Technology has helped our society in a great way. Automatic devices are much better than manual ones. But as they say “old is gold,” some manual devices are better than automatic ones. For instance, take the razors. Some people still use manual razors and don’t like electric shavers.
If you are unsure which razor to use, don’t worry; I will help you decide in this article. We will compare the difference between an Electric shaver and a Manual Razor.
Brief History
Before moving on, I think giving you a brief history of razors will be more beneficial and engaging. And it’s not a bad idea to know the history of the device.
Human hair grows between 1.25 mm to 1.50 mm annually and the man spends 3000 hours of his life shaving his hair……Hair??!!…3000 hours??!!…
I must say I was very surprised to know that.
As we all know, shaving was invented shortly after the birth of mankind. People used shaving equipment made of stone. Then with time, these types of equipment were modified and were made of bronze, copper, and iron.
There were some people who didn’t touch their hair on any part of the body, they were called “barbarians,” which means “unbarbered”.
The very first book, or should I say the first guide for shaving, was introduced by Jean-Jacques Perret in 1770. In this book, he shared his advice for shaving yourself. Because at that time, men didn’t know how to shave, so they would often cut themselves.
So in order to teach the proper way to shave, some people introduced a learning guide, while others started working on modifying the razors for more grip and control.
In late 1847, Willian Henson created a hoe-like razor that gave the user more control and better safety. His invention became a success.
Since then, razors have evolved from straight razors to manual razors, and now with Electric razors.
Buying the right razor to get a perfect shave isn’t that easy, in fact, it is far from child’s play. There are some things to consider to achieve this.
Skin Type
Before you buy a shaving razor, you should consider the brand, type, and the pros and cons.
Once you’ve answered these questions, you can decide which razor to get. There are razors out there that are great for those whose skin is prone to razor burns and have sensitive skin.
Brand
If you want the best shave, then you have to be ready to buy a high-quality shaving device. Because a cheaper one will do a poor job.
Here are some good quality electric razors to consider.
- Braun Series 9290cc
- Panasonic ES-LV9N-S
- Philips Norelco Series S9311
And here are the manual razors I suggest.
- Merkur Futur adjustable safety razor
- Gillette mach3 men’s turbo razor
- Feather SS Japanese straight razor
Foil or Rotatory (Electric Razors)
Electric razor saves a lot of time, and that is the reason they are so popular. They are different from manual razors in every way. They don’t require shaving cream.
The electric shaver vibrates to trim your hair. There are two types of electric razors foil and rotatory. If you know these types, you will get closer to getting the perfect electric razor.
Foil
The Foil Shaver operates by having a blade move horizontally from left to right under a protective foil guard. Unlike rotary shavers, the foil guard contains small, circular holes that are specifically designed to catch fine hair, making it less suitable for thicker or coarser hair types.
Rotatory
A rotary shaver’s circular blade rotates independently, and its unique design allows it to cut hairs from various angles as you move it across your face. So, it’s designed to fit however your face is shaped. The shaver head also contains openings that trap hairs, making for a clean and efficient shave.
Straight or Disposable (Straight Razors)
There are two types of straight razors disposable and straight. The disposable razors are easy to use, dispose of, and more modern. While a straight razor is more classic, it can fold into its handle. They are also known as cutthroat razors or open razors. They require much more care but can provide you with a great shave when taken care of.
Now it’s up to you to choose the one you like.
Electric Shaver vs. Manual Razors: Pros And Cons
Now that you have read about some of the features, it’s time to read the pros and cons of electric and manual razors. This should give you some guidance on whether to choose an electric shaver or a manual one.
Electric Razors
Pros:
- Saves a lot of time
- Shave much faster than a manual razor
- They don’t require any shaving cream (although it helps)
- They are accurate in shaving facial hair
- They are safer to use i.e., no cuts, nicks, fewer razor bumps or ingrown hair
Cons:
- They don’t provide a super-smooth shave
- They are complicated to use
- Most models are not water resistant
- They require electricity to run
- Need more care and maintenance
- Expensive
Manual Razors
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Get you a super-smooth, close shave
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Parts are easy to find
- Requires no electricity to work, portable
Cons:
- Requires shaving cream
- Not so safe
- Careless use will result in cuts and nicks
- Requires experience
- If the hair is cut against the grain, it may cause razor bumps
Money Well Spent
Let’s lay some facts on the table; according to our research, an electric razor will last 15-20 years if you use great care. A manual razor can last for life if well-maintained and used carefully.
A decent-quality electric shaver will cost you $150-$250, while a high-quality manual razor will cost you $30 max.
You have to replace the electric shaver blade every 16 months and an electric razor blade will cost you $25-$35. You must replace the blade with a manual razor every month, costing you 20$.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you read carefully my review and made a decision on which razor to buy for shaving. Allow me to share my opinion. The electric shaver is the most cost-effective option due to its affordability. It is also safe to use and allows for better control. However, when it comes to traveling, I prefer the manual razor because, as previously mentioned, it does not require electricity to work.