0Mr. Steel Beard was the original Philishave® mascot and is the property of Royal Philips Electronics.  He looks so handsome that I made him the Electric Shaver Page's mascot.  The Mr. Steel Beard graphic appears courtesy of the Philishave Collectors Club.

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From: Bowers, Jim

Date: Monday, April 28, 2008 4:25 PM

For years I have been using Williams Lectric pre-shave Unscented and I am about to open my last bottle.

I've searched the internet extensively and just missed a small lot of 4 bottles from a private seller.

Anyone have any suggestions for finding some, or as an alternative what product is close in performance but still unscented?

Regards, Jim

Thanks for your note, Jim.  I hope others can give suggestions as all I can suggest is to check the search engines and web sites like eBay to look for anyone who still offers it and, most of all, pass a note to Combe Inc. which makes Lectric Shave asking them to bring back the Unscented Lectric Shave.  Their URL is http://www.combe.com/contactus.shtml   I hope this helps.

From: Charlie LeViseur

Date: Saturday, April 26, 2008 6:32 PM

I have a Norelco 955RX that was given to me by my Grandfather, so it has some sentimental family value and it has completely stopped working. I am a wet shaver myself, but I am considering starting to use this shaver if I can get it working again. However, I cannot find the owner’s manual anywhere online, including the Philips Norelco website. Do you have any idea where I can find info on why this won’t charge and where I could find a replacement manual? By the way, excellent site full of valuable information. Thanks!

Best Regards,

Charlie LeViseur

Thanks for your note, Charlie.  I can't find one either for that shaver or its equilvalent outside the USA, the Philishave HS955.  But I can tell you how the access the battery pack inside the shaver.  You'll need a Torx T-8 type screwdriver or a small screwdriver with a blade 3mm wide to loosen the screws.  The hidden screws are exposed when you open the sideburn trimmer.  The NiCad battery pack inside the shaver usually lasts an average of five years before they stop holding a charge.  Does this shaver work when you plug it in?  If it does, the battery pack can still hold a minimum charge.  If not, you will need to replace the battery pack.  Soldering skills are required to replace the battery pack as well as a lot of patience.  Most importantly, the battery pack must be fully discharged before you attempt to replace it.  I hope this helps.

From: "Pace, Nick"

Date: Tuesday, April 08, 2008 3:34 PM

Dear Mr. S.B.:

I'm into my second Remington ES-1000 now and it's working fine but I've just found out that Remington has discontinued this model altogether.

That's a real shame because my skin has been bump-free since switching to this razor on your wise recommendation and I'd hate to go back to the days where my neck regularly looked like the Pacific Rim Ring of Fire.

I contacted Remington today and they claim their Remington F-710 or F-720 Titanium series shavers are designed to deal with bumps and ingrown hairs but that they aren't intended to be the direct replacements for the ES-1000. It's hard to understand the justification for abandoning what had to be a profitable specialty line of razors (the ES-1000 was always the first choice for folks dealing with this problem) but I guess I don't comprehend high finance and corporate economics.

Have you tried either of these two razors? Are there others out there that would serve as a good substitute for the ES-1000?

Thanks...

Nick

Malibu, California

Thanks for your note, Nick.  I'm sorry to say that I haven't tried any of those shavers.  I recall that Wahl has a line of grooming products targeted to ethnic populations prone to razor bumps.  The URL for that line is http://consumer.wahl.com/section.cfm?sid=10 and I hope one of these items is right for you.

From: Herb Matthews

Date: Sunday, April 06, 2008 12:17 PM

I own a Norelco HP1602 shaver. The sideburn trimmer blade won't stay up without holding down the activator bar for it. I believe the z-shaped spring may be missing. Also there is a chunk of housing missing. Can the shaver repair place in St Louis repair a shaver that old? Thanks.

Herb Matthews

Thanks for your note, Herb.  You can always E-mail St. Louis Shaver to ask.  They are at http://www.mrshaver.com  I hope this helps.

From: Peter & Joyce Waterhouse

Date: Thursday, April 03, 2008 1:35 PM

Hi,

Can I plug my Phillishave HQ 6853 into 220 volt mains power to recharge the battery? I am visiting the UK next week for 3 weeks. I have mislaid the instruction manual.

