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Electric Shavers: How To Choose Between Rotary Blades Or Foil Blade Shavers

If you look at electrical shavers, you will basically find two types. The rotary blade technology, used by Philips and some of Remingtons models, and the foil technology used mainly by Braun and Panasonic. Both  types do the same job - but in very different ways. I have decided - as your Shaving Detective - to find out what you should go for!

The Rotary Blades

The rotary blades used by companies such as Philips/Norelco and Remington (Photo by Philips)

But first let me explain the differences between the two.

The rotary blade shavers have a series of rotary cutters attached. Typically three rotating blades placed in a triangular pattern. To get the best shave, you will have to move the shaver across your face in slow, rotating movements - almost as if you were applying a nice skin tonic.

The foil shavers

Braun has chosen a different approach to electrical shaving. Their shavers consist of a series of knifes hidden under a rectangular metallic foil, designed to raise the hairs and guide them close to the vibrating knifes. Long, even movements of the shaver is the key to success here.

Which to choose?

So which one should you buy? Well, for me the answer has been quite clear. I need both! For the last 7 years, I have used a combination of the two types.

Honestly, I must have a strange face... For my face and cheeks, the rotary blades really do a great job. But on my chin and neck, where the skin is slightly looser, the foil shaver is so much better for me.

If I use my Philips shaver for the entire shave, I will have to spend much more time shaving my chin - and I will eventually end up with irritated skin. Using my Braun foil shaver for the entire shave, will result in a beautiful chin - but will leave the cheeks less soft compared to the Philips shaver.

Not for everyone?

Compared to shaving with a razor, the electrical shavers win by far when it comes to convenience and time. It is so much easier to just pick up the electrical shaver, switch it on and get the work done, compared to preparing the razor, foam and water and slowly working your way across your face and chin.

But the dry shaving methods used by most electrical shavers may cause some irritation to your skin. If your shaver allows you to shave on a wet face, you could apply loads of warm water or a good pre-electric shaving oil just before shaving.

If your shaver cannot cope with the wet face, you could try to put a warm, wet towel on your face for a few minutes and then dry your face afterwards. This will warm your whiskers a bit, and probably lessen the skin irritation.

You should expect the skin irritation to be worst in the first few weeks of using the shaver. This is true if you have never used an electrical shaver before - OR if you are trying to switch between a rotary blade and a foil blade shaver (or the other way around).

In Denmark, where I live, both Braun and Philips offer a 30 or 60 day money back guarantee. You can buy the shaver and use it for some weeks before deciding if it's the right one for you. This is fantastic, as it will allow you to try out the different methods before deciding which shaver to use for the years to come..

About the Author

Ever since Hans Henrik started shaving, he has been wondering how to get the best shave without spending tons of money or time on it. Over time, he has tried electrical razors from both Braun, Panasonic and Philips. And he has spent loads of money on new blades for nearly all kinds of Gillette and Wilkinson shavers. But to be honest - he's just as confused as he was when he was younger.

Inspired  by some other blogs on the internet on how to make the perfect cup of coffee, the perfect shine on your car and so on - he decided to create the Shaving Detective website, to allow him to research a bit more on the shaving issue - and to share his experiences with you.

Read more about the Shaving Detective on http://www.shavingdetective.com

Andis Replacement Foil and Cutter for Andis Shaver Model 17130 $23.9 Andis Replacement Foil and Cutter for Andis Shaver Model 17130

WES9011PC - replacement foil and cutter $44.99 Panasonic WES9011PC - Replacement foil and cutter for shaver - for Panasonic ES8162S803 ES8168S803

Park Products el5391 WetDry Twin Foil Shaver with Integrated Cutter $91.13 Wet/dry twin foil shaver with integrated cutter. Huge selection to choose from. Satisfaction ensured. High quality components.

