Author Topic: Do you use an electric shaver? (Read 897 times)

briarpatch · « **on:** July 08, 2011, 07:23:43 PM »

Would like to try an electric shaver. The nicks I get with my safety razors are a problem. What is the best electric shaver out there?

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** July 08, 2011, 07:57:56 PM »

Dunno if there is a best or not. I don't really shave as such but do have to nightly remove the stubble from around the area where my CPAP mask fits. To do that I use a 20-25 year old American Touristor three blade head electric razor I paid $10 for. It's really not seen that much use as I've only been clearing the stubble a couple years. Before that I just put it over the beard but it sure leaked that way.

Mine has three round heads in a triangle shape. I must say it does a remarkably good job certainly as good as any razor I used back in the days when I actually shaved which was prior to '76 but not much since then.

GeneRector · « **Reply #2 on:** July 08, 2011, 10:28:26 PM »

Howdy! Briarpatch: If you are getting nicks from a safety razor, you might want to look at some specialty shaving and pre-shave creams on the internet and give one or two a try. I've never used an electric shaver, but there probably are some good ones out there. Best of luck! Gene

djl4570 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 08, 2011, 10:51:09 PM »

I use a Norelco when I'm in a hurry but prefer the shave I get from my old Trac II. The lubristrip blades are worth the coin you pay for them (I cannot believe I'm extolling the virtues of a razor blade but I've used a Trac II for thirty years.) I've noticed over the years that if my beard isn't well saturated with moisture from a shower that I'll get nicks unless I'm very gentle. I get nicks when I press to hard with the razor. Be patient, Let the blade do the cutting, excessive pressure isn't required. If you still get nicks mix some shaving cream with a few drops of KY Jelly. Just don't tell the guys at work that you use KY Jelly to shave

<edit> PS: I've used Edge shaving gels for at least twenty years. They carry more water to your face and they have several varieties.
<edit 2> The Onion on multiblade Razors (Caution, there's profanity)

XD40SC · « **Reply #4 on:** July 08, 2011, 10:51:59 PM »

Did you try - EDGE SHAVING GEL. they have several different types.

DDZ · « **Reply #5 on:** July 09, 2011, 03:03:44 AM »

Tried an electric once, and didn't like it at all. Have used the Mach III ever since it came out and never experience any cuts. I would say its the razor you are using, that is the problem. I have found out, that when buying cheap razor blades, cuts and nicks are what you get.

Bugflipper · « **Reply #6 on:** July 09, 2011, 04:38:44 AM »

Those disposable head razors will probably stop the cutting. I've used a 3, 4 and 5 blade model by gillette. Guessing they are the mach line. A razor head will last a year or two. So the pack they come with will last until a new model comes out. And it is usually cheaper to use the coupon next to them in the store and just buy the whole razor instead of the replacement blades. If I'm in a hurry I can dry shave with no problems. I haven't cut myself since using them in the last 15 years or so.

I have one of those norelcos with the 3 round blades. It is slower than shaving regular. It also makes my neck bleed and turns it all red. I tried new blades on it thinking maybe I just got one with a bad set, and the new ones did it as well.

JustaShooter · « **Reply #7 on:** July 09, 2011, 04:59:36 AM »

Back before I grew my beard I used a Norelco 3-blade rotary and liked it a lot. Faster than a blade and shaved about as close. It took a week or two for me to get used to using it (and for my beard / face to get used to it) but after that it was smooth sailing (no pun intended). If you go with an electric, be sure to give it a fair trial over a couple of weeks before deciding whether or not it is for you.

Just a Shooter

jhm · « **Reply #8 on:** July 09, 2011, 05:12:41 AM »

I miss the old blade and go but since I had a stroke and quad bypass the Dr. said no more blades for me for shaving might bleed out I now use a Nerelko tripple header. Jim

briarpatch · « **Reply #9 on:** July 09, 2011, 01:06:47 PM »

Thanks for the advise guys. I use and have tried about every blade razor out there. I also use edge gel. The five blades with the snot strips work ok but are not without the occasional nick. Some of the fault may be that I try to shave clean and get it close.
Its not that I get cut every time I shave but when I do nick myself, with the meds I take, it just dont want to stop and if I rub it over the next few days its off to the races again.
I thought I would give an elect razor a shot to see if it would help. Over these many years I have tried one a few times and did not like it. Justashooter might be right in the fact I need to give it a good try out.
There are several to choose from and all probably do about the same thing.