Thanks

Peter Waterhouse

Thanks for your note, Peter.  There is a PDF on line of the instruction manual in question at http://www.p4c.philips.com/files/h/hq6853_16/hq6853_16_dfu_eng.pdf  The Philishave HQ6853 shaver has automatic voltage adaptation, just like the shaver in the note immediately below this one.  So all you need is the proper plug adapter for UK mains outlets, just like the note below.  I believe you're in Canada.  Radio Shack no longer does business in Canada.  If you're familiar with Radio Shack, they had a licencee in Canada which is now known as The Source by Circuit City.  I think I found the URL for the right adapter which they offer at http://tinyurl.com/2okddn but you may wish to go to a nearby Source location to confirm that it's the right adapter.  I hope this helps.

From: Gregg Hesling

Date: Sunday, March 30, 2008 3:53 AM

Hi,

I'm moving from the US to the UK for a few years, and taking my Norelco 8140XL with me. I know it says 'automatic worldwide voltage' but it only comes with a US 110V cord, and I can't find a UK-compatible cord anywhere online. (Not even in the UK section of the Phillips Norelco Accessories web site!) I don't want to arrive in the UK without a working shaver, and I don't want to get gouged by a local specialty store. Short of buying a voltage adapter, any suggestions? (I have to replace the heads on this shaver, anyway, so if I can't find a cord I'll just leave the shaver in the US and buy a new UK-specific shaver.)

Thanks!

-Gregg

You're welcome, Gregg and thanks for your question.  As your shaver has automatic voltage adaptation, all you need is a plug adapter. Radio Shack offers plug adapters. The current link for the UK adapter is at http://tinyurl.com/2u8hdp  I hope this helps.

From: "Bill"

Date: Thursday, March 27, 2008 8:14 PM

Hello,

I have an old Braun Flex Integral razor type 5506 model 5510. I would like to know if you can replace the battery and if so how?

Thanks,

Bill Beck

Thanks for your note, Bill.  There is an archived PDF of the Braun service manual for your shaver at http://web.archive.org/web/20040828182406/63.230.9.155/braun/Srv_Man/SHAVER/5506.pdf   I hope this helps.

From: Jared

Date: Friday, March 07, 2008 11:12 AM

I have a friend in a nursing home who is having problems doing the simplest things at this point. I want to buy him an electric shave with the least maintenance possible. He wouldn't be able to take one apart to clean it. His beard is neither heavy nor light. I could use suggestions and price isn't an issue.

Jared

Thanks for your note, Jared.  The widely available shaver I can think of which requires the least maintenance is the Remington model HGX-1 CleanXchange.  This model you do not clean.  When the shaver indicates that the head cartridge is full, you replace the head cartridge.  Remington has more details about this model at http://www.remington-products.com/mensshavers/hgx-1.htm   I hope this helps.

From: Eugene Scott

Date: Thursday, March 06, 2008 3:40 PM

My question is I've got a new panasonic 8043 that I clean after shaving by adding a little liquid soap and running under the faucet. Do you have a suggestion for an anti-septic solution to use in addition to cleaning under a faucet. I'd rather not have to go with a shaver with a cleaning base.

Thanks,

E

Thanks for your note, Eugene.  That's a very good question.  I wanted to check out the alcohol content of the cleaning solution Philips Norelco has been offering in the USA which was the RC1776 razor cleaner, but Philips discontinued that product.  I've been wondering if dipping the foil in rubbing alcohol would harm it.  This seems like a question to ask the Electric Razor Rap shaver mavens at http://www.shavermeister.com   I hope this helps.

From: Claire Forbes

Date: Thursday, March 06, 2008 10:56 AM

Hi Mr Steel Beard

I’m hoping you can help me. My dad’s used the Braun Shave and Shape for his beard trimming needs for almost 20 years, but it’s finally packed in! He’s devastated and had to buy something else which is bulky and has different heads for different things. Is there anything on the market that is similar?

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Claire

Thanks for your note, Claire.  The successor model to the Braun Shave & Shape is the cruZer 3 which is also a combination shaver and beard trimmer.  Braun has a web site about the cruZer 3 at http://www.braun.com/na/cruzer/cruzer.html   I hope this helps.

