Beard busters: the cutting edge in electric face-scraping

Men's Fitness, Jan, 2005 by Jason Harper

Know why Santa's got that long, gnarly beard? That's right--sensitivity to oldschool safety razors. (They used to call him "St. Nicked.") He should try these electric shavers, then put one under your tree. They've come a long way since your daddy's gaspowered whisker whackers.

BRAUN ACTIVATOR 8595, $200

This Braun is loved by techies: It's got an LCD display, advanced electronic processors, and a mini Jacuzzi-like cleaning station. But for my beard, I found the double foils didn't cut cleanly. I got closer shaves elsewhere (see below).

Rating: **

NORELCO COOL SKIN, $140

The metrosexual's razor of choice. It looks nonthreatening, dispenses Nivea gel as you shave, and leaves skin soft and glowing. Women will pinch your cheeks and want to share your bed. Only drawback: They may swipe it out of your bathroom in the morning.

Rating: ***

PANASONIC PRO-CURVE PIVOT ACTION SHAVER, $250

We're not all that into Ben Jovi, but we live by the "Slippery When Wet" motto. Shaving's no exception. The Panasonic lets you lather up with regular shaving cream, which leads to less irritation. The foil doesn't catch, and the springy head bends around any face--we hear the Elephant Man's a fan.

Rating: ***

REMINGTON TITANIUM MICROFLEX ULTRA, $90

The sharpest of the bunch. The floating titanium-coated blades are like mini Ginsu knives that dice and slice in a Benihana second. Not having to rerun the razor over your face 1,000 times will save you from always being late for work and keep you from looking like a leather-cheeked Freddy Krueger.

Rating: ****

REMINGTON TITANIUM VACUUM TRIM, $40

A trimmer, not a razor. Clips Bozo sideburns and Unabomber beards, which get sucked up by the internal vacuum. Warning: Trimming with this thing is strangely addictive, and you may feel the urge to travel, er, south. But, hey, do you really want her to think you're holding Mini-Me hostage in your boxers?

Rating: ***

RATINGS KEY:

* = Dullard

** = Room for growth

*** = A cut above

**** = Sharp!