Razors vs. Electric

[4X4]

Since I was 15 I've been shaving with razors. I've never even tried an electric. 14 years of buying razors is making me think that maybe it's time to give electric a try.
Has anyone here made the switch? Are electric shavers gross? Do they do as good a job as a razor on thick hair? Hell, with the dollar where it is, I might as well order one stateside. Even if I hate it, it'll be good to have kicking around for days that I run out of razors.
Any recommendations? It is clear that my facial hair was inherited from my italian father. It's like logging a forest when I leave it for a day or two. I destroy razors and they're so damn expensive that my cheap swiss side is saying "get an electric".

[alltherage]

I'm not a really hairy dude, I only have to shave every 3 or 4 days, but I switched to electric a long time ago. I used to get bad razor burn from bic (and the like) razors, and it just made my teenage acne look worse. I don't have acne really any more besides the odd zit, but if I go back to razors, the burn comes back to me.

[urban1]

Ive got a coarse beard and electrics dont work. Ive tried numerous ones over the years - differents varieties and different brands and they dont work. I had one when I was 13 and thats about the last age for me that it did a decent job. Today Ill keep one in the office in case I have a late meeting in the evening or a dinner and I need to get rid of the late day stubble. Otherwise, electrics are crap.

And if you still decide to get one, dont skimp out and buy a cheap one. Youll end up throwing it out halfway thru the first shave.

[Staypuft]

My electric razor is perfect for me.
It's quicker, no razor burn and in the long run it's a lot cheaper.
I keep a razor on hand for special occasions when I need a super-clean shave, but that's about all.

[alltherage]

This should almost be a poll.

[LChoy]

Electric is great if you're in a hurry, but if you want a clean close shave, I prefer a razor. Granted, I'm comparing a higher end razor (Gillet fusion) to a no name brand electric. I'm never tried a top of the line electric razor ($$$) so they might be pretty good. From that other thread about "Things you Outa Know," I find the best shave I can get is when I shave in the shower. No need for shaving cream.

[IntenseFan]

I use both. For a formal occasion where I need a good shave I use a razor as it is a bit closer shave. But in the morning before work everyday I use electric.

It sound like you might have trouble with electric given the thickness of your beard though. I heard many guys like you complain that they can't use electric lest they have to shave twice a day.

[fredr123]

Not entirely on point with respect to your question, but the electric razor issue has come up before in past threads:

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=28309

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=27107

I'd love to find a good electric too. I get two, maybe three shaves out of the Mach 3 cartridge type razors. It's expensive but I wonder if thick beards would wear down an electric blade just as fast.

[Burninator]

I find that my electric doesn't get as close as a rear razor could, but it does the job for me. It's way, way easier than a traditional shaver, and with the fancy new ones the clean up is really easy. Some self clean and others, like mine, are completely waterproof and can be rinsed under the tap. Mine can also squirt out shaving gel and be used in the shower. Honestly I think you might run into some trouble if you are a really hairy guy. But if you do decide to try one my advice would be to not cheap out. Get a top end model. If you were making the switch from electric to razor you wouldn't buy a bargain bin blade.

[J pold]

Razors all the way, nothing is better than the good old Mach 3

[Slava]

I just can't stick with the electric no matter how much I try. I just don't get as good of a shave, and I find that they work horribly on the neck. I've tried a few brands and spent some fairly good coin as well, so I would hope that isn't the issue!

Now I shave with the Mach 3 in the shower, and "touch up" with the electric after in case I've missed anywhere.

[Dion]

I use an electric. Got tired of all the nicks and cuts from using a razor. The only problem is the electric doesn't give you as close a shave as a regular razor.

[Ford Prefect]

I've been on both sides of this debate at different times. I started off using a cheap electric that I got as a gift when I was about 17. It drove me nuts ... the razor burn was awful. So I switched to a pull type and was happy with it for years. Over time though I got tired of the "work" involved with a pull type. Then I read an article on how environmentally unfriendly pull types are compared to electric ... I guess the shaving lotion chemicals are worse than the enviromental impact from making the amount of electricity your electric razor consumes. So I decided to give electrics another chance, except this time around I made sure i bought a good one, and I won't be switching back anytime soon. The electric is great. Just make sure you get a good one.

[fredr123]

For anyone who has used an electric and were happy (or disappointed) with the results, do you wanna post the make/model?

[Dion]

Originally Posted by fredr123

For anyone who has used an electric and were happy (or disappointed) with the results, do you wanna post the make/model?

Get yourself a Philashave - best electric razor on the market.

[Sparks]

I'm definitely prefer razors. I always found it really frustrating to get a decent shave with an electric, especially on my neck. Razors are easier and if you do it in the shower, you won't get any razor burn.

That's good advice though Burninator. I haven't tried a top of the line electric.

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by fredr123

For anyone who has used an electric and were happy (or disappointed) with the results, do you wanna post the make/model?

I have a Philashave Cool Skin. It's not the closest shaving razor. But it's waterproof, so clean up is easy as rising it under the tap. It can be used in the shower. Shaving gels and lotions can be added, and there is a button that applies it to your face as you shave. I'm pretty happy with it, but for my next razor I'll probably try something different.

[CaptainCrunch]

You people are all sissies

Electric razers, Mach three's.

God god, I shave with a rusty switch blade, and use the blood of a hobo as my shaving cream.

[Frequitude]

I use electric on the face, blade on the neck. I've got very soft/sensitive skin, but pretty coarse facial hair. Not a good combo.

My electric (Phillips Cool Skin with the gel dispenser thing) has always given me razor burn on the neck. I'd love to see some great electric razor recommendations.

[fredr123]

Is it possible to get these top o' the line electrics with some kind of money back guarantee? I'd hate to spend $300+ on something that just gave me razor burn...