Comments on: From Blade to Motor: One Man’s Transition to an Electric Razor

By: Tim Lewallen

Tim Lewallen — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:11:14 +0000

When I started shaving my head a few years back I bought a very expensive Braun with the built in gel dispenser thinking that would be the best option. Up until that time I had used a Gillette Sensor XL.

That thing irritated my skin like nobody’s business. I stuck with it for two weeks hoping my skin would adjust and it just got worse.

I went back to using my Sensor for my face and a Head Blade for my dome. I shave in the shower ( the steam and hot water softens the beard) so making a mess and clean up are a non-issue. I can shave my beard and head in about 3 or 4 minutes.

Besides a rotary electric razor cuts hair like a rotary mower cuts grass – it doesn’t so much as cut it as beat it in half. I saw a photograph of hairs cut with either method and the blade cut hair was cut cleanly, the hair from the electric was a mangled mess.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:33:54 +0000

I’m from a military background where a 5 o’clock shadow at work is seen as very unprofessional (unless it’s after 5 o’clock or so). I’m no longer active duty, but I’ll never be able to concede the closeness of an actual razor.

By: Wayne

Wayne — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:36:55 +0000

electric is awesome, because you don’t need to stand over the sink while you do it. i walk around, put the coffee on, watch the news, etc. I’ve never tried one with the gel releasers, wonder if it works.

By: Dan

Dan — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 23:26:20 +0000

i’ve used an electric for awhile now. works great, but i still like to treat myself to a barber shave from time to time.

By: jason

jason — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 23:23:57 +0000

@ Justin, I get a very close shave with an electric. My neck is the only place a blade gets smoother, but there’s no way it’s work the extra fuss.

By: Justin

Justin — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:10:35 +0000

I’m going to have to thoroughly and passionately disagree with you here. Newer is not always better. Sometimes newer is just gimicky marketing. I don’t care who you are, you will *never* get as close a shave with an electric as you will with a blade — especially an old-fashioned safety razor (no tacky 5-bladed monstrosities), a shaving brush, and some soap.

Sure an electric is easier and faster. But if those five minutes mean that much in the morning, well buddy it’s time to start getting up earlier. A blade just gives you a better shave, and leaves a guy feeling great. The fact that it takes a modicum of skill to use properly shouldn’t count against it. If anything, it’s what separates the men from the boys.

By: Ted Carnahan

Ted Carnahan — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:53:41 +0000

I switched several years ago, and I can’t say it actually got me to shave any more frequently, but it’s definitely less of a hassle when I do.