Braun Electric Shaver Series 5 5118s, Blue

Edited again on 12/27/23: I still feel exactly the same as I stated below. I am still using this exact product and am happy with it considering its price point. I have traveled with it and it takes a beating. The battery is still in decent condition and lasts for a few weeks before needing to be charged. I figure the blades will start to get dull again soon and the battery will start to decrease. Hasn’t yet, but I’m sure it will soon. I noticed the foil replacement is only about five bucks more than simply buying a new one. I’ll likely buy a new one in 3-6 months. I still get about two years of daily use out of these me spend way less on one of these every two years than I do buying razors and shaving cream weekly.

Over one year later: Still working well. No complaints. The battery is maybe at 80% capacity now, but no real issues.

Edit 4/9/22: Expect this thing to last maybe 1.5 to 2 years. The battery will no longer hold a decent charge and the foil will need to be replaced. I ended up getting a new one and don’t regret it. It’s still cheaper and more convenient than using razors. Comparing the new unit to the 1.5 year old model is night and day. The new unit cuts faster, more easily, better, and holds an amazing charge just like the old one used to.

So let me start by pointing out the obvious after having used many electric razors over the years at various price points. This is not an expensive or top of the line electric razor. This razor simply can’t be compared to the Braun Series 9 and especially should never be compared to a sharp, new, razor blade made for shaving with shaving cream. Even if you spend $1000, an electric razor will never compete with a halfway decent razor and good old fashioned shaving cream. Secondly, it should be pointed out that different electric razors will interact with different types of skin, facial structures, and facial hair differently. One person will have a much different experience from the next and will have various opinions based on their expectations. These are facts regardless of the technology and price point. I mention this because some of the reviews have somewhat unrealistic expectations. In my personal experience, I wanted an affordable electric razor for occasional use that didn’t give me shave bumps or razor burn as I have skin issues like eczema. I realized that the shave wouldn’t be perfect from prior experience with these things, but that it would be convenient when in a rush in the morning. That is exactly what I got and I am happy with it.

All that said, I do agree with some of the negatives mentioned. No travel bag, no plastic protective cover, and no stand at this price point. It is also true that it struggles getting those neck hairs. Basically, after shaving with it, I look like I shaved from a foot away, but I don’t feel like I got a good shave. It’s also true that this model lacks a connected trimmer like the previous generation. If you want to manscape, you will need to manually remove the foil head and put on the trimmer head. Kind of a pain, but I expected that and have a better Whal trimmer I much prefer anyway, so again, expectations managed. I’ve only had it a few weeks so I can’t speak to longevity. Fingers crossed. And yes, this is not the easiest to clean despite the new easy clean design. Still, it’s not a deal breaker for me.

Just a few electric shaver specific tips I find helpful. One, foil shavers should not be used in a circle, but rather only up and down. Two, shave the sensitive parts of your face or neck first. The foil head heats up after (normal and typical) a while so the foil head will be cooler if you shave the sensitive areas first. This helps with bumps and rash. For me, that would be my neck and chin. Three, don’t rub the foil viciously against your skin. Most electric razors will give you razor burn if you push hard enough. Pushing harder doesn’t really result in a better shave in my opinion. Four, using a pre-shave lotion may help. I only use this razor dry as it is more convenient and faster, otherwise why own an electric razor. Finally, splash with some cold water after you finish. The cold water will help calm your skin down and may result in fewer bumps or razor rashes for those with sensitive skin.

Hope this helps. I would rate this one 4.5 stars so far. We’ll see if it lasts. The reality of electric razors, especially at this price point, is that they will do an okay job that may be good enough for you. It won’t be perfect and it will never compete with a real razor. I think if most knew that going in, this would have slightly better ratings.

This is a really well built shaver, and for a pretty good price as well. It’s one of Braun’s higher end shavers, so it’s a really good deal. They give a really close shave, and the battery lasted well over a month and a half before it prompted me to charge it. Charges really quick as well. Easy to take off the clips and wash them and the shaver itself with water. Very convenient.

Melhor compra que fiz ! A barba fica super bem feita! Não irrita a pele não belisca a pele não irrita ! Tenho a pele sensível não posso usar gilete ! Tinha um da Philips mas esse Braun me surpreendeu ! Deu de 10 x 0 no Philips !
Super recomendo !!
Pode fazer o teste de passar algodão depois não fica nenhum fiapo do algodão!

Context: I haven’t used a Norelco in 20 years, and I’ve never used a foil shaver before. But I’ve had to stop using blades as much as possible because of acne within 24 hours of shaving. No matter the razor/foam/gel/soap/water/nothing/prep. Intentional-looking “Don Johnson” is surprisingly time-consuming to achieve & maintain. So I finally decided to try an electric shaver again.

Using the shaver: I’ve only used this once so far — normally I’d wait longer to write a review, but why? Closeness is pretty amazing — about 12 hours closer than the last time I used a Norelco. Completely comfortable 1st time. As for handling, I don’t know why anyone would need the Series 6 pivot or the series 7 swivel to steer this head over their face. Handle is a nice shape and size. Sound is a little plasticy, but not loud or annoying. Being able to rinse the head under the faucet (and wash with soap as needed!) is a revelation — I’m glad I didn’t pay extra for the bulky cleaning station.

If you’re having trouble because “it won’t cut”: My old Norelco would mow a short beard. This shaver won’t. If your beard has gotten to ~1/8” long then this shaver WILL NOT cut it. At All. You will need to use the trimmer head or clippers to mow your beard to no longer than 1/16” (possibly shorter) before this tool will work on it. Any hairs you missed with the clippers/trimmer you will have to go back and cut with one of those tools before this shaver will finish the job. I think that’s the compromise you accept for the close shave this will give.

The manual: I get the complaints, but there are, in fact, words that tell you what each set of pictures is explaining. The typeface for these descriptions is oddly tiny for the amount of space they take up in the layout, so they’re easy to overlook. The pictures themselves are detailed, but in a way that requires close attention. I think this was “written” for people who grew up with graphic novels — the styles are very similar. For those of us with grey hair it’s not what we’re used to, but the information is there…

Where it’s made: as of this review, the shaver & trimmer are made in Germany, while the charger, cleaning brush & snap-on head cover are made in China.

Buying advice: The “new” series 7 has a swivel between the head and body, the “new” Series 6 has a pivot, the “new” Series 5 has a rigid connection. There are styling differences. Otherwise the specs and features of the shavers are identical.

As other reviewers confirm, the “new” Series 7 head (73s) and the “new” Series 5/6 head (53b) are interchangeable. Visually they are identical except that the 53b bezel is black and the 73s bezel is silver. When I replace the head I’ll try a 73s to see if there’s any cutting difference. I’ll bet there isn’t.

Esta rasuradora afeita con calidad, cuchillas bien afiladas por estar nueva, sin embargo con unas cuantas pasadas rasura al ras, solo hay que moverla como dice el manual. el precio está excelente y es debido a que solo trae el recortador de patillas y el cepillo limpiador, me parece suficiente de otro modo hay paquetes con más aditamentos arriba de $2000, si funciona con espuma, y se limpia bajo el chorro de agua.