Braun 3000FC Shaver Replacement Foil & Cutter Pack 3000FC $47.95 "Braun 3000FC- Interface, Braun Part Number: 5628793, Replacement Pack, Stainless Steel Outer Foil, Cutter, Replace the Shaver Foil Every 18 Months for a Closer, More Comfortable Shave, For Braun Men's Shaver Series: Fits InterFace Shavers, For Braun Men's Shaver Models: 3105, 3610, 3612, 3614, 3615, 3710, 3770, 3775, For Braun Men's Shaver Types: 5447, 5449, 5629, 5634, 5635, Find Shaver Type / Model Number"

Braun 3000FC_X2 2 Shaver Replacement Foil & Cutter Pack 3000FC $67.95 "Braun 3000FC- Interface (2 Pack), Braun Part Number: 5628793, Replacement Pack Of 2, Stainless Steel Outer Foil, Cutter, Replace the Shaver Foil Every 18 Months for a Closer, More Comfortable Shave, For Braun Men's Shaver Series: Fits InterFace Shavers, For Braun Men's Shaver Models: 3105, 3610, 3612, 3614, 3615, 3710, 3770, 3775, For Braun Men's Shaver Types: 5447, 5449, 5629, 5634, 5635, Find Shaver Type / Model Number"

Braun Series 3 32B / 32S Replacement Shaver Foil & Cutter Head $29.69 Braun Part Number: 5775761 (Black) Braun Part Number: 5774761 (Silver) Replacement Foil and Cutter Head Cassette Replace the Shaver Foil Every 18 Months for a Closer, More Comfortable Shave For Braun Men's Shaver Series: Fits Series 3 Shavers For Braun Men's Shaver Models:: 390cc, 370cc, 380, 370cc, 370, 360, 350cc, 340, 330, 320 For Braun Men's Shaver Types: 5779, 5776 5775, 5774, 5773 & 5772 Personal Care , Shaving & Grooming , Electric Shave for Men

Braun 1000FC Shaver Replacement Foil & Cutter Pack 1000FC $26.95 "Braun 1000FC, Braun Part Number: 5596793, Replacement Pack, Stainless Steel Outer Foil, Cutter, Replace the Shaver Foil Every 18 Months for a Closer, More Comfortable Shave, For Braun Men's Shaver Series: Fits Precision Shavers, For Braun Men's Shaver Models: 100, 105, 150, 155, 205, 209, 255, 259, 1007, 1008, 1012, 1013, 2035, 2060, 2540, For Braun Men's Shaver Types: 5459, 5461, 5462, 5463, 5464, 5596, 5597, 5461u, 5462u, 5463u, 5464u, 5596u, 5597u, Find Shaver Type / Model Number"

Braun 1000FC_X2 Shaver Replacement Foil & Cutter Pack 1000FC $44.95 "Braun 1000FC Brand New, Braun Part Number: 5596793, Replacement Pack, Stainless Steel Outer Foil, Cutter, Replace the Shaver Foil Every 18 Months for a Closer, More Comfortable Shave, For Braun Men's Shaver Series: Fits Precision Shavers, For Braun Men's Shaver Models: 100, 105, 150, 155, 205, 209, 255, 259, 1007, 1008, 1012, 1013, 2035, 2060, 2540, For Braun Men's Shaver Types: 5459, 5461, 5462, 5463, 5464, 5596, 5597, 5461u, 5462u, 5463u, 5464u, 5596u, 5597u, Find Shaver Type / Model Number"

WES9012PC - replacement foil and cutter - silver $38.99 Panasonic WES9012PC - Replacement foil and cutter for shaver - silver - for Panasonic ES7109S503 ES8109 ES8109S503 ES-RT51 RT51-S503 Vortex HydraClean ES7056

Panasonic WES9021PC - Replacement Foil And Cutter. Each $53.97 Manufacturer: Panasonic. Each. Product Type: Replacement foil and cutter Intended for: Shaver Designed For: Arc IV ES8243K Customers also search for: Discount WES9021PC - Replacement Foil And Cutter, Buy WES9021PC - Replacement Foil And Cutter, Wholesale

Braun Replacement Foil/Cutter for Select Braun Shavers $43.99 Show off your face and not your hair by replacing your shaver's foil and cutter block with this refill kit.