From: Stephen Williams

Date: Sunday, March 02, 2008 11:17 PM

Excellent website, Mr. Steel Beard. I have been using for the past 10 years a Remington M-8221 Microscreen Intercept, the one made in Austria. I have been very happy with its performance, replacing cutters, foils and batteries as needed. Unfortunately, the motor recently died.

I could purchase a refurbished one for about $50 here in the U.S. However, as technology has probably marched on, I was wondering if you would recommend instead a newer model, perhaps from another brand, over the M-8221.

Many thanks,

Steve

Thanks for your note, Steve.  Shavers have advanced in the decade since you got your Intercept.  As for a Remington model which is getting attention lately, the CleanXchange is a reasonably price model in which when the whisker chamber is full, you just replace the head.  Remington recommends replacing the head monthly with the CleanXchange model.  Looking at Braun, the Pulsonic seems to be the favourite for their high end.  As for a more moderately priced Braun model, the Contour line seems to be good.  Of course I also suggest asking the shaver mavens at http://www.shavermeister.com for this input.  I hope this helps.

From: "Girish Naik"

Date: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:59 PM

I purchased Norelco 8160XLCC razor on Ebay and one of the three rotors is missing. Where can I get the parts for it ? Also based on your experience is that a replacable part and can the razor be repaired ?

Thanks in Advance,

Girish

Thanks for your question Girish.  I looked up the service part and it is only available as part of a motor/drive assembly for 8100 series Philips shavers.  I found one shop which offers it at http://www.electricshaverstore.com/get_item_3612190_norelco-motor-drive-assembly-8100xl-series.htm  As this is a waterproof shaver, special care must be taken to ensure that the shaver remains watertight after reassembly.  My recommendation is to take the shaver to a Philips Norelco authorized repair shop.  You can call Philips DAP toll free in the USA at 800-243-3050 asking where the nearest authorized repair shop is.  I hope this helps.

From: C. Rypkema

Date: Thursday, February 14, 2008 1:27 AM

I'm looking for a parts diagram for the Norelco 6885XL razor...or a clue on how to get the outside case apart.

I've dropped the razor and now it makes a strange noise. Since I've already purchased a new Norelco, I figure I have nothing to lose by experimenting on taking it apart and finding out why it is making the noise. Who knows...I might be able to fix it!

So thank you for your help in advance. While the new razor is "better" than the old razor, I have a fondness for this one from many years of using it.

Chris

Thanks for your note, Chris.  There is a PDF of an identical model, the Philishave HQ6885 which has a diagram showing how to dismantle the shaver to remove the rechargeable batteries before disposing of the shaver.  The PDF is at http://www.p4c.philips.com/files/h/hq6885_01/hq6885_01_dfu_eng.pdf   You can find it on page 11 of the PDF.  I can point out that you need to slide up the sideburn trimmer to access the second screw.  I hope this helps.

From: Gerald Levy

Date: Monday, February 11, 2008 9:47 AM

Hi Mr. Steelbeard,

I recently discovered your interesting website. I've been a Norelco user for most of my adult life, but recently, someone gave me a Bell + Howell zx4 rotary shaver as a gift. It doesn't seem to shave as close as my Norelco 6423lc. Have you had any experience with Bell + Howell? How does it compare with Norelco? Thanks.

Thanks for your note, Gerald.  I haven't used this "as seen on TV" shaver myself, but from what I've been reading (and your comment reflects this) that the Bell + Howell isn't that great.  I've seen similar rotary knock-offs at dollar stores and those don't impress me.  Any shaver made by Philips and some Remington rotary models which don't have the Lift & Cut heads (because Philips, which makes Philips and Philips Norelco shavers, hold the patents on the Lift & Cut technology) do a better job than the bargain rotaries.

From: Fred Mansfield

Date: Monday, January 28, 2008 11:36 PM

I was recently gifted a Norelco Spectra 8894XL, it seems to have many functions to it, but I do not have the manual for it. Do you know where I can view or receive one? By the way, this shaver gives me the closest electric shave I have ever gotten, though the closer I set it to, the more burn I get. I still use a razor for church, but this works just fine to keep it neat during the week.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

God Bless You.

