Both get the job done, but there are a few subtleties between the two options that split men into two camps. For all the features — and sometimes high price — of most electric shavers, 18 out of 20 men in our focus group who tried an electric were not persuaded to convert after 21 days of use. In the following article we will explore the pros and cons of both blade types.
The Clean, Baby Smooth, Shave - Any guy who has ever used an electric razor will tell you one thing - no matter how much time they spend running the thing along their jaw line, pressing it hard against their skin, and any other number of ‘tricks,’ they never get every hair (in fact, many electric user do post-shave clean-up with a manual blade or scissors). A manual razor cuts closer to the skin (too close for comfort according to some dermatologists that we know – thanks to the five blade razor) and it is the best way to have delay stubble and avoid stray hairs.
Every Guy is Rushing in the Morning - Shaving can be a nominally pleasing process. Rubbing on the shaving cream, warm water on your face, and the pursuit of the perfect shave – this is a calming, thought-free process. If you rush a manual shave, you’ll be looking at the consequences for several days (nicks, scraps, bumps, redness, dull pain, etc.). If you’re scrambling to make your first meeting, electric razors can handle the job (during the commute) and offer a better shave than a botched, manual rush shave.
Simple and Quick Is No Match - A manual razor seems pretty darn simple to the untrained eye. Hold razor, press gently against skin, pull down in short strokes, rinse blade often. But you need a rich and protective shave cream, lots of warm water, and a soothing moisturizer to help repair the many layers of skin you just shaved off. Electric razors don’t need any of these things and you can shave in Starbuck’s (if you want to be that guy). But seriously, shaving in the car is pretty common for electric users.
Likelihood of Severe Injury from Blood Loss - Even the CEO of Gillette cuts himself from time to time. It’s not a difficult thing to do with a razor blade. But nicks and scrapes aren’t the only common injuries. Many men suffer their entire lives with the tormenting itch of razor burn and ingrown hairs. Preventative steps can be taken, but there’s no quick fix for these men. Using a manual razor can reduce razor burn if you only shave with the grain. A lubricating shaving cream is also a must to soften your skin and beard hair to help reduce irritation. Although electric razors will never cut you, the circular motion of many models can be irritating to your skin and produce ingrown hairs.
Price -You can spend anywhere from $30 to $300 on an electric depending on the maker and the model. Features are endless and can include waterproofing for shower shaving, the ability to use them with shaving creams, battery life, foil and rotary heads, multi-blades etc. Manuals have the marketing clout behind them - when a man turns 18 in the US, he receives a gift in the mail from Gillette or Schick who send the latest razor as a birthday present. Most men use this razor, not necessarily knowing that each replacement blade cost $2.75 and you need one every week, or that they need an expensive shave cream and aftershave with proven ingredients to keep good skin health. Total lifecycle spend is much more expensive for manual shavers. Manual razor because an electric shaver doesn’t get as closeand many users still needed their razor to get more difficult hairs.