PanasonicES-RF31 Premium Wet and Dry 4-Blade Electric Shaver for Men with Flexible Pivoting Head, Silver, UK 2 Pin Plug

I don't do many reviews but I feel I need to review this in good conscience to relieve the suffering of all those electric shaver users that have not yet discovered the Panasonic. So here is my experience over 9 months with this great bargain that actually [for once!] does everything it says it does!Reason for purchaseI bought this razor because I was about give up on electrics and always getting a 2nd class shave....and go back to hand shavers. My old Braun was on a new foil but still disappointing with results. Whilst doing my 'last chance for electric razors' research I noted that reviews for these Panasonic razors were always so good (compared to all others that never quite made the grade on close inspection)...and decided to give it a go - and I'm so pleased I did. My faith in electrics is renewed twice-fold.Price: When I buy a razor I look for the best technology and thenlook for the mid-range model that uses the same technology without all the wizz-bang lights and techno-sales-pitch-babble. This was a good price-technology compromise and most importantly incorporated the latest Panasonic shaving tech. As for price, given I bought mine 9 months ago - check it and see if it suits you now! Fact is; it's a good shave.Trimmer - short length but very effective once you get used to it. I use primarily for keeping sideburns in order and it's better than my last Braun hands down. It actually cuts the hair (if you get the right technique - practice makes perfect!) - I've even used to trim nose hair in emergencies!Power: never seems to run out! Amazing, even after 18 months still running strong as new. Previous razors have shown signs of battery age fairly quickly however eighteen months in and this is still running as strong as the first day. I have used this on many business trips up to a week and now don't bother to pack the charger - it NEVER runs out!....doesn't even slow down. In fact I have taken it as a challenge to run the battery down over a few weeks but it is always me that loses my bottle before the shaver loses power and I plug it in anyway! Well OK it did run low once..just when I needed it, so I plugged in for a short time(while I had my morning cuppa) and I still got a good shave before work. Basically now I plug it in if it hits the low light - which seems very rare!If I was being picky I would suggest a coiled charging lead would be an improvement.Sensitive Skin: I have sensitive skin. The reason some say skin is sensitive after first use is because it shaves so close - just like shaving with a blade for the first time; however after a few shaves it soon becomes the norm and a non-issue. Do persevere if this is the case for you; it's worth it and it does go away after a week.Razor Burn/Efficiency - Not! Because this razor cuts so well, and with so few passes also, the razor does not get hot in my experience (like some other brands). This, along with efficient blades/foil combination means less discomfort and burns due to better cutting efficiency all round.3 Day Stubble: No problem; amazing result with surprising ease. I don't get that itchy after effect either.Dry shave: In summary: Excellent. Not as clinical as a wet shave but very good indeed. Even for the difficult lower neck area (with a little attention to detail as ever....stretch that skin!) - I don't remember any in-growing hairs (a symptom of poor shave quality) with this razor over eighteen months. With my previous Braun I always had to watch out for missed hairs going awry (and therefore periodically wet-shaved for insurance)- not with this baby!Wet Shave: I have only tried this twice (with shaving foam); and think I may try again.... The shave was close and maybe even closer; I just can't get my head round the water, shaving foam and shavings mess going all over my electric razor - It seems to me electronics are not meant to be in water; but that's just me - for those that like it it does seem to be very good; and strangely left my skin feeling sensitive which may indicate it is shaving even closer; hence my thoughts on trying again...The Difficult Bits: Neck area is good with careful technique and under the nose seems impossible (due to the size of the head) but it will actually get it all if you stretch your nose up and shave up close - (just have faith and all becomes clear...and smooth!)Speed: I haven't timed it but can speak from perception. When I used my old electric I used to find myself wet shaving when in a rush. On those occasions I did use the electric when in a rush I regretted it as it took too long and I often missed bits. Not the case with this Panasonic. Very quick shave and just quick enough to not feel the need to wet shave (although it cannot yet beat a wet shave!). The Panasonic does not advise to shave in circles likes some others, but in straight lines. With skin held taught and a little practice it really is very quick with a couple of passes or three for perfection.Cleaning: No need to bother with the auto-cleaning (more expensive) version - Easy to clean with either brush or running water: Just pinch the top and it pops off. I brush clean (using supplied brush) the razor cutters and surrounding area (+ trimmer if used) in about 10 seconds and tap foil in sink to empty. I wash occasionally under running tap (about 10 seconds too!). Then click top back on. Job done. Still looks like new and cleaning is no longer a chore.Ergonomics: Light and comfortable - it could be even lighter and less bulky; but hey it's a great shave so I'm happy.Noise: Not bad at all. One of my buying criteria was a quieter razor as I often shave when all are sound asleep. Objective achieved with door pushed too- uninterupted slumber all-round.Spares/Longevity - I bought a new foil online from shaverspares (Google it!) in October 2012 without issue. You could say I was being fussy as it was still a pretty good shave with the old; but I have got used to a really good shave now and did not want to compromise so now we're back to good as new. Now on reflection this is not great - only 6 months and I replaced the foil at a cost of around £30.00; which is about half the cost of the shaver. In its defense the shave is very good and close.I imagine if I compared the panasonic shave to my old Braun then the worn out Panasonic was about as good as the new Braun foil....but it's going to cost me to maintain that level of shave. Food for thought. Cost/Quality decision.Conclusion: Why don't you have one yet!?? Seriously; this a great piece of kit and has renewed my faith in modern tech.....Pro: It does what is says on the tin and gives a great shaveCon: The foil does not seem to have great longevity if you want to keep the close shave (6 months for me - being fussy). So for a top notch shave be prepared to buy new foils at £30.00 a pop. For an average [shave after 6 months] I am sure you can get a year or more - no doubt dependent on your bristle.

