Rotary Cutter

Electric Shavers: How To Choose Between Rotary Blades Or Foil Blade Shavers

If you look at electrical shavers, you will basically find two types. The rotary blade technology, used by Philips and some of Remingtons models, and the foil technology used mainly by Braun and Panasonic. Both  types do the same job - but in very different ways. I have decided - as your Shaving Detective - to find out what you should go for!

The Rotary Blades

The rotary blades used by companies such as Philips/Norelco and Remington (Photo by Philips)

But first let me explain the differences between the two.

The rotary blade shavers have a series of rotary cutters attached. Typically three rotating blades placed in a triangular pattern. To get the best shave, you will have to move the shaver across your face in slow, rotating movements - almost as if you were applying a nice skin tonic.

The foil shavers

Braun has chosen a different approach to electrical shaving. Their shavers consist of a series of knifes hidden under a rectangular metallic foil, designed to raise the hairs and guide them close to the vibrating knifes. Long, even movements of the shaver is the key to success here.

Which to choose?

So which one should you buy? Well, for me the answer has been quite clear. I need both! For the last 7 years, I have used a combination of the two types.

Honestly, I must have a strange face... For my face and cheeks, the rotary blades really do a great job. But on my chin and neck, where the skin is slightly looser, the foil shaver is so much better for me.

If I use my Philips shaver for the entire shave, I will have to spend much more time shaving my chin - and I will eventually end up with irritated skin. Using my Braun foil shaver for the entire shave, will result in a beautiful chin - but will leave the cheeks less soft compared to the Philips shaver.

Not for everyone?

Compared to shaving with a razor, the electrical shavers win by far when it comes to convenience and time. It is so much easier to just pick up the electrical shaver, switch it on and get the work done, compared to preparing the razor, foam and water and slowly working your way across your face and chin.

But the dry shaving methods used by most electrical shavers may cause some irritation to your skin. If your shaver allows you to shave on a wet face, you could apply loads of warm water or a good pre-electric shaving oil just before shaving.

If your shaver cannot cope with the wet face, you could try to put a warm, wet towel on your face for a few minutes and then dry your face afterwards. This will warm your whiskers a bit, and probably lessen the skin irritation.

You should expect the skin irritation to be worst in the first few weeks of using the shaver. This is true if you have never used an electrical shaver before - OR if you are trying to switch between a rotary blade and a foil blade shaver (or the other way around).

In Denmark, where I live, both Braun and Philips offer a 30 or 60 day money back guarantee. You can buy the shaver and use it for some weeks before deciding if it's the right one for you. This is fantastic, as it will allow you to try out the different methods before deciding which shaver to use for the years to come..

About the Author

Ever since Hans Henrik started shaving, he has been wondering how to get the best shave without spending tons of money or time on it. Over time, he has tried electrical razors from both Braun, Panasonic and Philips. And he has spent loads of money on new blades for nearly all kinds of Gillette and Wilkinson shavers. But to be honest - he's just as confused as he was when he was younger.

Inspired  by some other blogs on the internet on how to make the perfect cup of coffee, the perfect shine on your car and so on - he decided to create the Shaving Detective website, to allow him to research a bit more on the shaving issue - and to share his experiences with you.

Read more about the Shaving Detective on http://www.shavingdetective.com

Help!!! what is a rotary cutter, mat, quilting pin gun?

The previous answerer is right about rotary cutters (disk-shaped blades mounted at the end of a handle, available in various sizes--the bigger the better, straight or angled, with pressure-accessible hoods which are a hassle IMO--or not ...use only on fabric if you want them to stay sharp). They're used with *thick* acrylic quilting rulers of various sizes and shapes so they won't slip while cutting.
And "self-healing" mats are used under the fabric when cutting and keep the rotary blades from dulling so easily (come in many sizes and shapes, different colors and lined grids...one good brand is Olfa).

Those are available at fabric or quilting stores, and there's usually at least some selection at least at Michaels (use 40% coupon from Sunday paper when possible!), or perhaps even Target.

A quilting pin gun "shoots" small, thin plastic rods through all layers of a quilt "sandwich" (front fabric, batting, backing fabric) so that all layers will stay together while quilting by hand or machine. They're used instead of safety pins or thread tacking or thread basting by some quilters since they're quicker to do (but not reusable). (They're sort of like the guns that shoot price tags onto clothing at stores with plastic "thread.")
Those will probably be available only at quilt stores, or possibly fabric stores (or online of course).

HTH,

Diane B.

Quickies: Rotary Cutters, Cutting Tools 101

Tags: crafts, cutter, paper, rotary, rotary cutter, rotary cutter blades, rotary cutter for sale, rotary cutter reviews, rotary cutter sewing, sewing

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 10th, 2010 at 12:22 am and is filed under scrapbooking. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.