Electric Shavers

[All over the world]

Not a very sartorial matter but somewhat stylish as most of shave and the ones with moustaches and beards certainly trim them I suppose? In any case, I have never been able to shave with cream and blades without cutting myself and so one day I switched to an Electric Shaver. It is quick and feels alright but there are some problems which I find quite troublesome, I am blond haired and so sometimes I can't see where hairs are growing on my neck etc... When I end up discovering them because the shaver didn't catch them they have already become too long for the shaver... Another matter is that no matter how hard I try the area under my ears just won't let itself be shaved properly and always feels well stubbly... Another thing is that replacing the blade cover on my electric shaver costs me 36 euros each time which i think just isn't acceptable, after all it's something that costs 50p to make.

Does anyone here have any recommendations for a good electric shaver?

[Rowly]

In my experience you cannot alternate between an electric shaver and a wet shave. To get a decent shave with electric, you need to use it for a few weeks to let your skin harden to it. It is good for convenience and that's as far as it goes. There is nothing like a wet shave if you take your time and do it properly. After having a beard for the last few years...I recently had a turkish shave...and since then I have shaved every day. A good wet shave is theraputic. It is the perfect cure for a mild hangover...It is almost like a physical meditation which gets you into a calm, patient focused state for the day ahead. To avoid cuts: 1, ensure the razor is replaced often, as a blunt blade will pluck and nick you.2, use lots of hot water to splash on ( as hot as your hands can bear ) and keep splashing it on for about 30 secs...to get the pores open and the beard soft.3, don't take too long putting foam or gel on..get on with it while your face is still warm.4. regularly rinse the razor so it isn't clogged with cream.5, hold the razor lightly and get a feel for how much pressure to apply.6, shave down your face , not up.7, If you want a very clean shave.. re do the whole process for the neck and under the chin this time shaving upwards over the already shaven bit.8, Develop an awareness for the feel and balance of your razor and enjoy the art of less and less cuts until you are consistently cut free ! Try the new Gillette power fusion vibrating razor...and enjoy your shave, because you're worth it !

[Canuck]

Further to Rowly's comments.
I use the Fusion Razor (have not tried the vibrating model) and it is the best razor I have ever owned, a close shave and the blade lasts a little longer than others.
My best shaves are immediately after I shower.
Also, I use RS shaving cream (manufactured in the UK but available at limited locations in North America). It is a very thick/sticky cream and is best used with a brush. They do have a foam and pre/post shaving lotions, I do not use them but may help giving you a better shave.
RS is a little more expensive than the Gillett type products but well worth the extra cost.
My last comment, wet shaving cannot be rushed, take your time.

[Costi]

So the best electric shave remains a wet shave...
"Time is money" may take a different meaning than "Say it quickly, I'm busy!" - sometimes it makes more sense to invest time (as in learning to shave properly), rather than money (as in buying an improved electric shaver). Time - when invested well - becomes a currency that can buy otherwise priceless things...

[Rowly]

Yes, the well shaven man will not cut his face...but he will cut a better deal !

[snapper]

I always wet shave whilst showering. That way my face is constantly splashed with hot water. After time you should be able to feel your way around your face without the need for a mirror.

Regards, Snapper

[All over the world]

Well, another reason why wet shaving is dangerous is because of the presence or irregularities (bumps) on my skin. And I am in a hurry most of the time, at least during the morning.

[Rowly]

You only cut yourself if you stand too close to the razor !

[Costi]

And I am in a hurry most of the time, at least during the morning.

You're very good at identifying problems: you have a time management issue, not a shaving problem. Deal with that first. I wake up early enough so I have time to shower, shave, have proper breakfast, check mail and read a few pages from a good book before I go out. That's a great start for a day, believe me, but I'm also lucky to start work late enough to afford this...
What you need is an instrument that will call for respect and attention: get a straight razor (at least the kind with replaceable blades). That will make you extra careful, you get less irritation than with the modern 3-4-5-6-blades cartridges (multiply irritation by the number of blades) and you can navigate freely among the irregularities of your face. You'll become a master at it in no time - you have no choice when you find yourself in front of the mirror, razor in hand!

[Costi]

Yes, the well shaven man will not cut his face...but he will cut a better deal !

...and a handsome figure, too!

If you don't want to stand too close to the razor, here is the one-by-one alternative:

[All over the world]

And I am in a hurry most of the time, at least during the morning.

You're very good at identifying problems: you have a time management issue, not a shaving problem. Deal with that first. I wake up early enough so I have time to shower, shave, have proper breakfast, check mail and read a few pages from a good book before I go out. That's a great start for a day, believe me, but I'm also lucky to start work late enough to afford this...
What you need is an instrument that will call for respect and attention: get a straight razor (at least the kind with replaceable blades). That will make you extra careful, you get less irritation than with the modern 3-4-5-6-blades cartridges (multiply irritation by the number of blades) and you can navigate freely among the irregularities of your face. You'll become a master at it in no time - you have no choice when you find yourself in front of the mirror, razor in hand!

Hah! It seems everyone here is an adept of wet shaving! Unfortunately I really do not have time for it, I share my bathroom with someone who spends a lot of time getting ready! If I were to wet shave I would have to wake up really early which I'd rather avoid.

[Rowly]

An old Carpenter's trade secret was to rub your face with a salty herring...wait to the hairs get thirsty and come out for a drink...and then, clinch them with a claw hammer!

hammer.png

[Canuck]

To "All over the world".
Is the problem "Time Management" or "Scheduling"
If you are fighting for bathroom space and moving, is out of the question, give your friend a make-up table and mirror.

[All over the world]

To "All over the world".
Is the problem "Time Management" or "Scheduling"
If you are fighting for bathroom space and moving, is out of the question, give your friend a make-up table and mirror.

It's not just that, she bathes and then washes her hair separately...

Hand shake is also a problem... Though the idea of a straight blade might be a good thing, any idea where I might find one in Paris? And not an ugly plastic piece if I do decide to go for it.

[Costi]

The ugly plastic piece is perfect for starting out. What if you can't stop your hand shaking? - you would have spent 500 euro on a Thiers Issard...
Did you know you don't actually need running water to shave? All you need is a nice inexpensive ceramic sink (find a potter who can handmake, paint and glaze one for you) and a mirror. Soak a small towel in the hot water in your sink, keep it on your face for a couple of minutes. Leave your brush in to soak, too, while you close your eyes and imagine yourself in a field of lavender - that should steady your wrist and focus your mind on the task at hand Rinse the blade in the same water. All you need in the end is a splash of cold water to close your pores - you can get that in the kitchen if you wish.
Alternatively, you can persuade the bathroom invader about the coolness of "a la garconne" haircuts...
Any more excuses?