Stay smoother for longer with these chargeable razors.
The act of shaving has come a long way in the last few thousand years.
The earliest evidence of actual razor-like implements date back to around 3000 BC when copper razors were invented, probably through the concept of shaving as a deliberate aesthetic choice as much as for reasons of personal hygiene. This was pioneered by the Egyptian priesthood for mostly religious reasons. No less than Alexander the Great was adamant that his soldiers stay clean-shaven for battle.
Straight razors (sometimes ominously referred to as “cut-throat” razors) entered widespread use around the 18th century, and manufactured in Sheffield, England (producer of some of the best quality steel in the world). Such was the quality of the razor and effectiveness of the overall shave that a straight-razor shave was commonplace as integral a part of a visit to a barbershop as the haircut itself right up until the mid-20th century.
The invention of the safety razor in 1876 – essentially what is sold nowadays in stores – drastically cut into the barbershop industry’s revenue, to the point of decreasing precipitously from 50% at the turn of the century to a mere 10% by 1939. This was helped in no small part by the safety razors and accessories being sold to servicemen during the First World War for convenience and hygiene reasons, and who then took them home and continued using them, especially when shaving company Gillette dropped the price of razors from $5 to $1 each.
Electric shavers were initially patented in 1898 by New York inventor and civil engineer John Francis O’Rourke. But the actual first fully-functioning electric razor was invented in 1915 by ze German engineer Johann Bruecker. The electric razor as we know it today was patented in 1930 by the American Col. Jacob Schink, with the invention being mass-produced and hitting the market in the late 1940s.
By 2020, some 85.62 million Americans use electric shavers and that is expected to increase to 91.37 by 2024.
Which leads us neatly on to the purpose for this article, namely the best electric razors out there now in the current marketplace. There is an abundance of choice – whether you buy online or in store – so how do you know which ones are the best not only for an effective close shave but also value for money?
We have compiled what we believe to be the 5 best electric razors available today as we stand on the threshold of a new year.
So, without further ado, let’s go…
1. Panasonic Arc5 LV95
Probably the best electric razor on the marketplace now is Panasonic’s signature model, the Arc5 LV95. Combining high-end functionality with eminent affordability, the LV95 really is top of the line for any and all your shaving needs.
A generous five-blade head – encompassing 4 foils and 1 trimming head – contributes to a pleasingly close shave and a smooth finish to the touch, no matter how much growth there is. The pivoting head can even be locked in place to a static position to ensure maximum precision at any one point. A lightweight feel is complimented with a comfortable ergonomic handle with rubber side grips for a firm hold even in wet conditions.
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2. Remington F5 5800
If you want a simple no-frills but top quality electric razor and don’t want to pay high-end prices for it, then look no further than Remington’s 5800. What it lacks in aesthetic sleekness, it more than makes up for in shaving closeness.
Its three-blade head – 2 foils and a trimmer – are surprisingly efficient and give a very pleasing smooth finish overall. A pop-up trimmer is great for those little hard-to-reach facial contours you always seem to miss. The curved body of the 5800 looks at first glance like it will be rather uncomfortable to hold, but in actual fact, not only is it a surprisingly comfortable and sturdy grip, but the curve itself is designed intentionally to give the head superior maneuverability. Appearances can be deceptive, and none more so than this dark horse.
3. Panasonic Star Wars Stormtrooper Arc 3
Who says shaving can’t also be fun? This so-called Special Edition electric razor is designed to look like the Empire’s dedicated shock trooper legions… but if Emperor Palpatine’s dedicated Stormtroopers are sometimes, er, less than completely reliable in their aim (who would be with those helmets!?), this electric razor model hits every spot every time!
A three-blade head works well whether it be used on a wet or dry face, and performed very decently on a heavy three-day growth. Used daily, you’ll have no problems whatsoever maintaining smooth skin. The narrow handle proved comfortable to hold but the fixed head – so designed likely to maintain the Stormtrooper aesthetic – can be less than ideal on some facial contours. But other than that, the Force is most definitely strong with this one!
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4. Philips Series 9000 Prestige Edition
Philips have always delivered when it comes to quality electrical appliances, but they’ve really raised the bar on electric razors with the 9000. A more comfortable shave and a smoother overall finish you’ll be hard-pressed to find for anything less than absolute high-end prices.
The triple rotary system on the 9000 more than lives up to its predecessors, the three heads providing a pillow-soft shaving experience while cutting a smooth finish that you’ll not believe. A fully rechargeable and cordless razor, self-cleaning function, with a remarkably long battery lifespan, and even an in-built sensor that detects growth thickness then adjusts the power level of the rotaries accordingly, Philips have come up trumps with this model and one that fully earns total respect and highest recommendation.
5. Braun Series 7
If you don’t want to splurge on a high-end electric razor, but still want guaranteed quality at a decent price, then Braun is here for you.
The Series 7 is a foil system boasting an in-built sensor that detects growth thickness and adjusts power to suit, almost like a gear system for razors! But that’s not all this bad boy has up its sleeve; a full 360-degree swivel head for maximum maneuverability, an EasyClick system for various attachments, a SmartCenter function that cleans, charges, and lubricates the foil for reuse, and a battery lifespan of a whopping three whole weeks! If its brains over Braun you’re looking for in an electric razor, this one is the business.