The Razor: Best A Man Can Get?

There are a plethora of razors on the market, but which one is the best a man can get? The answer may vary depending on who you ask, as some may prefer a razor that provides a very close shave, while others may prioritize a razor that is suitable for their skin and hair type. In this article, we will explore some of the top-contending razors and highlight their unique features to help you decide which one is the best option for your needs. From celebrity barber recommendations to cost-effective alternatives, get ready to upgrade your shaving experience!

Electric razors: Panasonic Arc 5 and Braun Series 9 Pro

Electric shavers are a great alternative to manual razors, especially for those who have sensitive skin and are prone to razor bumps and ingrown hairs. The Panasonic Arc 5 and Braun Series 9 Pro are two of the most advanced and powerful electric shavers on the market. While they are not the top-tier models anymore, they are still excellent options, especially considering the marginal improvements of the more expensive Arc 6 and Series 9 Pro.

Panasonic Arc 5

The Panasonic Arc 5 is a 5-blade foil shaver that was Panasonic's top-tier model for many years, until the Arc 6 was released in 2021. The Arc 5 features a powerful 14,000 CPM motor and extremely sharp blades that cut hairs clean and efficiently. It provides an extremely close shave, comparable to that of a manual razor. The Arc 5 is also effective at shaving longer, curly, and flat-lying hairs, thanks to its Quick Comb Blade and Lift-Tech Foils. The build quality of the Arc 5 is excellent, with a metal body and a well-designed, ergonomic handle. The pop-up trimmer on the Arc 5 is also one of the best on the market, allowing for easy grooming and tweaking of sideburns, moustache, and goatee. However, the battery life of the Arc 5 is not as good as the Series 9, providing only up to 45 minutes of use.

Braun Series 9 Pro

The Braun Series 9 Pro is a top-of-the-line electric razor that provides an ultra-close shave, similar to that of a manual razor. It has two foil shavers and two crossbar/lifting shavers, a protective SkinGuard bar, and auto-adjustments for thicker beards. The pop-up trimmer is excellent for precise trimming and tidying facial hair perimeters. The Series 9 Pro has a long-lasting battery, providing up to 60 minutes of cordless shaving time. It also comes with a sleek carrying case and charging stand. One downside of the Series 9 Pro is that it is not as effective at shaving longer, curly, and flat-lying hairs as the Arc 5.

Comparison

When it comes to shaving performance, the Panasonic Arc 5 provides a closer shave, thanks to its powerful motor and sharp blades. However, the Braun Series 9 Pro is more comfortable and gentle on the skin, making it a better choice for those with sensitive skin. The Series 9 Pro also has a longer battery life and a more useful trimmer. In terms of build quality, the Arc 5 has a metal body and a well-designed handle, while the Series 9 Pro is made entirely of plastic. The cleaning stations of both shavers are good, but the Arc 5 uses detergent sachets, which are less expensive and last longer than the alcohol-based cleaning cartridges used by the Series 9 Pro. Overall, the Panasonic Arc 5 and Braun Series 9 Pro are both excellent electric shavers, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Close shaves: Panasonic Arc 5

The Panasonic Arc5 is a premium electric shaver that delivers a remarkably close and comfortable shave. It features a five-blade shaving system with unique outer foils and ultra-sharp inner blades that capture, hold and cut through whiskers cleanly at the base. The blades and foils are made of hypoallergenic stainless steel to minimise irritation on sensitive skin.

The Arc5's fast linear motor and 5-blade cutting system deliver up to 70,000 cross cuts per minute, making shaving quicker, smoother and more efficient. The shaver head pivots in various directions to follow the contours of the neck, chin and jaw for maximum comfort.

Intelligent beard sensor

An intelligent beard sensor in the Arc5 adjusts power based on beard density for an incredibly close and efficient shave without irritation. The shaver also has a built-in, ultra-sharp pop-up trimmer for detailing mustaches, beards and sideburns.

Wet and dry shaving

The Panasonic Arc5 can be used for wet or dry shaving. It can be used with or without shaving foam, cream or gel, and in or out of the shower.

Multi-Flex pivoting head

The shaver head moves side-to-side and back-and-forth, following the contours of the face for a close and personalised shaving experience.

Long-lasting lithium-ion battery

The Panasonic Arc5 provides up to 45 minutes of use on a one-hour full charge. A three-minute quick charge provides enough power for one shave. The LED display shows the status and battery life.

Easy to clean

The Arc5 is waterproof and washable. To clean, simply remove the outer foil section, turn the shaver on and rinse under running water.

Bearded look: Braun Series 9 Pro

The Braun Series 9 Pro is an exceptional electric shaver that delivers a close and comfortable shave. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a premium shaving experience and is particularly well-suited for individuals who don't shave every day. With its advanced technology and ergonomic design, the Braun Series 9 Pro offers a seamless and efficient shaving solution.

Performance and Features:

The Braun Series 9 Pro stands out for its exceptional performance, providing an ultra-close shave that rivals that of a manual razor. It is equipped with two foil shavers and two crossbar/lifting shavers, along with a protective SkinGuard bar, ensuring a smooth and gentle shaving experience. The auto-adjustments for thicker beards and the pop-up trimmer further enhance its versatility and precision.

