Bye bye to my Panasonics.

To preface this, I’ve been using Panasonic electric shavers since I first started shaving. I’ve never used a blade or any other brand. I was sucked in by their mesmerizing speeds and foil designs.

So after nicking myself on my 4 yr old (top of the line) Panasonic, I replaced both the blade and foil. Nope, still started nicking myself again. On with the research.

I got pulled in by Braun’s new marketing with the Gillette blade designs on the shavers. I did lots of research and finally just broke down and picked up the 8995.

Opening the new package I was delighted to see how well everything was put together. The unit was in shrink-wrapped plastic inside a travel case. Also in the case is a cleaning brush that has a resting spot under the unit, very clever. There’s the base unit and the wall charger. Separately there’s one cleaning cartridge.

The new unit feels substantial and, well, German engineered. I liked how the included charger could be attached to the holder or the base of the unit itself for travel. I used to have to pray my Panasonic would last on its charge or bring the little charging stand along with me.

I put the unit in the stand and charged it up. The digital display is really cool. It shows how much is on the charge, how long your last shave was, how many shaves you’ve done, when to change the foil and other stuff I’m sure I have to read the manual to find out.

I have to be honest; I am not the hairiest individual and usually shave every other day. I was very excited to use the new shaver but I wanted to give it a workout so I actually waited 4 days (yes, 72 hours!) to finally shave. It was not exactly louder than my Panasonic, but a different vibratory tone (if that makes sense). It wasn’t annoying at all, if anything turning on the Panasonic again to compare I found that to be really buzzy.

Bliss was the first word that came to my mind on the first pass over my cheek. I found myself smiling as I started making passes over my face. I was feeling my hairs being cut so smoothly and evenly that I was amazed. I even caught myself going over parts several times because that’s what I was used to doing with my Panasonic. No need with the Braun. I could go over my chin in one pass. The center cutting part (don’t know the technical term) really does wonders at lifting stray and ingrown hairs. The other thing I noticed was the comfort angle of holding the unit. My Panasonics had angled heads so you didn’t really get a good feel of where you were placing it on your face. The Braun is straight with a floating head. This feels more natural in my hand movements.

I was never one for using the wet feature of my Panasonic being that I always cleaned it with a little brush anyway. I didn’t put the cleaner in the base for the Braun yet. I probably will eventually but in the meantime, taking the foil off and brushing it with the included brush seems to be cleaning it just fine. The fact that I shave every other day would lend itself to having the cleaning fluid last longer for me anyway when I do actually use it.

So I ask my friend to feel my face and immediately she tells me it’s never felt that baby soft before. This is consistent over the next few weeks of shaving with it. I have never felt my skin this soft in my shaving life.

I got mine from Best Buy and I’m sure they have a return policy that’s acceptable on the product. Not sure if there’s a restocking fee for something that’s hygienic or the like. Anyway, I say with confidence that I would have paid double the price for this unit for the shave that I’m getting. Keeping it for 4 yrs makes it completely worth the entry price. If you aren’t keen on the digital display then pick up the model below for more of a savings.

Happy Shaving!