Ok let’s start with the obvious it is not as good a shave in my opinion as a wet shaver. Having said that it gives a good shave, has great battery life and is easy to clean. I use it for a quick shaves if I’m in a hurry and the results are very acceptable. It sits well in my hand but occasionally I move the trimmer. All in all very pleased with my new Panasonic shaver.

The Panasonic ES-RF31 Wet & Dry four blade men's shaver was a replacement for my older Panasonic ES8183 3-blade wet & dry shaver which I had owned for around 8 years of totally, totally trouble-free, dependable use. Unfortunately, the old shaver died as a result of being dropped onto a hard floor once too often:-(.My old Panasonic shaver made me a devoted fan of Panasonic wet & dry shavers. I have also used Philips and Braun products. No electric shaver can come as close as Panasonic shavers in delivering a close dry, or wet shave. I would go as far as to say that when used as a wet shaver it can deliver as close a shave as many wet razors! I use my Panasonic in preference to a wet razor shave on my face and it really is as close a shave as a wet razor.My replacement, the ES-RF31 is absolutely no disappointment (and an improvement in most areas) compared to my trusty old ES8183.I shave my head every day and also have a full daily body shave too. I use the ES-RF31 to dry shave my face and head, then finish off with a Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 wet razor on my scalp. Sorry to say, even Panasonic wet & dry shavers haven't yet got as good as a blade at shaving the scalp. I like my head to be billiard ball smooth so I find the best approach is to shave first with my Panasonic, then finish off with my wet razor of choice. Mostly, the Panasonic is absolutely fine shaving my face dry and produces a very, very smooth finish. Occasionally though, I wet shave my face with the Panasonic too. That gives me an ultra smooth finish that is every bit as good as a wet razor shave. It's a shame I can't replicate that on my scalp as I would happily ditch the wet razor on my scalp. I also shave my body with the ES-RF31 in the shower, every day. It works great, but I am careful not to over wet the shaver even though it's a wet & dry product. To be honest, I have every faith in Panasonic's wet & dry shaver products to stay completely waterproof, but I like to be a little careful, just the same.I have owned my ES-RF31 for a little over two months now. It consistently delivers both dry and wet shaves that are better than my old ES8183. I can achieve a slightly closer shave, a little quicker, with the ES-RF31. The floating finishing blade attached to the head appears to do a good job too and is not just a gimmick. The shaving head uses the same pivoting technology as in my old ES8183. It simply works perfectly, no ifs, no buts, it works thanks to superior Japanese design. In fact the shaver is undeniably a big brand Japanese product. It works well, it does what says it does, it is well built and if it lasts like my old ES8183 will give me many years of completely hassle free, reliable shaving.The ES-RF31 is much quieter than my old ES8183 in operation. The design of the case of the ES-RF31 is better to hold (for me) than my old Panasonic was. I miss the digital readout display in the body of my old Panasonic. I could have got that if I wanted to pay more for a higher specification model. The ES-RF31 has three LED's to indicate the amount of battery power left. It works fine, but I was spoiled a little, I guess, by the digital readout on my old ES8183.There is no charging stand with the ES-RF31, again I feature I enjoyed with my old ES8183. I think that's a really useful addition and I would have liked a charging stand at this price point.If I have one minor criticism concerning the design and operation of the ES-RF31 is that the bulk of the shaving head can be a little difficult to manipulate in those awkward areas. But, this is minor and perhaps to be expected when having the comparative luxury of a four blade shaver.Overall, I'm very, very pleased with the ES-RF31. Another terrific Panasonic shaving product at a price that puts both Philips and Braun to shame. I highly recommend Panasonic wet & dry shaving products and the ES-RF31 in particular for its capability and quality versus the very reasonable price.