Here’s the deal: As an old-school chap, I’ve never owned an electric razor, instead opting for the multi-blade Gillette Mach3 (though I really should upgrade to a proper double-edge safety razor). Also not for me is the faceunfriendly modern shaving foam or gel: I’m all about Crabtree & Evelyn Sandalwood Shave Soap, applied with a badger-hair brush (which creates a thick, rich lather guaranteed to ward off nicks or razor burns). So, it was with trepidation that I spent a week of mornings with Braun. It may be the world’s first shaver to combine sonic technology with a dynamic shaver head – and yes, I was impressed with its shapely, ergonomic, hi-tech aesthetic and its battery-level LCD panel – but the shave itself? Not a close one, I’m afraid. Nor an efficient one. After buzzing the dizzyingly dynamic head all over my face and neck, the required amount of hair – ie, all of it – hadn’t been eradicated, especially in that sensitive Adam’s apple area. So I pressed harder. More fluff came off. But five minutes later I was streaked with angry pink burns and went on to receive worried looks on the MRT. Gadget fans will love Braun’s top-of-theline model for the Clean&Renew station, with its replaceable cleaning-fluid cartridge and 25-second clean function (other cleaning programs last up to 43 minutes!). But me? I’m sticking to my old-fashioned wet-metal routine that leaves my face as smooth as a baby’s rear end.
Rating: 5.5/10
Price: Between $399 and $499