10 of the best wet and electric razors, for your closest shave yet
One of the questions I am most frequently asked is, “electric or wet shave, which is better?”. Technological evolution means they are now on a fairly level playing field, so it’s down to personal preference.
Bulldog Skincare’s latest model, with recycled glass handle, tempered steel blades and pivoting head, takes sustainable design and a close-shave to a new level. Sharper blades are the focus of Harry’s new razors, updated with brighter-coloured handles and plastic-free packaging.
Double-edge safety razors, which offer greater trimming precision than a cartridge razor, are making a comeback. Gillette’s new heritage-inspired shaving line, King C, has a great one, as do Aesop, Thomas Clipper and Wilkinson Sword, whose Classic model combines elegant Mad Men style with PTE-coated blades that reduce friction.
Bolin Webb uses automotive-spray colours for its aerodynamically designed handles, and utilises a Gillette Fusion5 ProGlide blade.
Bridging the divide between wet and hi-tech electric shaves is the GilletteLabs heated razor, which has a warming bar with adjustable temperatures.
Braun, Philips, Remington and Wahl own the electric-shaving sector. Wahl’s LifeProof shaver with advanced lithium power is reasonably priced and almost indestructible. Remington’s Ultimate Series R9 is an effective rotary-headed device with multidirectional shave heads to adapt to facial contours, as well as LiftLogic blades. Braun’s Series 6 Wet & Dry shaver is a safe bet if you suffer with irritation.
In my opinion, the “Rolls-Royce” of electric shavers is the Philips S9000 Prestige, a rotary-headed tool with nanotech blades and beard-adapt sensor (which checks hair density 15 times a second and adjusts accordingly).
Sharp practice
Double-Edge Razor, £63, Aesop
Series 6 (60-B1200s) Wet & Dry Electric Shaver, £199, Braun
Truman Razor, £8, Harry’s
Ultimate Series R9 (XR1570) Wet & Dry Rotary Shaver, £79.99 Remington (amazon.co.uk)
GilletteLabs Heated Razor (starter kit), £149, Gilette
Original Glass Razor, £15, Bulldog Skincare
Series 9000 Prestige Shaver (SP9862/14), £360, Philips (johnlewis.com)
Classic Double-Edge Razor, £18.99, Wilkinson Sword
Lifeproof Wet/Dry Shaver, £64.99, Wahl
X1 Cooper Red Razor, £80, Bolin Webb
