Bye Bye, Razors!

I used to be a razor and shaving foam kind of guy. I never used to bother me even if I had to shave everyday. As I grew older, I started feeling a discomfort when I use razors. Perhaps my hair had grown more coarse. When I use the brand new blade, I'm OK, but the next time around, it feels like I'm scratching my face with a sew blade.

I switched to a Braun shaver. It was a travel unit that I bought at Wal-Mart. I cannot tell what model that was, but it was battery-operated (2 AAs), and it allowed me to shave in my car while commuting. While it sufficed my need for the daily shaving, the travel unit lacked the capability to cut the longer hair (when I skip shaving for a couple of days, like some weekends), and I was still forced to use the razor from time to time.

I started researching for the ultimate electric shaver. Obviously, any shaver that overcomes or compensates for the electric shavers' short comings would be a good one. As I see it, the challenges faced by any electric shavers are:

- Hassles of cleaning
- Hassles of recharging/changing batteries
- Bulkiness
- Close-shave performance
- Comfort
- Long hair treatment

While the last 3 items can only be proven when I use a shaver, the first 3 criteria are usually explained in the specifications/features.

There are many self-cleaning/charging units available and widely advertised, but I also find that these units have cradles that require a rather large foot-print on your counter. Also, they require the proprietary solution cartridges which can be a hassle in changing.

Some shavers are for wet/dry use. It sounded pretty attractive, but reviewing my method of shaving and my morning rituals, it became clear that I would never use my electric shaver in the wet condition. It would be, however, very intuitive if the shaver can be 'washed' under water after every use. So after searching for shavers that are washable, chargeable (without a large cradle) and a low profile, I selected Braun Flex XP 5614. The only reason I chose Braun over other brands like Norelco is I just knew that Braun worked on my face before. So nothing against any particular brands.

I paid $80 at Drugstore.com for this unit. Upon opening the package, I find the shaver, the hard travel case (with cleaning brushes), charging cord, a small bottle of blade oil and instructions.

Appearance/Ergonomics:
It has a slick look. A rubbery material cover the side of the shaver which makes it easy for a user to hold on to the shaver. The power button if also located on the side where thumb would be located. It is 6 3/4 x 2 1/4 x 1 1/4 (in). They are a little heftier than I had imagined it to be, but it turns out that it is a comfortable size to fit in the adult's hand.

Mechanics:
The main shaving part consists of the twin foils with a trimmer located between the foils, and the twin cutter blocks. The shaver also has a retractable long hair trimmer for the sideburns, etc. It is apparent that this unit is superbly constructed. I guess this is what they call the German workmanship.

Charging:
The unit must be charged for at least 4 hours before the first use. You plug in the cord in the outlet and stick the other side into the bottom of the shaver. The green pilot light comes on the shaver and you know it's charging. It has an automatic shutoff function, so you won't overcharge. It trickle charges if you keep the charger on, so you can be sure than your shaver will be 100% charged when you take it off the charger. The subsequent charges will only take 1 hour. The wall plug side of the charger sticks out from the wall about 4 inches. I still have not figured out the intention of the designers, but I think they should have made it the low profile plug. It is just bulky to handle.

Performance:
I often hear people say how electric shavers are inferior to razors in closeness. I personally never noticed the difference, and I fully expect this unit to shave as close as any razors or shavers. I was not disappointed. This product shaves very close usually in 1 pass, and if not, you WILL get it in the second pass. The longer hair was NO PROBLEM to my delight. The trimmer between the foils cuts the longer hair that the foil can't handle to the length that is manageable. The neck is usually a challenge in shaving (electric or razor) and this unit was not an exception. I had to be creative in the orientation, movement direction and angle to get all the hair. I wonder if the rotary blades like Norelco's would handle these areas better.

Cleaning:
I run the shaver under the hot water for a several seconds. I shake the water off the product then turn it off. I do this after every use. This is very pain free.

Battery Performance:
The battery lasts well over 1 week of use without recharging. At times, I can go 2 weeks before recharging. This is definitely acceptable even for an extended business trip. The NiMH battery is supposed to have no memory effect, so I can plug it in after every use if I want to. I don't because I don't have to. I just plug it in when the red indicator comes on to let me know the low battery status.

Maintenance:
Once a month, I remove the shaver foil and brush the inside to remove any stuck pieces of hair. The blade oil is applied to the foil, also. It doesn't take long at all. The instruction urges you replace the foil and cutter blocks every 18 months. Also, full charge/discharge of the battery is recommended every 6 months to preserver battery performance. I have not done neither since it's been only 3 months since I got this unit. It sounds simple and inexpensive enough, though.

Conclusion:
Yeah, I'm sticking with this shaver for a long time to come. It's been only 3 months since I got it, so I can't speak for the durability, but judging from the construction of the product, this will last longer than most shavers in the market. It is more expensive than my taste, but I consider it a good investment. I threw my razors away.