Soon after my arrival on Kauai, I realized that I had forgotten to bring the charger plug for my Braun 5310 shaver, one of their medium-priced models. When one can find that item by itself, it costs $23-26. I figured that the length of my stay was such that the charge would deplete a few days prior to my departure, given that I typically do a touch-up shave prior to going out to dinner, as we always do on vacation. Note that at least my last three shavers have been Braun, related in part to their being more compact than the Norelco models that I used to use.

So, I used this conundrum to justify buying a current model Norelco, in part curious how the two totally different shavers compare in their current versions. The Braun of course is a foil reciprocating shaver, while the Norelco uses a triad-head with rotating cutters. I was able to locate the desired Norelco model, their 8240XL, at the Costco in Lihue, discounted a further 20% down to $72, sales tax on Kauai at 4% less than half of what it is here in California (but let's NOT talk about those room and excise taxes in Hawaii!)

External comparisons:

The Norelco is somewhat bulkier than the Braun, but weighs virtually the same, 8 oz, the former in a nice, zipped travel case, the latter just protected by a form-fitting cutter and switch plastic plate. The charger for the Norelco, which has a straight cord, however, at 2.35 oz is 1.1 oz. lighter than the coiled Braun version, giving a 1 oz. advantage to the Norelco system.

The Norelco I purchased, by the way, came with a spare set of cutters, worth $33, making its net effective price actually $39 or so. The Braun batteries are Ni-MH, the Norelco now Li-ON, stated shaving time 45 minutes for the former, 50 for the latter; I do think this is part of the reason why the Norelco is a somewhat lighter shaver (absent its case.)

Performance comparisons:

Preliminarily, I find that the Norelco has less vibration, and is QUIETER. I also get the impression that particularly for certain areas, chin line and below, it shaves more closely. I may do a more critical comparison over the next month or so, the judge regarding shave quality being the one person who really counts....my wife.

Regardless, for the next trip of a week or longer, regardless of which one I take, I will try very hard to...NOT forget the charger cord!

By coincidence I just glanced at Consumer Reports May issue with a comparison of foil (Braun-type) and rotary (Philips Norelco-type) men's shavers. The Brauns were rated slightly higher than an equivalent Norelcos, but just by a couple of their rating points. FWIW, as I recall, CR ranked the 8000 series Norelco virtually as high as their upper end model tested(forget if it was the 1100 or 1200 series) with the whiz-bang flexible shaving head.

Personally, I had always used Norelcos but did try a Braun for a while and found that I prefer a rotary. I am currently using a mid-level Norelco 8150XL shaver that I picked up on clearance from Target about a year and a half ago. It doesn't have the pivoting head like the current 8200 series, but does the job nicely and is very quiet which is something that I really appreciate. At least for me, it can go about a month between charges, but typically I only shave once a day.

Here are my personal comparison between Braun, Philips/Norelco and Panasonic.

Braun:

Mostly rather heavy, Doesn't give me as good a shave as the two others. On the expensive side but prices came down already. I don't like their swivel head function and prefer to turn that off which is not possible on all models last time I checked. Haven't used one long enough to comment on the battery longevity. The cleaning stations they sell are the greatest rip-off and outright irresponsible from an environmental standpoint.

Philips:

I got the top of the line Arcitec. Bought on a whim just to try it out because I never had a rotary. It is indeed quieter than the foil shavers. I can take of the head and stow it separately. That makes packing much easier and instead of the thing taking more space than the Braun or Panny it now takes less. The battery is miles above the Panasonic and I suppose better than the Braun, too. BUT the shaves take longer with the rotary, twice as long if I want a shave as thorough as with the Panny. Cleaning is possible under running water but a bit more fiddly than with the Panasonic. The Philips has a very nice but heavy travel case with built in charger. I don't use that. I can get about 25 four minute shaves out of the Philips. More than I need on any trip. It's weight is lighter than the Braun and similar to my Panasonic. The Philips also has a function where it locks the button so it won't go off on its own while in your bag. Good. You can forget about the trimmer on my model. Useless because too small and you can't see where you are cutting without taking the head assembly off.

They (the electro razor forum specialists) say that it takes some time for your beard to adjust between rotary and foil. I think that rationally that doesn't make much sense but in practice I feel they might have a point.

Panasonic:

I get about 15-18 two minute shaves from my model. It is light weight and compact. Comes with a very simple P-Leather pouch. Cleaning is a joy. The shave is almost as good as a wet shave. You can actually shave wet with it. I tried and found it too messy but it does work and the result can be slightly better than shaving dry depending on the length of your beard and the foam and amount of it used. Not worth the trouble for me. The trimmer is just the right size for the side burns and around the ears. I don't have a mustache so I can't say but I suppose it would work well. Braun trimmers are huge in comparison. So Panasonic got the size just right IMHO. The charger is the lightest of all three and very compact. Price is more often discounted than the other two brands I find. Longevity is excellent. My first Panny was good for ten years before the battery gave out. Mind you that was in the 80. Battery tech has evolved considerably since then. The next one I have had for nine years and it's still running strong. My current one (#3) is about two years old and I love that thing. If it had a longer lasting battery it would be perfect. But even like this it is my favorite of the three big brands.

