Values Privacy:

Background:

About 15 years ago I tried all kinds of electric razors (not Panasonic though). Then, the winner was Braun. It was the only shaver that I didn’t have to go over a blade with afterwards. I’ve used every iteration of Braun (their top of the line ones) since then until their current model. (Remingtons are junk, Norelco pulled hair and never gave me a clean shave, it missed thicker hairs, there were other brands, etc). So I will basically compare the performance of this shaver to the newish (1.5 year old Braun Pulsonic self cleaning shaver which I’ve used exclusively until now).

A little background about me that is important for this review is that I have fast growing thick beard. I can shave more than twice a day and have a 5 o’clock shadow. And on top of that I cut myself if I used a manual razor. I have cut myself with electric razors too (I don’t even know how that’s possible).

So that out of the way, I can start the review.

The shave:

Wet (wet means with shaving cream, not just water): This was the best shave I’ve had, neck, face, and all. I was always told you can’t get as close to shaving with a blade, but I can’t tell the difference. I was extremely pleasantly surprised.

Dry (before taking a shower): Wasn’t as close as the wet and not as comfortable but it was better than the Braun. Best dry shaver I’ve used.

Cleaning:

I was worried because there is an even more expensive model with the cleaning base which made me expect a long involved cleaning procedure. It doesn’t! Just rinse with water and push the power button long enough for it to go to cleaning mode (repeat with foil off). It freed me from having to buy cleaning cartridges I supposed so that’s a plus.

Other:

I feel guilty using it in the shower because of how much water/heat is wasted (lets say a few minutes of wasted hot water during the shave…). Also since it’s a little quieter than the Braun, I can tell that it’s going over an area that still needs to be shaved (hear hairs being cut). So I’d rather use it on a sink.

Instructions don’t say how to make the battery last longer. Should I charge after each use? Should I keep using it until it dies? Should I maintain a 50% charge? etc.

I could not download the manual online. The website-help directed me to buy it at the parts section. I told them I wanted to see the manual before I decide if I want the razor. I want to see how to clean it etc. They were very polite and thanked me for my feedback. But I still couldn’t download the manual online, I honestly would have a hard time buying anything expensive blindly without looking at the instructions.

I think even though buying an electric razor has a higher initial cost, one saves money in the long run as the cost of consumables is almost zero (as opposed to buying disposable razors).

I was pleasantly surprised the head pivots in 2 different directions so that I don’t have to point it carefully at my face.

Conclusion:

I highly recommend it. It’s my first Panasonic and I wish I had the chance to try Panasonics earlier.

I took 1 star off for lack of a user’s manual online and lack of battery care instructions.

EDIT (Dec 2009):

Thanks for the comments, there is the a link to the product manual in the comment section.

After using it for 2 months, I still think it’s the best shaver I’ve used. One drawback I found was that it’s hard to shave sideburns precisely with it since the head is so big (trimmer isn’t that great). The motor is in the head though so the size of the head is necessarily big.

Also, I agree with other reviewers about how a stand should be included. Washing it and then letting it sit on a towel is not the most elegant solution.

EDIT (June 2010):

I’m still using this shaver exclusively. I still recommend it. But I have some more notes.

-I hate the lock button (to lock the shaver head to prevent it from swiveling) It’s just easier to hold the head in your hands than try to adjust it just so that the lock button can slide.

-I mostly use it dry even though i get a closer shave when wet. It’s more convenient and I’m lazy.

-I use it wet when I have to go to something formal. And this is still the best shave I’ve gotten regardless if it’s electric or manual shaver. It takes several passes though but that’s ok. There is no danger of getting cut and it’s cheaper than blades.
Rating: 4 / 5

W. Bison:

Background: My facial hair grows in quickly — 5 o’clock shadow type guy, and grows a full beard in a couple weeks. I’m also pretty particular about what razors I use (and can use), sticking only to Gillette Mach 3 blades of one variety or another (tried the Schick Quattro, didn’t like it). I’ve never had an electric razor, other than using a low-end model more than 15 years ago which never really did the job. I was sckeptical an electric razor could do the job for me.

Immediately after starting to use this product I was impressed. I get a very, very close shave with it — comparable to a razor, and without all the effort and mess. Plus, I find this to be a big time saver for me. It takes me about 3 minutes to do the job, and it gets done in the shower which is even better in the mornings when I’m pressed for time (i.e. running late). I’ve used it for almost 3 weeks so far, haven’t touched a razor balde since, and finding it fit into my routine more and more every day.

Big, big fan of this electric razor.

Pros:

* takes little time to charge — about an hour or less.

* it lasts the whole week on one charge.

* it gives a very smooth shave and doesn’t irritate sensitive parts of my face/neck as razor blades do.

* it is great to use in the shower

* I’ve been using it for almost 3 weeks so far and still haven’t had to clean it (it has an indicator to you when to clean it)

* I expect cleaning it to be super easy

* the travel case is slim, and won’t take up any more space in my luggage than the razor itaself does.

* pivot head / fixed head / sideburn edge

* heft and size. I have large hands, and this fits my mits well. Good solid weight too.

Cons:

* when recharging, the light is BRIGHT. I dno’t leave it charging overnight b/c the light from teh bathroom is noticeable in teh bedroom. Wow.

* more on the above — the light blinks too, which is doubly annoying

* doesn’t do a great job on one part of my face, just under the jaw line. I frequently have to do this part over. Not sure if it’s the razor or me. I’m going to blame the razor.

* costs a lot.

* replacement blades are going to hurt the pocket book when it comes time to get them.

* There isn’t a charging station. Some people might like just having a cord. I would like to have a cord AND a charging station for the price of the razor.

* worried that if I drop it, it’ll break.

On the whole, I’m very, very pleased with the product. I think it’s one very impressive piece of machinery, and I would be thrilled to receive it as a gift.
Rating: 5 / 5

Jay Riemenschneider:

This is a beautiful and high quality shaver. It comes with a soft, zippered form-fitting case. I don’t think its leather, but looks like it will hold up for a long time. I did have a shaver about 15 years ago that came with a much nicer leather custom case. For the price of this shaver, I sort of expected one like that. Oh well.

This shaves very gently. I’ve had ones that could easily cut into your adams apple or around your lips if you pushed too hard in those areas. This one is very easy to wash with a drop of liquid soap and warm running water. I find it helpful to rub some clipper oil on the inside of the cutting foil with a Q-tip after washing. It will make the blades last much longer and provide a smoother shave.

I am 47 years old and have owned maybe 6 or 7 electrics and this is, by far, the most effective. Battery life is good. I get about 5 shaves per charge. I only use it dry, so I can’t say how it works wet or in the shower, but it says it is safe to do so. It’s a lot of money, but a great shaver.

If you are having trouble with razor bumps, and/or ingrown hairs, this may help with that problem. This shaver will not cut hair below the skin surface. Supposedly, even with a razor blade, you are not supposed to cut hair against the grain for this reason. So, if you compare a shave with a blade NOT against the grain to this shaver, I think this electric does a better job. This model has a timer on it so it tells you how long it took to shave and I average right about 5 minutes.
Rating: 5 / 5