OT - first razor for teen

[Clive Page]

I've used electric razors for the whole of my adult life (playing about with blades, very hot water, and antiseptic and sticking plasters etc. never seemed a worthwhile use of my time). For a year or two some years ago I used an oscillating razor, but found that it pulled hairs out sometimes instead of cutting them (effective but painful), and that the foil got damaged easily and needed replacing after a a year or so. I then got myself another rotary Philips razor, this time with 3 heads, and found it as more effective and more pleasant to use. I've only once replaced the foils and cutting heads, maybe after 6 or 7 years use. It seems to handle hairs growing at odd angles much better than the oscillating razor did. But I'm sure choice of razors is a very personal matter, so YMMV.

[bert]

In message , DerbyBorn writes

I much prefer Remington to Braun. In 50 years I think I've only had 4 electric razors 3 Rem and 1 Braun. I have from time to time bought replacement cutters and screen. The Braun was much bigger and heavier and the trimmer broke off. Also the battery had gone and it was almost cheaper to buy anew Remington Titanium

[Lobster]

On 04 Aug 2014, Adrian C grunted:

I get the sentiment, and in principle you're right; however before dropping a shitload of cash I'd definitely be inclined to find out the lad's thoughts about electric shavers first. They are pretty much out of favour with the young these days, as most of them have succumbed to the marketing ??? of Gilette, Beckham et al, and electric shavers are now decidedly uncool. Teenagers need at least a 5-bladed razor to shave them close, then closer still, then closer still, then closer still, then...

[Dave Liquorice]

purchase?

Zero and I've only had a beard for the last two years. Tried an electric shaver once and it did a crap job in more time than a bit of ordinary hand soap and water with a twin bald disposable. Not to mention you are going to wash your face in the morning anyway...

Good advice.

Two blades are better than one but I never noticed any significant improvement above two. Single blade disposable or safety that is. A properly sharp cut throat wielded by some one who knows how to, is very difficult to beat.

[Scion]

Clive Page put finger to keyboard:

+1 to all that.

For occasional wet shaving, Gilette Mach 3 + gel.

[JTM]

I wonder how many are like my g/sons, who can never remember which refills they need, so end up buying yet another razor identical to one they already have?

The only ones *I* dislike are the cheap single blade disposables and (Bert's recommendation) the Remington Titanium - both leave me wiping blood from a raw, sore, neck and throat.

John

[Mark]

It's a matter of personal preference. First I had an oscillating one which was OK until it got old. Then I swapped to a rotary which was great. Finally I bought another rotary which wasn't as good[1].

I'd advise grandson to start with wet shaving and get cheap disposble razors.

[1] No spares available for previous shaver.

[Jethro_uk]

The last one I saw took normal razor blades snapped in half held in the arm ...

[newshound]

Fuck me, £22 for a plastic comb.

[bert]

In message , JTM writes

What on earth are you doing with it? The bit that flicks out is the strimmer!!

[bert]

No thank you

[Vir Campestris]

Rotary, preferably Philips. Apart from anything else they are a damn sight quieter than the oscillating ones.

I don't get on with wet systems, but I doubt his beard is as thick as mine.

Andy

[Andrew Gabriel]

I wouldn't buy a really expensive one as a first one. You don't know what style he will settle on in a few years, beard, designer stuble, etc.

One with an integral beard trimmer might be fun, although IME, the integral beard trimmers go blunt quite quickly, much faster than a real beard trimmer does, but that doesn't matter for a first shaver.

One other thing on my list of requirements is that you can use it on the mains when battery is flat. Some can't do this - you have to wait for them to charge up enough first as mains supply can only charge the battery and not run the shaver.

I'm on my 3rd, but I'm mostly bearded - it's only used for my neck and upper cheeks (face, that is;-)

[Etaoin Shrdlu]

Like kettles, shavers are something I seemed to have to replace quite often. The only one I've had that seems like it will last for the rest of my life (and is nice and quiet, too) is the Braun that I now use.