Well I wont beat about the bush - this is a good one. I am sure we all like to feel that after having coughed up our £100+ for a quality razor, we get what we believe is or should be, among the best on the market; unfortunately this is often not the case, and our choice of a poor shaver, can leave us with our wisdom in these matters severely tested.
I have looked long and hard for a good razor that will suit my needs. my old razor being a Remington F2 (mains), some of you wont know it at all (it is some 25years old), which up until now was the best razor I had ever used - period. Unfortunately nothing lasts for ever, and for the past two years I have been searching for a replacement foil (now no longer available) or a new razor. Nothing and I do mean nothing, has ever come close to the shave I got with my old Remington F2 at least until now.
The problem with electric razors is that to be able to get a really close shave, the hair being cut needs to be upright and quite short, a good trimmer is helpful in this regard, also there is a need to work the surface skin whilst shaving. But most people dont do this and end up with a very disappointing and wholly unsatisfactory shave.
Where the Panasonic ES8017 differs apart from its high speed, is that the centre cutter is so designed as to cut down the longer and flatter hairs which would otherwise be missed, to a more suitable length thereby attaining a closer shave, and this can be done without the need to resort to a trimmer. The concept is quite simple and works very effectively, which is after all what we MEN want. But dont tell the ladies about this razor or you will have to share!!!
I could mention the build quality, the smoothness of the shave, the beautiful ergonomic design, the tasteful color scheme, its fast recharge and holding capabilities - but I wont. Let me just say that in my honest opinion you will NOT find a better razor than this at ANY price, and this one is selling at under £80. I bought mine 2 months ago and am very pleased with it and whole heartedly endorse this product.
UPDATE - 16th August 2006
Well this is really a follow up to my original review and I an aspect which I feel is often overlooked. On the basis that I have owned this ES8017 for 2Yrs now, I must say that I am still very pleased with it. It still does the job that I want it to - namely cut facial hair and cut it close and not miss hairs, but that is more down to the operator.
All aspects of the razor still function as of new, nothing broken or fallen off, the charger also works well and has a very fast recharge and depending on how long the razor is in operation, the charge can last 3 to 4 days up to a week. I was on holiday for 12days charged it up the day I left, but forgot to take the charger with me! It managed to last with a bit of frugel use for 11days on that one charge before it gave up the ghost. Brilliant!
I do feel that it is important that if you want to get the best out of the razor it is vital to throughly clean it once a month. And this is dead easy but try and avoid using this process while connected to the mains use the battery instead (water and electricity do not mix).
Use a bit of hand wash gel (bacterial is good, if none is available use a little shampoo, put a small amount on the palm of your hand and gently rub the foil across it, now add a little water to the cupped palm and switch on and holding the razor in the vertical position allow the heads to clean themselves in the foamy mixture, adding water if it gets too foamy and until it runs clear. Shake of the excess water a couple of times and while still switched on gently dry off the head on a piece of tissue. The whole process should only take just over 1Minute, and the unit will now work faster and more efficiently due to the contaminants being no longer present.
I mentioned in a previous review the importance of working the skin for a really close shave, never expect first class results without putting a bit of effort in and try where possible to keep oils, creams, powder and even water away from the skin/hair until after an electric shave. The hair foliciles need to stand up as much as possible. People sometimes experience a rash when electric shaving, it can be attributed to the head unit not being washed clean, on the other hand they may have sensitive skin and a period of getting used to electric shaving may be necessary.
But with regards to this unit, it really does look after you and offers a smooth and comfortable shave, with its build quality and durability is second to none - look after and it should give you years of use.
Reviewed by: Amazon Reviewer Rating:  Date Reviewed: 11Jun2004 |
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