Electric Shaver Vs. Wet Shave

Can’t decide what kind of shaving tool to use? There are a lot of differences people don’t always consider; here is our summary of the biggest advantages and disadvantages of each system.

The Electric Shaver…

The Pros of Electric Razors

1. It’s Faster (technically)

There is no denying it, shaving with an electric razor takes less time. You’ll save 2 or 3 minutes by using an electric razor instead of a wet one. Granted, those 2 minutes in the morning can be extra precious, but it’s just not likely to be noticed.

2. Controlling beard length

You’ll never get as close of a shave with an electric razor, but for some men that’s a good thing. Some of us like to have that designer stubble look; most electric razors have different trim settings while wet shave razors only have their one. Of course, wet razor shavers can always try shaving the night before. The best designer stubble comes from wet shaving the night or day before. While this takes some forethought, the clean cut of the hairs makes the stubble look much more crisp, rather than just unkempt.

Electric Shavers: The Cons

1. Upfront costs

While in the long run you will save money with an electric razor, you will need to invest quite a bit upfront. A good quality electric razor is a proper purchase, and the cheap ones tend not to last long. Even worse, many of the cheap ones will catch and tug at your hair, causing pimples (even some of the nicer ones will do this from time to time).

2. Better pick the right one

There are a lot of different types of electric razors (that’s a whole other article); one kind will be perfect for you and another will be terrible. With such a heavy upfront investment you better pick the right one the first time. Otherwise, you’ll have just sunk your money into something to clutter up your bathroom.

3.No romance

If you’ve ever used a wet razor you know what I’m talking about; It’s hard to describe. Everyone loves the sound of an old vinyl record despite MP3s or CDs. In a similar fashion, there is just something special about a wet shave that you don’t get with an electric razor.

The Wet Shave

Pros of a Wet Shave

1. A closer and smoother shave

It sounds like marketing, but it’s true. Wet razors cut closer to the skin and unlike an electric razor that break hairs more than cut them, wet razors truly do cut the hairs. The result is a baby soft face that just cannot be had with an electric razor.

Class and tradition:
Wet razors have an air of class and tradition around them (it helps that your dad, his dad, and his dad, and so on used them.) You fill your sink with steaming hot water, take out your best smelling soap and spread it all over your face, then you shave. You have to invest a little extra time, that time is intrinsically special because that time is for you and only you. There is just something special, a “je ne sais quoi”. I’ve never seen James Bond use an electric razor, nor will I.

Exfoliation like no other:
Women wish they could get the kind of exfoliation that wet shaving gives. Wet razors also remove the top layer of dead skin. Combined with a good shaving cream, it’ll leave your skin feeling fresh and smooth.

Cons:

Shaving Rash:
A good electric razor won’t give you shaving rash (though a bad or old one sure will!). Similarly, blunt blades and bad technique will lead to shaving rash. A sharp, fresh blade, a good lather, light pressure and shaving with the grain go a long way. Against the grain gets you closer but raises the chance of irritation, so if your skin is sensitive, avoid it.

Replacement costs:
You have to change your blades regularly or you’ll get shaving rash, and branded replacement blades aren’t cheap. That adds up fast. That’s why we decided to do something about it, which I’ll cover in the next section.

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Parting words

I do have an electric razor that I use every now and then, but if I had to choose one I would pick my wet razor without hesitation. With the price of branded replacement heads, I can’t blame men for going with an electric. That’s why we started the Bearded Colonel: a five-blade razor with replaceable heads and a roller on the leading edge, and fresh refills posted on whatever schedule suits you. It’s the UK’s longest-running razor subscription, and it means you’re never stuck shaving with a blunt blade.