DDZ · « **Reply #10 on:** July 09, 2011, 01:50:03 PM »

To stop razor blade nicks from bleeding, use a chemical called Alum. It does work. There are companies that make it in a block just for that purpose.

dukkillr · « **Reply #11 on:** July 09, 2011, 02:09:32 PM »

I shave with a three bladed razor but I do it in the shower. I cut myself slightly about once every 6 months. Change the blade about every 2-4 weeks depending on how often I'm shaving.

The thing about electrics that got me was that if you don't shave for a few days then you go use one of those things it plucks the hairs instead of cutting them. Hurts like hell. Still got a really nice one somewhere that I got as a gift...

Sourdough · « **Reply #12 on:** July 09, 2011, 04:13:11 PM »

When I shaved I used a Norelco, in my opinion they are the best. I had one for for the twenty years I was on active duty. Used it every week day, sometimes twice a day. Had to replace the blades twice, when it got to pulling. Still got it, and it works fine. It's over 40 years old now. Sky does use it occasionally. Quite shaving when I retired. Now it's just touch up with a beard trimmer.

GB: When I got my first CPAP, they told me I would have to shave off the beard and mustach. I was stuburn, and wanted to try it first. Worked fine, no air leaks. Each time I go back they tell me I can not use a CPAP with my beard and mustach, that the mask won't seal. I have no problem what so ever. I am now on my seventh or eighth mask, and only one did not seal properly. I don't touch up or trim nothing.

Graybeard · « **Reply #13 on:** July 09, 2011, 06:41:06 PM »

I prolly went thru 7 or 8 before I found one I could live with. There are two basic styles I seem able to tolerate and both do leak with my full beard. In fact they some times leak a little even after I shave the areas it covers. I think my old face is so wrinkled the masks just can't seal it and the beard definitely makes it leak worse for me.

I'm due a new mask in August and I'm gonna look around and see what other options they have as I now have three functioning masks in good shape of two types and so I'm gonna gamble on finding something else that works hopefully even better.

Once I saw one there with some kinda soft foam stuff that seemed it would really form to my face but it was a one shot deal with no take back. If I didn't like it once it touched my face it was mine. I wish I'd have brought it home.

BTW I think Norelco made the shaver I use with the American Tourister name on it.

Dinny · « **Reply #14 on:** July 09, 2011, 08:45:13 PM »

Anyone ever use razor blades that are cryogenically treated? I have and they last! I buy 8 razors for myself and 8 for my wife every year around late November. I'm on active-duty and must shave everyday, these things really do last!!

http://www.greatrazors.com/

Thanks, Dinny

briarpatch · « **Reply #15 on:** July 09, 2011, 10:47:05 PM »

Looks interesting Dinny, I have also heard that if you will rinse off the razor with alcohol after you shave it will last a lot longer. As explained water will dull the edge through corrosion but alcohol will clean and dry it.
Dont know if this is true or not. Sounds possible.

torpedoman · « **Reply #16 on:** July 10, 2011, 07:09:59 PM »

i shave with a mug and brush and razor never cut myself shaving. but bring on the thinners and aspirin anytime i do cut myself doing other things i just pour salt on it to stop the bleeding.

Dinny · « **Reply #17 on:** July 10, 2011, 07:54:38 PM »

Quote from: torpedoman on July 10, 2011, 07:09:59 PM

i just pour salt on it to stop the bleeding.

Remind me to never get on your bad side! You must come from the days when men were made of steel and ships were made of wood...

Thanks, Dinny

briarpatch · « **Reply #18 on:** July 11, 2011, 04:47:22 AM »

I Thought that might be a norelco type razor GB, the way you described it. The norelco seems to be well liked.
DDZ, I got a hard white stick of something at wal-mart in the shaving section. Could be alum. I threw the wrapper away before I thought to look. Have not tried it yet.
Torpedoman, when we were just kids and got cut, the women folk would run us down and either pour salt in the cut or snuff. Just depended on who caught you first. Most of them dipped snuff and had it on them so that was common. If one of them was close to kitchen when the yell went out, you got salt.
Dont ask about cold remedies.
Dukkiler, I know what you mean about pulling hair. I had that problem too. Thought it might have been a cheap razor. I never was able to get a good close shave with an electric razor in old days.
Another reason I may be nicking myself a little more is the fact I have lost weight and my face is more wrinkled and angular. I was ugly before so this dont help.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #19 on:** July 11, 2011, 05:20:19 AM »