One of the most impressive features of the Braun Series 9 Pro is its ability to deliver a close shave on a single pass, even on longer beards. This efficiency saves time and reduces the need for multiple passes, making it a convenient choice for those with busy schedules.

The Braun Series 9 Pro also offers a range of useful features, including a long-lasting battery with a quick-charge option, a waterproof design for wet and dry usage, and a smart display to track the shaver's condition. It comes with a portable charging case, providing up to 50% more battery runtime and up to six weeks of shaving without the need for a cable.

Customer Feedback:

Customers have praised the Braun Series 9 Pro for its exceptional shave quality, with many claiming it to be the best electric razor they have ever used. They appreciate its ability to handle both long and short hairs, and the precision trimmer is often highlighted as a valuable feature for detailing. The cleaning and charging system, which includes a 6-in-1 SmartCare Center, is also mentioned favorably, ensuring the razor is always ready for use.

The battery life of the Braun Series 9 Pro has impressed customers, with some mentioning that it can last for a week and still provide a good shave. The overall comfort and ease of use are also commended, with no skin irritation reported.

However, there are mixed reviews regarding the value for money, with some customers finding it expensive. Some users have also expressed concerns about the build quality, with a few mentioning that the trimmer attachment feels flimsy.

The Braun Series 9 Pro is an excellent choice for those seeking a premium shaving experience, particularly if you don't shave every day. Its advanced technology, ergonomic design, and efficient performance make it a top-notch electric shaver. While there are some differing opinions on value for money and build quality, the overall feedback is highly positive, with many customers praising the closeness and comfort of the shave.

If you're looking for a reliable and convenient electric shaver that delivers exceptional results, the Braun Series 9 Pro is an excellent option to consider.

Budget-friendly: Schick Quattro Titanium, Remington F5, Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s

When it comes to budget-friendly razors, there are a few options that offer a great balance between performance and cost. Here's a detailed look at three popular choices:

Schick Quattro Titanium

The Schick Quattro Titanium razor provides a consistent and clean shave with its four titanium-coated blades. It comes with one razor handle and four cartridges, offering closeness and dependability. The razor also features an edging blade for precise lines and a pivoting head for exceptional maneuverability. Its ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable grip, and the lubricating strip, enriched with Aloe, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B5, provides a smooth glide and added protection for your skin.

Remington F5

The Remington F5 Power Series foil shaver is a cordless, rechargeable electric razor. It features pivot and flex foil technology, ensuring a close and comfortable shave. The pop-up trimmer adds precision to your grooming routine. This Remington model is lightweight and easy to handle, making it a convenient choice for those who value maneuverability.

Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s

The Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s electric razor offers a close and gentle shave with its triple-action cutting system. It has a floating head that follows the contours of your face for a flawless finish. The precision trimmer included in the set is ideal for accurate moustache and sideburn trimming. This durable cordless electric shaver is designed for use with water, foam, or gel, and can even be used in the shower. The rechargeable battery provides 45 minutes of shaving time, and a quick five-minute charge is enough for one shave.

All three of these options offer excellent value for money, providing a comfortable and efficient shaving experience without breaking the bank.

Expensive: Godfather Stonehenge by Vikings Blade

Godfather Stonehenge by Vikings Blade:

The Razor

The Godfather Stonehenge by Vikings Blade is a double-edge safety razor. It is a heavy-duty, high-end razor with a long handle and a vintage look. The razor has an ultra-durable stainless steel handle, screw, and cap, with a vintage bronze-plated zinc baseplate. The razor weighs 159g and its handle is 12cm long. The Godfather Stonehenge Edition does not come with blades.

Performance

The Godfather Stonehenge is built for durability and delivers a superior shave. Its weighted, solid, textured, and flared handle improves ergonomics and precision of each stroke. The razor requires patience and practice to master, especially for those transitioning from a modern multi-blade razor. However, it provides a close shave and a smooth, nick-free glide. The Godfather Stonehenge is ideal for experienced shavers or anyone looking to move away from a cartridge razor.

Cost

The Godfather Stonehenge is one of the most expensive razors on the market, with a price tag that is 20%+ higher than comparable safety razors. However, it is built to last and offers long-term value with its durable design and affordable replacement blades.

Comparison with Other Razors

The Godfather Stonehenge ranks highly in build quality and durability, handle ergonomics, and shave quality. However, it scores lower in ease of cleaning and blade replacement when compared to other razors. It is also slower to shave with and has a higher learning curve than some other razors. Despite this, the Godfather Stonehenge is a favourite among reviewers for its classic design, superior shave, and durable construction.

Reviews

The Godfather Stonehenge by Vikings Blade has received positive reviews from users. One reviewer praised the razor for its "ideal heft, shape, and grip texture", stating that it delivered an "exceptional" shave. Another reviewer commented that the razor has a "heavy-duty tool" feel and looks, and that it provided a "high-quality shave". However, some reviewers noted that the razor can cause more irritation than other razors and that it is challenging to rinse.

Frequently asked questions