Fred Mansfield

You're welcome, Fred and thanks for your note.  Philips does have PDFs of this shaver.  Two identical models were sold under the Norelco name.  The PDF of this manual is at http://www.p4c.philips.com/files/8/8895xl_43/8895xl_43_dfu_eng.pdf  It was also sold under the Philishave name as the HQ8894.  The PDF of that manual is at http://www.p4c.philips.com/files/8/8895xl_43/8895xl_43_dfu_eng.pdf   I hope this helps.

From: Alan Gent

Date: Monday, January 21, 2008 9:57 AM

Mr Steelbeard,

I have a Norelco 8895XL razor, and have been wondering for a long time why I can only charge it to 60 mins. I even sent the handle back to the US and received the replacement charged to 103 mins. When I charged it here in Australia after it ran out - only 60 mins. I borrowed a 240-110v transformer and tried it - same result. However today, I made a breakthrough. I charged the razor under a packet of frozen peas, and it charged to 100mins! (I reasoned that it wasn't as warm in the USA.) I reckon the company that sold it to me must have done a similar thing over there anyway, (just to get me off their back) probably not with frozen peas though. Interesting, isn't it?

Alan Gent.

Thanks for your note, Alan.  That is interesting.  Because this same shaver was sold outside the USA under the Philishave name, I wonder why you didn't send the shaver to a Philips shaver repair shop in Australia.  They use the same parts.  If I recall correctly, this model is identical to the Philishave HQ8894 which I have and the Norelco 8894XL as confirmed by the PDF of your shaver's manual at http://www.p4c.philips.com/files/8/8895xl_43/8895xl_43_dfu_eng.pdf with the only obvious difference being a James Bond 007 logo on the 8895. I do have a tip about using this shaver, because this shaver uses lithium ion batteries which must not be run down completely, always recharge the shaver when the indicator reads "0" even if the shaver is still operating.  All the times I recharged my shaver here in Michigan (where the temperature is now 16 degrees Fahrenheit which is -9 degrees Celsius as I type this) the shaver always recharged at 100+ minutes.

From: Bill Bruce

Date: Saturday, January 19, 2008 5:21 PM

Oh, mr. Steelhead,

I have 2 Norelco Razors, one a antique, another not so old. The not so old one is a Norelco 4401lc electric razor, I have broken the part under the head assembly, and it has the gears under it, and the head rotators through it. On this plate is listed the Norelco address, and the info in the razor. Motor, etc, also it has maybe a part number, 0125 3034.Do you know where I can purchase this part? Also you know where to get the schematic for it? And my 2nd one, the antique, is a North America Norelco Corp.,type Hp 1308. It was my first razor, and is now in pieces, I wondered if I could get a schematic for that somewhere. It was purchased somewhere around 1976. Any help would be great.

Thanks, Bill Bruce

You're welcome, Bill and thanks for your note.  My experience has been that parts for shavers which have been discontinued for more than ten years tend to be harder to find.  The HP1308 certainly falls in that area.  Your 4401LC should have an easier time in getting a replacement part.  Philips does publish service manuals for their shavers.  It wouldn't hurt to ask Philips DAP about obtaining service manuals for your 4401LC and HP1308 shavers.  The 0125 3034 number you gave me looks like a date code/serial number for your 4401LC shaver.  I think I can decipher that number as indicating that it was the 3,034th shaver manufactured on the 25th week of the year 2001.  I would think any Philips Norelco authorized repair center would have the part you need or can order it.  The toll free phone number for Philips Norelco in the USA is 1-800-243-3050 so you can ask where the nearest authorized repair shop is or if you can obtain the part directly from them.  As for the hard to find parts and possibly a parts diagram for your HP1308, I would suggest St. Louis Shaver which may help with hard to find parts for old shavers.  They are at http://www.mrshaver.com  I hope this helps.

From: "Janes, Steven"

Date: Monday, January 14, 2008 4:34 AM

Hi, I came across your web page the other day, and was very impressed with the helpful comments you gave to other readers so was hoping you could help me.

I have been using the same Braun Synchron Plus razor for the last 26 or so years, more or less continually. Over the last few days both the foil and the blade block have shown signs of damage and I am having trouble finding replacement parts (currently bidding on eBay!).

If I can't find any, then I guess I would need to start looking around for a new razor - this is where I would love some advice from you as I have no idea what is out there.

