satisfaction? Price and ruggedness are important criteria for me. Very close shave not so much. And also important, long years of replacement parts availability. Then also no need for transformer adaptor; it should plug directly into the house mains outlet.
Thanks and God bless.
Susma Rio Sep
Avoid Remington three-slots like the plague… I suggest the Braun single foil models.
The Braun Self Cleaning models are GREAT. It’s wonderful never having to clean your razor. Just shave and drop it in. Now the cartridges are about 10 bucks a piece, but I think it’s worth it. Also let me mention, as a testemonial. I grew up using ONLY exectric razors, and just recently (within the past month) have been using a Mach3. While I’m going to give it more time, I feel the that Braun model I have is not only the best one I’ve used, but seems MUCH closer then the Mach3. (All though I haven’t had much practice with a normal razor).
I have been using Norelco razors since 1950. I have tried other makes but none seem to compare to the Norelco.
I agree with the other poster: The clean-and-charge Braun (syncro system series) is very good. Expensive though. I think I paid around $130 for the kit, which included the razor, cleaning/charging stand, cord, and one solution kit. Replacement solutions are $10 for 2 of them at Wally world, and you get around a month from each one. Or, clean the cartidge out yourself and refill with denatured alcohol, a few drops of oil, and a little fragrance if desired (say, your favorite after shave). The Braun cleaning solution does have this citrus-like fragrance to it, which I don’t particularly care for. And, you will smell it. The cleaning module has a fan that dries the razor, which also emits the odor of the solution. The good thing about this is, the extreme funckified smell of razor stubble lets you know when its time to replace the cartridge.
I suspect, since it’s a relatively newer model, you can get replacement foils/cutter blocks for the forseeable future.
If cost is an issue, then you can still get just the razor and not the entire kit. Just look for syncro system with “clean and charge” compatibility. This gives you the option of adding the cleaning module at a later time, or never adding it. Yeah it’s neat to have it clean itself, but let’s face it, I don’t know about you but it takes me about 3 seconds to pop up the foil and knock/rinse out the stubble. The cleaning/charging stand is not a neccessity, by any means. You can even get the spray cleaner/lubricator that will do the same thing, effectively, as the self cleaner. One thing I do like about the cleaning module, other than looks, is it makes quite a bit of noise (louder than the actual razor while in operation) which drives the wife nuts for an entire 15 minutes after I’m done and have left the bathroom. When possible, I plan my shaves when I know the wife is fixing to go into the bathroom, just for this reason.
The most important feature of this model, by far, is the cool factor. I now have something to place on the vanity that looks so much better than all my wife’s junk that’s there. plus, it gets in her way, which is neat. The cleaning stand is pretty large though (much larger than it really needs to be, IMO) and resembles a broom and handle. But it looks cool, even if you get the urge to grab it by the handle and sweep the floor with it.
As for the power, yes, it plugs directly into the wall via the included cord/transformer combo. When travelling, the cord plugs directly from outlet to razor (but you can get 5-7 shaves between charges). When stationary, the cleaning/charging module plugs directly into the wall via the same cord, and the razor is placed in the charger. The actual transformer is on the end of the plug but not like the old style transformers that block the other socket in your wall outlet. This one doesn’t get in the way of anything. It’s kinda long and flat as opposed to box shaped, and it’s integrated completely with the cord (all one piece).
I must be honest, though. I was used to a single foiled razor, and it did take a week or two (just as the instructions warned) for my beard to “adjust” to the new two foiled design. Plus, it has a little “clipper” like thingy in between the foils that feels sorta weired at first. But once adjusted, I can honestly say I get a closer and more comfortable shave with this razor than any other I have used.
Thanks to all you guys who took the trouble and time to reply to my query.
God bless you all.
Susma Rio Sep