I use shaving soap and brush . I have several 2 and three blade razors and switch around buying blades on sale. I like the strip on the blade head .
Don't take my word (look it up for yourself) but i use cold water to clean and keep the blade cold. Wet your face with hot water and apply soap the use a cold razor. I find this to work best . I have tried several elec shavers and have not found one that is as close and quick as the blade.

us920669 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 11, 2011, 05:22:52 AM »

I like the 3 head Norelco. It does take a while to get accustomed - don't ask me why - but they advise it and it's the truth. I think what happens on that hair pulling business is, the gap between the heads closed up and traps a long hair, especially a nose hair, so you gotta keep them hacked back too.

Torpedoman likes salt. They say Admiral King used a blowtorch. Of course, Torpedoman is the guy who is disappointed he never got to pork Sophia Loren. If all life's problems were so simple.

bobg · « **Reply #21 on:** July 11, 2011, 06:00:24 AM »

I use a three head Norelco. When i first started shaving i used a Remington. Constant blisters on my neck. Especially in warm weather. Switched to Norelco and end of blister problems. us920669 is correct. The destructions {that was done on purpose} tell you it takes a while to get use to it especially in the neck area.

ironglow · « **Reply #22 on:** July 11, 2011, 06:13:17 AM »

While I use a Braun electric and it has lasted/cut better than others I've tried, I don't use electric very often. I just use the cheapo Bic razors, they cut good and last very well. Don't fall for the no-name cheapos though..they will slice you..
Years ago I used to use the refillable single edge razors..but have had them go to nicking after dropping them. For nicks that do occur, go to your local drug store and get a "Styptic Pencil". It is made primarily of alum and all one need do for a nick is wet the tip of the pencil and apply to the nick. It will sting...but it will stop the bleeding.
Don't know how long one might last..perhaps a lifetime, if you don't lose or drop it on a very hard surface (parts still effective though).

Mohawk · « **Reply #23 on:** July 13, 2011, 01:44:28 PM »

The Mach III is a great razor. There is a reason why it is sold out a lot of times (:

jimster · « **Reply #24 on:** July 13, 2011, 02:05:03 PM »

I never found an electric one that would do what I wanted. I always take a steaming hot shower, soap up the stubble, and use Edge jell as soon as I get out of the shower. Since I have a beard around my chin and a moustache, I need to shape everything and make perfect lines, never figured out how to do that with an electric.

gypsyman · « **Reply #25 on:** July 13, 2011, 02:05:49 PM »

I think or heard or read somewhere, that if you store your razor in olive oil, it's suppose to last longer and stay sharper. I always got a serious razor burn from an electric, so stuck with blade's. Usually just lather up with hand soap. Don't nick myself to often. Still remember using a stiptik(??) pencil to stop the bleeding when I first started out. Now, that burnt like hell. gypsyman

penrod72 · « **Reply #26 on:** August 27, 2011, 05:13:45 PM »

Gillette MAch 3 for my head, neck and sidebruns, Braun electric around my mouth. My father liked mine so much (it was the cheapest one from WalMart my girlfirned bought me for Christmas) that he went out and found a better used one for himself. Had mine for over 15 years now, changed foil and cutter head when it started to pull hairs.

Shave my head daily with Edge Gel.

spikehorn · « **Reply #27 on:** August 29, 2011, 04:42:33 PM »

Getting a norelco electric shaver was kind of like a right of passage in my house. You could expect one for Christmass after you turned 16. Because of genetics I never really had enough whiskers to worry about until I was in my early 20s. My dad went the other route he gave up a safety razor for a norelco and never looked back, He's 90 now and still using a norelco. I only have to shave about twice a week so 3 blade disposables are what I use now and can't ever remember getting a nick from one.

45-70.gov · « **Reply #28 on:** August 29, 2011, 04:55:16 PM »

the triple rotary type

and i shave more than most

don't miss a day its hard to play catchup

sidewinder319 · « **Reply #29 on:** August 29, 2011, 05:30:21 PM »

The Braun is a very fine shaver.