Panasonic 900 S review: what can this strange shaver do?

I’m a tad nervous. The last time I used an electric shaver was 30 years ago. I switch on the Panasonic 900 S and am reminded of the old days: the vibration, the surprising volume. Even my electric toothbrush is quieter. It feels like not much has changed in the last few decades.

I start by running it across my cheek. The 900 S glides smoothly on its five blades, I can hear and feel the typical rasp of an electric shaver.

Easy start and the first problem

Still, Panasonic has also made it easy for me to get back into the game. There’s exactly one button that I use to switch the thing on and off, as well as two small pressure switches on the sides. I use it to loosen the razor head and clean it. I don’t have to read the instructions, everything is self-explanatory.

Still, a problem soon arises. To be fair, mostly because I’ve only shaved wet for the last few decades – first with a multi-blade safety razor, now for almost a year and a half with only a single-blade.

Clearly, my skin needs the moisture, because even after my first shave with the Panasonic, I notice dry patches, especially on my chin, which peel off easily. Not very pleasant.

It’s certainly also due to the fact that I have quite dense beard growth. Despite the five blades, I still have to glide the 900 S over most areas several times until all hairs have been removed. But if I have to shave several times over an irritated area of skin, it only makes things worse.

Wet shaving, my salvation

Fortunately, the Panasonic 900 S is waterproof and also designed for wet shaving, so I moisten my face and get started. And presto, my skin tolerates it much better. I can concentrate fully on the procedure and quickly notice the pros and cons of the device.

On flat surfaces such as the cheeks, all you need to do is pull against the growth direction and all the hairs will be gone. The situation is different around the cheekbones or chin. Even with a wet face, it takes several passes before I’m satisfied.

One great feature: I can shave my ears, nose and lips without any worries. With a safety razor, I have to be extremely careful not to cut myself. In contrast, the blades on this appliance are so well protected that there’s no danger at all. I can run the Panasonic over my lips and feel nothing but the vibration.

Even wetter, even better?

I can even use the razor with shaving foam or soap. At least in theory. In practice, however, I don’t recommend this – it makes a huge mess.

The first problem lies in the vibrations: I have to remove foam or soap from the razor every few strokes, i.e. rinse it off. If I don’t switch it off every time, the foam splashes around. Problem two is moisture: after every wash, the razor head leaves far too much water on the face. Little streaks of wetness are soon running down my neck.

What works excellently, however, is shaving under or directly after a shower. If the face is really soft, there’s no need even for shaving foam. One thing bothers me personally, especially now that it’s getting colder again. As I don’t shave with the water running in the shower, I do get a little cold. It’s not bad, of course, but it’s not pleasant either.

Ideal when travelling

The Panasonic 900 S costs over 300 francs, making it one of the most expensive razors in our range. Devices rated very highly by the Community are available for as little as 100 to 200 francs.

How is the high price justified? The greatest strength of the 5-blade razor is certainly its compact design. It’s only 7.2 centimetres wide, 5.7 centimetres tall and 4.5 centimetres long. It weighs in at 135 grams. The Panasonic will fit into a small bag – ideal for anyone who’s often on the move. It doesn’t take up much space in the bathroom either. Despite its small design, the 900 S fits perfectly in my hand.

What I also like is that the device is charged via USB-C. I don’t need an extra charger when I’m on vacation, I can just use my smartphone one. The battery lasts around 40 to 50 minutes. For me, this corresponds to just under a week of use.

I’m less than enthusiastic about the recycled plastic. Its marbled appearance always looks slightly dirty, as if stubble is still clinging to it. The placement of the only button is incomprehensible. It’s at the bottom instead of on the side. You always need two hands to operate it – totally impractical.

Bye-bye safety razor?

No, the Panasonic 900 S didn’t convert me. I remain faithful to wet shaving with a safety razor. For me, this shaver offers no advantages. I’m hardly any faster with it, my skin is more irritated and the shave isn’t any cleaner.

Perhaps the verdict would look different for anyone with significantly lighter beard growth. In that case, the Panasonic 900 S would probably be fast and uncomplicated. And when travelling, the compact device certainly has advantages over a wet shaving set including brush, shaving cream and razor.

Know a good shaver that could convince me to give up my safety razor? Let me know in the comments!