Norelco HP2909 Electric Shaver Cutter $11.95 "Norelco HP2909, The Norelco HP2909 is a replacement electric shaver cutter blade for easy and safe to shave the body zones with it. The Norelco HP2909 also has an integrated shaving head with self-sharpening cutting unit. HP2909 Features: Replacement Blade, Compatible With The Following Models: WS300 WS400 WS600 HP6327 HP6326 HP6321 HP6320 HP2760 HP2755 HP2720 HP2715 HP6331 HP6337 HP6340 HP6347 HP6320FL HP6326FL HP6347/PB HP6340/PB HP6326/PB Trim & Shave foil should be replaced every 6 - 12 months"

Panasonic WES9011PC - Replacement Foil And Cutter. Each $40.94 Manufacturer: Panasonic. Each. Replacement set forES8807S, ES8162, ES8164, ES8167, and ES8168 men's shaver Product Type: Replacement foil and cutter Intended for: Shaver Designed For: Panasonic ES8162S803, ES8168S803 Customers also search for: Discount W

WES9067PC - shaver foil - silver $32.99 Panasonic WES9067PC - Shaver foil for shaver - silver - for Vortex HydraClean ES8228S

WES9839P - replacement foil and cutter - stainless steel $25.99 Panasonic WES9839P - Replacement foil and cutter for shaver - stainless steel - for Panasonic ES4025S511 ES4025Y503 ES4815S503 Close Curves ES2291 Pro-Curve ES-4815

Braun Series 7 Replacement Foil/Cutter for Select Braun Shavers $43.99 Use this replacement foil and cutter with your Braun Pulsonic or Series 7 shaver in order to get a close shave.

Braun Replacement Foil Cutter for Most Braun 1000 and 2000 Series Shavers $27.49 Get a close, comfortable shave by replacing the foil and cutter block in your shaver regularly.

Braun 3600FC Braun Replacement Foil and Cutter 3600FC $34.95 "Braun 3600FC, Replacement Pack, Stainless Steel Outer Foil, Cutter, Replace the Shaver Foil Every 18 Months for a Closer, More Comfortable Shave, For Braun Men's Shaver Series: Fits InterFace Shavers, For Braun Men's Shaver Models: 3610, 3612, 3614, 3615, For Braun Men's Shaver Type: 5629, Find Shaver Type / Model Number"

Braun 3600FC_X2 Braun Replacement Foil and Cutter 3600FC $59.95 "Braun 3600FC Brand New, Replacement Pack, Stainless Steel Outer Foil, Cutter, Replace the Shaver Foil Every 18 Months for a Closer, More Comfortable Shave, For Braun Men's Shaver Series: Fits InterFace Shavers, For Braun Men's Shaver Models: 3610, 3612, 3614, 3615, For Braun Men's Shaver Type: 5629, Find Shaver Type / Model Number"

Andis Foil Shaver Model 17010 $54.9 Andis Foil Shaver Model 17010

Panasonic WES9979P Foil And Cutter Blade $31.79 Keep your Panasonic shaver working at its best Replace the Panasonic foil and cutter blade every 12 months for optimal performance. This replacement foil and blade fits Pansonic Shaver model numbers ES302 ES303 ES364 ES365 ES366 ES843 ES865 ES866 ES867 ES874 ES876 ES3001 ES3040 ES3041 ES3042 and ES3801.

Panasonic WES9011PCCombo Replacement Foil and Cutter Set $55.25 For men s Shaver. Compatible with Panasonic ES8164 ES8168 ES8167 ES8162 ES8163 ES8807 ES8807S. Combo includes the shaver replacement foil and matching shaver replacement blade. Dimensions: 3 x 5 x 0.3 .

Remington SP-69 Replacement Foil & Cutter $28.95 "Remington SP-69, The Remington SP-69 replacement foil and cutter Remington men's shaver models MS2-90, MS2-100, MS2-150, MS2-200, MS240, MS2-270, MS2-280, MS2-290, MS2-300, MS2-370, MS2-390, MS2-400, MS2390, MS2391, MS2392, RS4400, RS4623 and RS4843. SP-69 Features: Replacement Foil &amp Cutter, Compatible With The Following Series: MS2 & RS Series, Compatible With The Following Models: MS2-90 MS2-100 MS2-150 MS2-200 MS2-270 MS2-280 MS2-290 MS2-300 MS2-370 MS2-390 MS2-400 MS2390 MS2391 MS2392 RS4400 RS4623 RS4843"

