Some days are just better than others. (Philishave Quadra Action HQ 6890)

Member Name: EazyDude

Product:	Philishave Quadra Action HQ 6890
Date:	28/10/01 (2050 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy shaving, Only need to charge battery every 25-28 days, Thorough clean only every once in a while

Disadvantages: Not as close as wet shaving, Can't shave when wet, Expensive replacement heads

Please note that I am writing this op in respect to the HQ5890, the predecessor to the HQ6890.

As a lazy teenager I could not often be bothered to pick up a razor and wet shave. There would be many a time that I had cut myself with the cheapo Bic razors (you all know what I'm talking about). Even those razors with a strip to lubricate and aid the flow of the razor across your skin, would still somehow manage to nick myself, although on fewer occassions, only this time leaving a lubricant substance on the skin. I'd had it, I'd really had it. I could not be bothered to lather up each morning as my dad had done for the past umpteen years. I was ready to move with the times.

Choosing my Electric Razor
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My uncle had a Braun electric razor. I first asked him what it was like. I can remember him saying that it didn't quite cut as close as a wet shave but he chose to use it if only for convenience. He's a big cheese in a physics lab and gets to travel a fair bit to conferences and the like. The Braun models tended to be flatter versus the Philishave ones, so these were a lot easier to pack and travel with. The travel case was only a little leatherette thing, which hardly added to the dimensions of the razor. He also said that it probably ran cheaper in the long run as he'd only replaced the blades once since he had it. Sorry readers, I've forgotten how long he DID have it.

Foolishly, having had all this sound advice on the Braun series, I opted to go for a Phillips. For the reasons:

1) They had a promotion running that if you weren't please within 2 weeks of using it, you could return it.

2) The Phillips one was slightly more advanced. Having
- Something to tell you when to empty the hair chamber
- Something to tell you when to cleam the heads
- Something to tell you how many shaves you had left, not how much battery power, achieving this by
learning your personal shave time
- Cordless shaving, with a rechargeable battery pack
- Triple heads to allow to get into those grooves of the face
- Hair trimmer
- Different levels of sensitivity
- The "lift and cut" was supposed to be better than conventional foil shaving (ie vs Braun)
Without some of these options, I'd never clean/empty/charge the shaver otherwise. Remember, I was lazy. It was also the top model and being a gadget-y sort of person with his first summer salary, I went for it.

First Use
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I can still remember setting the shaver to the "sensitive" setting, and then placing it to my face. I can remember this, as well as the slight sting I had on it afterwards. The first shave was definitely not as close as the first wet shave, nor was it as pleasant, but you get used to it with time. To use the shaver you have to aply a slight pressure to the face, rotating it around in circles to catch all the protruding hairs. In addition to this, the manual recommends stretch your skin at the same time, not something that's entirely easy to do.

With time the shave improves. The sting disappears and with a bit of practice you can get closer on all those hairs. Still not as close as a wet shave, but close. I still love the way the shaver can roam on your face, and not even leave a scratch on you. Any imperfections it just seems to ignore. You can then adjust the shaver to suit your face if you think it needs it. I still use it on the sensitive setting, but sometimes before going out for the evening, hit the less sensitive mode. It then cuts a lot closer.

The hair trimmer is perfect for sideburns. It works and feels almost like when the barber does them with his miniclippers (not his cut-throat!). This just flicks out from the back and is quite comfortable to hold.

Cleaning
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Cleaning the shaver couldn't be easier. The top pops of
f with one button and reveals three blades pinned to three blade shields by a little flimsy bit of plastic. A simple rotary clip to undo this makes it all fall apart. Watch out at this point for your blades going everywhere! The blades are meant to grind and sharpen themselves to the guard that they are fitted. If you go swapping the blades and the guards, it will then have to reaccustom itself to the guard. Something not so obvious, but also applies to when the shaver is new, and therefore not so close.

You are given a little brush to get all the nitty gritty hairs out of every little nook and cranny. I don't bother, remember, I'm lazy. Just disassemble the whole thing and run it under the tap. Allow to dry before reassembling (preferably on top of a radiator). No hassles.

Maintenance
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This stands at virtually nil.
- Empty shaver about every two weeks
- Thorough clean less so
- New heads purchased 2 years in
- Charge every 25-28 days (no of days dependent on shaving time, it learns you see)

Other Bits and Pieces
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First thing to note about this shaver is that it is not as slim as some models are. Although this may be more comfortable at home when shaving in the privacy of your own bathroom or bedroom, it is no good for travelling with. It comes with a heft great plastic carry case which is 3 times the size of the shaver. When travelling, I chose to carry it without the travel case. Ironic isn't it?

Second thing. Please do not use this shaver on wet skin. You have been warned. Wet skin does not allow metal to glide over and do its job of shaving. Instead you're going to have a shaver stuck to one bit of skin. Not entirely pleasant. Coming out of a shower is the obvious time for situations like this so shave and then shower, otherwise wait a while to dry off. When travelling to hot, humid countries you should also remember that you perspire. Ye
s, you guessed it, hot sticky face. Two remedies here. (1) Don't use the shave (2) Use talcum powder to dry your face up and shave. You look stupid, but at least you can shave this way.

Lastly, don't expect your shaving times to be cut down. They could be, but I think if you spend those extra moments, you'll get that bit a closer shave.

Summary
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I will submit and say that quite a few people don't like electric shavers and choose to stick with wet shaving as it's better and as much hassle as an electric. As for me, I've had mine for 3 1/2 years, and I'll continue to use it until the rechargeable battery pack dies. The replacement might cost than I expect, but I haven't yet enquired. Anyway, to summarise;

Pros
- Effortless shaving compared to wet shaing and lathering (for me anyway)
- Only need to charge battery every 25-28 days
- Thorough clean only every once in a while

Cons
- Not as close as wet shaving
- Can't shave when wet (doh!)
- Expensive replacement heads

Thanks for reading.

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