I should have mentioned that the Costco price on that Norelco was through 5/08 only, as part of their group of rotating specials. The price in Fresno was the same as Lihue.

After the first few days, my general impression is that the Braun and Norelco perform equally above the chin line, but that the Norelco gives a closer shave below the chin line. The side trimmer on the Braun seems a bit better, as it does lock into place, though the non-locking Norelco trimmer seems adequate.

Either one depends on the skin being DRY, so I have continued using a pre-shave with either one. For someone who must live in a HUMID climate, I'd think that a conventional razor still would work better than an electric.

I have both a Remington foil and a couple of Norelco triple-head rotaries. The Remington foil is flatter and a little more compact; but the Norelco rotaries give a better shave, so the Norelco's are normally what go with me. All are small enough that relative weight isn't a concern. I pack the Norelco for easy access so I can shave and freshen up in an aircraft lav before landing after an all-nighter flight. The batteries on each will easily last 10 days of daily shaves; possibly/probably more, but that's the longest I've used them so far without an opportunity to recharge.

I also always toss in 3 disposable razors as backup. And if weight were somehow a crucial concern (I'm not moving to a desert island or thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail here) I would be fine with leaving any electric razor behind and just using disposable razors.

And for razor shaving, I rarely bring one of those travel sized mini-can's of aerosol foam, and in fact rarely use foam at home. A couple of splashes of warm water does just as well.

"I also always toss in 3 disposable razors as backup"

Similarly, while my wife and I for any trip longer than an extended weekend take our Sonicare electric toothbrushes, which hold a charge for ten to fifteen days, depending on age and model, we always pack a regular toothbrush as well, not to mention that they are nice to have available for use prior to landing on a transcontinental flight. And with that...time to allow my REI flight pillow to reinflate for storage until the next venture!

If you do a search for shaving and razor you should get a good thread we had a while back on the subject, too.

In the other thread we were notably talking about different shave oils and soaps as well.

Andrew, shaving wet just with water is tough. I really wouldn't want to do that. In fact, you do get a closer shave when you use foam or soap because the oil in the products soften the skin and the hair so you can get closer. For dry shaving this prevents the hair from being cut close because there is always a foil or something like that in between the blade and the hair but for wet shaving it's just what you need.

I might remind everyone that a major reason I bought the Norelco while on Kauai was that I had neglected to bring the charger cord for the Braun, related to a somewhat hurried packing session, during which I did not, as usual, employ a check-off LIST. I don't regret the purchase, but absent a list, one risks leaving behind small essential items.

Amen to having a packing list. I keep mine in my bag in between trips, and it does come in handy. With a sidebar list of supplemental items if the trip is international (adapter plugs, currency, supermarket membership discount cards etc). We could have a valuable thread just on packing lists (there have probably already been several).

Till, that was an excellent thread on shaving options. I haven't felt the need to try the shaving oil that was mentioned, but I noticed Wal-Mart carries it in their general skin care section for around $3, simpler than ordering online.

My customary shaving equipment is a regular razor, bought from Magellan's some years ago, shaving soap in a plastic screw lid tub, and a dismountable travel shaving brush. For those times there is no hot water I have a small bottle of shaving oil to substitute for the hot brush latherAlso included is an old model Braun battery powere razor for touch up and when a blade razor can't be used.

The regular razor from Magellan's need some explanation. It is in a tube about thre quarters of an inch in diameter and three inches long. The cap is removed, the bottom end cap turned and the razor head comes out and opens up. It uses regular two blade replaceable blades like Trac II. Luckily I bought several because I can't find them any more.

On another note, today Sharon has made the year's first rhubarb crisp which we will have for lunch with a little brandy.

I use the Philips HQ130 travel shaver (Norelco). It uses two AA batteries so no separate charging cord to lose (I even use USBcell AA batteries so when I do need to recharge, I just plug into any USB port). It's also very compact as it has only two rotary heads, not three. Very comfortable shave (I never liked foil shavers). No trimmer though. And AA batteries do weigh a bit. Still, a pretty good bet for travel.

Woops, I think the model # was HQ40/33, not HQ130.

Re: travel shavers, I've been tempted a couple of times to try the 'MicroForce Travel Razor', a foil mini-shaver which runs on two AAA's, smaller than a deck of cards and light enough to drop in a shirt pocket, and runs as little as $10-$20 in stores, more in online travel catalogs. Sounds too good to be true, and apparently is. I found that 50% of online reviews I googled say it's a nonfunctional waste of money. Then a friend mentioned that he'd bought one and regretted it: it didn't shave, irritated his skin while trying, then stopped working completely on the third attempt...consistent with the negative online reviews.