Braun 7030579_X2 PocketGo Shaver Replacement Cutter Block 2 Pack $39.95 "Braun 7030579 (2 Pack), Braun Part Number: 7030579, Replacement Cutter - 2 Pack, Replace Shaver Foil & Cutter Approximately Every 18 Months, For Braun Men's Shaver Series: CruZer Twist, PocketGo, Pocket, Pocket Twist Shavers, MobileShave, For Braun Men's Shaver Models: 350, 355, 370, 375, 555, 575, M60b, M60o, M60g, M90, P10, P50, P70, P80, P90, Pocket Battery, Pocket De Lux, Pocket De Luxe Travelle, For Braun Men's Shaver Types: 5607, 5609, 5614, 5615, 5525, 5524, 5523, Find Shaver Type / Model Number"

Panasonic WES9014PC - Replacement Foil And Cutter - Silver. Each $40.94 Manufacturer: Panasonic. Each. Product Type: Replacement foil and cutter Intended for: Shaver Color: Silver Designed For: Panasonic ES-8249, ES8249S, ES8249S802; Pro-Curve ES8249S803, ES8249S811; Vortex HydraClean ES8228S Customers also search for: Disco

Panasonic WES9011 Combo Replacement Foil and Cutter Set $36.99 Combination Pack Men's Shaver Panasonic Panasonic ES8162 Panasonic ES8163 Panasonic ES8164 Panasonic ES8167 Panasonic ES8168 Panasonic ES8807 Panasonic ES8807S WES9011PC WES9011PC Replacement Foil and Cutter Set www.panasonic.com

Braun 3000FC-OLD Braun 3000FC Foil and Cutter $66.95 "Braun 3000FC, Replacement Pack, Stainless Steel Outer Foil, Cutter, Replace Foil & Cutter Blade Approximately Every 18 Months, For Braun Men's Shaver Series: Fits 3000 Series, System 1-2-3 Shavers, For Braun Men's Shaver Models: 3010, 3012, 3025, 3500, 3510, 3512, 3525, 3550, 5419, 5424, 5469, 5470, 5564, 5567, 5569, 5579, For Braun Men's Shaver Types: 5469, 5424, 5419, 5569, 5569u, 5564, 5567, 5470, 5579, Find Shaver Type / Model Number"

Braun 9000CP/70s_X2 Replacement Foil and Cutter 2-Pack $76.95 "Braun 9000CP/70s, Braun Part Number: 5671444, 5671768, 70s Formerly Known As 9000CP, Replacement 2-Pack, Stainless Steel Outer Foil, Cutter, Replace the Shaver Foil Every 18 Months for a Closer, More Comfortable Shave, For Braun Men's Shaver Series: Fits 9000 Series, Pulsonic, Series 7 Shavers, For Braun Men's Shaver Models: 9565, 9566, 9585, 9595, 9781, 9782, 9785, 9795, 720, 730, 760cc, 790cc, For Braun Men's Shaver Types: 5671, 5673, 5674, 5675, Find Shaver Type / Model Number"

Braun 11B Replacement Foil and Cutter 11B for Series 1 Shavers $32.95 "Braun 11B, Braun Part Number: 5684761, Replacement Pack, Stainless Steel Outer Foil, Cutter, Dark Blue Cassette, Replace the Shaver Foil Every 18 Months for a Closer, More Comfortable Shave, For Braun Men's Shaver Series: Series 1, For Braun Men's Shaver Models: 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 800, 815, For Braun Men's Shaver Type: 5682, 5683, 5684, 5685, Find Shaver Type / Model Number"

Braun 11B_X2 2 Replacement Foil and Cutter 11B for Series 1 Shavers $55.95 "Braun 11B (2 Pack), Braun Part Number: 5684761, Replacement Pack Of 2, Stainless Steel Outer Foil, Cutter, Dark Blue Cassette, Replace the Shaver Foil Every 18 Months for a Closer, More Comfortable Shave, For Braun Men's Shaver Series: Series 1, For Braun Men's Shaver Models: 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 800, 815, For Braun Men's Shaver Type: 5682, 5683, 5684, 5685, Find Shaver Type / Model Number"

