Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsExcellent Shaver, My Best Shave
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2010
Update 7/17/17; Update 12/1/12; original review 10/9/10.
Update about 7 years later...
I'm still using this razor, though I've changed the foil and blades a number of times.
At this point the digital display is dead and the razor head is stained with soap/shaving cream that won't come off. But it still works, holds a charge for a long time, and gives a good shave.
* * *
12/1/12
After two years I replaced this razor. Could you get more life out of it than two years? Definitely. Why did I replace it?
1. Mold, despite regular cleaning regime.
* After about 18-20 months, this razor started to get black mold on/in the plastic under the foil cover, on the part of the razor where the blades are attached. This part of the razor is a light color plastic, so it could be easily seen. It does not rub off; it is in the plastic and like a stain. I should add this problem emerged even though I ALWAYS took off the foil cover, rinsed the foil cap and blade area of razor after use, and left the two parts out on the counter to dry. I can only imagine that not doing this cleaning routine (a quick rinse and putting it in a drawer) would leave one with a very moldy razor.
* I tried cleaning the mold with a bleach solution, soap, and hydrogen peroxide. Helped but didn't get rid of it. I'm sure the mold was also within the razor in areas that I couldn't see.
* I think this was mostly a cosmetic issue, but I didn't like the idea that there would be mold near shaving blades and my face.
* If you have a black version of this razor you probably have the same thing happening, but you don't see it. It might be a good idea for everyone to give their wet razors a dunk in hydrogen peroxide or a bleach solution once in a while.
2. I upgraded to a model with a cleaning stand.
* As noted below, I didn't really like that this razor didn't come with some kind of stand. I knew that I wouldn't put a wet thing in a drawer, and if I was going to leave it out on the counter, it felt like it should have a stand.
* Because of the mold issue, I upgraded to a model that would have a stand and the cleaning function. I am hopeful that the cleaning function will eliminate the mold problem with my new Panasonic razor.
* I will write a review of the new razor, but let me just say here that the stand is big, not very elegant, has very bright flashing lights (you won't want it near your bedroom at night), and very noisy for about 5-10 minutes (sounds like a train, and in a quiet room feels as loud, no joke-- my wife hates it).
Summary-- Panasonic makes a great razor, but this mold issue was an unexpected disappointment.
10/9/10.
This is an excellent shaver and I've switched happily and probably permanently from blade shaving, only wishing I had switched years ago. But years ago (say 15 to 20) I had used a few different rotary Braun and Norelco electric razors that didn't do a great job, and gave them up for blades. This one works differently, whether it is the ultrasonic or the blade style and motion, so if you think you have tried an electric shaver by trying only one kind, I've learned that you have to try all the different types. This one might be the one for you.
I shaved for years with Mach III blades, but even using high quality shaving cream, I came to hate shaving, that knife on my face, which I have to do every day, with a dark beard. This razor give a close shave and it is painless. I continue to shave wet, with no difference than with my blade, and have had no irritation, even with the very first use (so don't be put off by that "you have to get used to it" warning). I actually look forward to shaving now, or at least don't mind it at all. Granted, I still have my Mach III handy, to clean up a few missed hairs, but I do not mind the "extra step," since I get a closer shave than I ever have, and without pain and any cuts. (My routine includes Art of Shaving or Body Shop shaving cream, excellent products, a small amount of cream lathered on with a damp shaving brush.)
Shaving is quick with this razor. Its rapid ultrasonic motion creates more lather when you use shaving cream, which makes the shaving even smoother. It takes a few minutes, and you don't have to worry about getting cut.
Maybe you can get the same shave with one of the lower priced models, but I am so pleased with it that I don't resent the price. I sometimes wish that I had bought a model with a stand however.