So Caveat Emptor on the Microforce. On the plus side, disposable razors give a great shave and don't require batteries.

I use the Panasonic Pro- curve travel shaver -- Model ES-3833S.
It runs on 2 AA alkaline batteries. It has a floating head with slide-up
wide trimmer; and can be used wet or dry.
I purchased it at Marshalls a few years ago for $ 19.95.

Braun makes a small shaver, Model 370, or at least that's one mine is marked, that I got a number of years ago as a "feebie" along with a full-size rechargeable razor. Anyway, these use 2 AA's, weight including those 5.2 oz., and for many would suffice, particularly if you didn't let your beard get too heavy. Someone trying to go as light as possible might consider it. I think they are available as a stand alone item for $20. It does make a very adequate late-afternoon "touch-up" shaver, which what I have used it for on occasion, as it fits into any briefcase, even something as small as my Tom Bihn Medium Messenger Bag.

The Norelco has now been in service for a full year. I do still use the Braun at times for its superior trimmer, or when I have packed the Norelco for a trip. The battery life on the Norelco seems excellent. During my recent trip to Quebec, and a few days afterwards, no recharging was needed for a total of FIFTEEN DAYS. I'm not sure how many total minutes that was, but it might have been as much as an hour. Traveling, I do tend to do a brief touch-up shave prior to heading out for dinner, which means that the morning shave is a bit shorter. Anyway, it looks like I could safely leave the unit's charger at home for trips certainly of a week, perhaps as long as ten days.

I use Gillette custom plus ( two blades ) disposable razors. They weigh almost nothing and cost only 40 cents each when bought in bulk.
Each razor will last me a good three weeks - long enough for most trips.
I realize the wet vs dry shave is another discussion...

Relative to the Braun, in my case the 340, versus the Norelco, mine an 8310XL:

The Braun has a better charger cord, is easier to clean, has a better trimmer, and is slightly easier to pack in a small bag. The easiest way to protect it is to place it inside a shoe. One does get a light to advise of a low battery, prior to its just stopping. If one shops for replacement cutters, now integrated with the foil, on Amazon, I believe these are around $17, i.e., less than the $30 or so set of Norelco cutters, and supposedly last 18 rather than 12 months. I do need to get replacement cutters for my Braun, but this is not a major expense; I plan to order a pair, as I expect another three years of service from the battery. Best price I have seen for the shaver itself is about $59.

Conversely, the Norelco is quieter, and comes with a small zip case. I am not sure if it shaves more closely, as I have never made a comparison one unit to the other with a new set of cutters, but there is not a big difference. My unit doesn't have a light warning of a low battery; it just stops, somewhat annoying. Completely cleaning the three sets of cutters and foil monthly using a soak in alcohol does help, but is a bit fussy, a chore one would in any case only do at home. Costco recently has run an attractive package for a very similar razor, with a Li-ion battery, $80, but including a spare set of cutters, net price $50.

For the TRAVELER, I think I'd suggest the Braun over the Norelco, but not by any large margin.

I can't speak to any comparable difference among the more expensive versions of these shavers, as I personally would NOT spend over $100 for a shaver, and surely NOT over $200!

Since my last post on this thread I have completely made the transition to disposable razors for all my travel and I can't envision myself ever packing an electric razor again.
One less appliance and one less cord to manage, one less battery to be mindful of, and one less item to not leave behind when changing hotels.
I've tried various high end razors in the past and they were all fine, but honestly I am pleased to find I can get just as close and comfortable a shave from an inexpensive 3- for- $1 disposable razor from CVS. For those interested I use CVS brand "twin blade disposable razors", comes in a three-pack for around $1, white head with light blue handle, the package also says " pivot plus".
I toss three of these in my kit when I travel. One lasts me easily two to three weeks of daily shaving and the other two are spares. I require a good shave and I'm totally satisfied. I'm sure other brands are also good and I know there are brands that leave you looking like you just had a close encounter with Sweeney Todd, but this specific brand works fine for me.
Leaving the electric behind is a personal choice but has worked well for me, and having always carried one I'm glad to discover yet another item I no longer need to pack.

I totally agree with Andrew. I have also switched from electric to disposable razors. I usually carry a brush for lathering from any available bar of soap and a very small bottle of shaving oil for when there is no time for the brush to dry. I use plain sweet almond oil which works just fine and has a nice and discreet scent, and also serves as hair oil if needed.

<<I have also switched from electric to disposable razors. I usually carry a brush for lathering from any available bar of soap>>

LITERALLY "different strokes for different folks"!! For someone who likes this approach, such does save about six ounces in weight, particularly with leaving that environmentally questionable aerosol can of shaving cream at home...or in the store. And, at cited cost of the razors, total expense per year approximates that of an electric.