Review (4/5): Good electric razor, but doesn't compare to a proper wet shave
I've been a wet shaver (safety razor, soap, and brush) for many years, but decided to try an electric to save time in the morning. I bought some Williams Lectric Shave and researched electric shaving technique online. After being disappointed by a foil, I settled on the 7180XL. It's a good mid-level razor at a reasonable price, balancing quietness, speed, ergonomics, and the necessary features. Unfortunately, it was too much of a step down from a proper wet shave. I didn't like:
- the lack of precision (three cutting disks on a planar surface the size of my cheek)
- it missed a lot of hairs, requiring several passes for a clean shave
- although I used a light touch, pushing the shaver through the stubble was still irritating
- the shave was socially acceptable in appearance, but rough to the touch
- I had a 5 o'clock shadow by 2 o'clock
- you can't do a close multi-pass shave for special occasions like you can with a blade
- I started getting ingrown hairs on my neck
Regarding the last point above, you really can't address that by using a blade on just special occasions. The face needs time to adjust to a change in shaving method, so if you switch between methods neither will be optimal.
The 7180XL is a perfectly good razor for men who are satisfied with a socially acceptable shave and whose face can tolerate the rotary shaving system. It just wasn't my cup of tea. I now wet shave at night and still have less of a shadow by 5 o'clock than I would using an electric shaver in the morning.