Braun 4700FC Braun Replacement Foil and Cutter Pack 4700FC $34.95 "Braun 4700FC/7000FC/30B, Braun Part Number: 5491763, 5491798, Replacement Pack, Stainless Steel Outer Foil, Cutter, Replace the Shaver Foil Every 18 Months for a Closer, More Comfortable Shave, For Braun Men's Shaver Series: Fits 4700 Series, Series 3, SmartControl, TriControl Shavers, For Braun Men's Shaver Models: 340, 4740, 4745, 4775, 4875, 4876, For Braun Men's Shaver Types: 5713, 5714, 5742, Find Shaver Type / Model Number"

Remington SP69-2 Replacement Foil & Cutter $49.95 "Remington SP-69 (2 Pack), The Remington SP69-2 replacement foil and cutter Remington men's shaver models MS2-90, MS2-100, MS2-150, MS2-200, MS240, MS2-270, MS2-280, MS2-290, MS2-300, MS2-370, MS2-390, MS2-400, MS2390, MS2391, MS2392, RS4400, RS4623 and RS4843. SP69-2 Features: Compatible With The Following Series: MS2 & RS Series, Compatible With The Following Models: MS2-90 MS2-100 MS2-150 MS2-200 MS2-270 MS2-280 MS2-290 MS2-300 MS2-370 MS2-390 MS2-400 MS2390 MS2391 MS2392 RS4400 RS4623 RS4843"

Panasonic WES9839P Genuine Replacement Shaver Foil Cutter Set $42.19 Panasonic Replacement Stainless Steel Outer Foil/Inner Blade WES9839P. Can be used with the following Men s Shavers: ES718 ES722 ES724 ES725 ES726 ES727 ES4001 ES4011 ES4012.

Braun 8000CP/51s_X2 Replacement Foil and Cutter Combo 2-Pack $77.95 "Braun 8000CP/51s (2 Pack), Braun Part Number: 5646768, 5646769, Formerly Known As 8000CP, Replacement Pack, Stainless Steel Outer Foil, Cutter, Replace the Shaver Foil Every 18 Months for a Closer, More Comfortable Shave, For Braun Men's Shaver Series: Fits 360 Complete, 8000 Series, Activator, Series 5 Shavers, For Braun Men's Shaver Models: 510, 540, 550, 560, 570cc, 590cc, 8374, 8377, 8385 C&R, 8581, 8583, 8585, 8588, 8590, 8595, 8781, 8783, 8785, 8790, 8795, 8915, 8975, 8985, 8986, 8987, 8990, 8991, 8995, For Braun Men's Shaver Types: 5643, 5644, 5645, 5646, 5647, 5649, 5652, 5751, 5757, Find Shaver Type / Model Number"

Braun 7000FC/30B_X2 Replacement Foil and Cutter 2-Pack $62.95 "Braun 7000FC/30B (2 Pack), Braun Part Number: 5491769, 5491795, 5491796, 5491797, 5491710, 5491356, 5491766, 30B Formerly Known As 7000FC, Replacement 2-Pack, Stainless Steel Outer Foil, Cutter, Replace the Shaver Foil Every 18 Months for a Closer, More Comfortable Shave, For Braun Men's Shaver Series: Fits 4700 Series, 7000 Series, Series 3, Syncro, Syncro Pro, SmartControl, TriControl Shavers, For Braun Men's Shaver Models: 340, 4740, 4745, 4775, 4875, 4876, 7475, 7493, 7497, 7504, 7505, 7510, 7511, 7514, 7515, 7516, 7520, 7526, 7540, 7546, 7564, 7570, 7630, 7640, 7664, 7680, 7690, 7763, 7765, 7783, 7785, 7790, For Braun Men's Shaver Types: 5491, 5492, 5493, 5494, 5713, 5714, 5742, Find Shaver Type / Model Number"

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Panasonic WES9785P Replacement Shaver Foil $7.95 "Panasonic WES9785P, The Panasonic WES9785P is a replacement outer foil for Panasonic woman's shaver ES220. For Panasonic Women's Shaver Models: ES2209"

Wahl 7031100 Professional 5 Star Series Replacement Foil And Cutter Bar $35.74 Professional 5 Star Series Replacement Foil and Cutter Bar Assembly Fits Wahl Professional 5 Star Series Rechargeable Shaver Shaper. Innovative. Will enhance your well being.

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