Some considerations from me:

- Purchase price: Really no object. If this is going to last me a long time, I don't really care how much it costs and would rather pay more to get top of line model that will last a long time

- On-going maintenance: I see that there is a trend to have cleaning units that require regular purchases of specialised cleaning fluids. I don't really want this, as (having lived without them for 1/4 century) I tend to view this as just me just providing an extra revenue stream for the company, and also means that if they stop making it I need to change razors again

- I don't want to be dependant on battary / charge. I don't mind rechargable, as long as there is a way to use it in plugged in mode in case charge has gone

- Never having had it, I don't particularly require option to shave wet (although, if available I may find I like it!)

I live in Germany - what would you recommend?

Thanks again for the helpful site!

Steve

You're welcome, Steve and thanks for your note.  With my cord/cordless shaver experience, I'll say that when the rechargeable batteries give out, the power I get using the cord/cordless shaver plugged in is less compared with using a fully charged shaver.  So I'll suggest a corded only mains shaver.  Because you're a long time Braun shaver user, I'll suggest the best corded only Braun model currently available which, in the English international Braun site, is the Smart Control 3 model 4815.  But when I looked at the German Braun web site, I noticed that Braun has a new generation of middle of the line shavers called the Series 5 and Series 3.  The best corded only model in those lines in Germany is the Series 5 model 510.  If the 4815 is still available in Germany, you may be able to get it at a closeout price.  I hope this helps.

From: Daya Patel

Date: Sunday, January 06, 2008 2:24 PM

Mr. Steel Beard,

I have Norelco model 7617X shaver whci was giving great service until yesterday, when all of a sudden it would not turn on. I opened it and the batteries were fully charged, then O found out that the little rubberized plastic part the goes between outside power switch and internal power switch on PC board was at an angel and was was not pushing on PC board power swich when external power switch was pushed. I straightened it out and shaver worked, after first use it stiooed again, same thing happen, the plastic part move. Is the plastic part glued to front rubber power switch to stop from moving? Or there is some trick to keeping it straight? Or do I need to buy new switch. Can I buy new switch from any where? How do I put it in?

Daya Patel

Thanks for your question, Daya.  It looks as if you're not alone with a switch problem with Philips shavers.  I think you need a new switch.  Check out this submission from last month:

From: "Marc Adams"

Date: Wednesday, December 12, 2007 1:18 PM

I have a Norelco 6826xl that his given me good service for a couple of years now. Just this morning the on button under the rubber pad seemed to disappear and I couldn't press it to turn it on. Do you know if this is something that can be repaired for less than the cost of a new one, or should I just toss it and go for a new one?

thanks,

Marc Adams

Thanks for your question, Marc. It depends on if the switch or the control panel behind the switch has gone bad. If it's just the switch, there's a good chance it can be repaired. If it's the control panel, it's time for a new shaver such as one of the 7100/7200 series Philips Norelco models (7140XL, 7180XL or 7240XL) which look like a good replacement for your old Norelco Quadra 6826XL. If there is a Philips Norelco authorized repair shop near you, you could ask them what the problem could be and whether it can be fixed at a reasonable price or if it's better to get a new one. I received your update about the problem being in the switch itself and you were able to make your own replacement part so the shaver works fine again. Thanks for the update as well. (end of pasted posting)

Mr. Adams updated me saying that he fashioned a replacement part himself using a wooden dowel and the shaver works fine now. I hope this answers your question.

From: Nicolas Walser

Date: Saturday, January 05, 2008 11:14 AM

Hi, Gary.

I just saw on ERR your post asking for a substitute formula for the Philips cleaning solution. Well, here we go: 1 cup distilled (demineralized) water (such as water used in electric cloth irons); 1 tablespoon mild all-purpose liquid detergent; 1 teaspoon glycerin (easy available in drugstores and pharmacies). I used this concoction several times on my Arcitec (and attracted upon me the wrath of certain members of ERR) with wonderful results, in no way inferior to Philips’ own formula. Should you wish add color and/or smell, you can just add blue food colorant and/or lemon essential oil.

I hope this helps.

Nicolas

Thanks for the tip, Nicolas.  I'll pass your message to Chris as well.

From: "Victor Jimenez"

Date: Friday, January 04, 2008 1:58 AM

I haven't checked your site since 2000 when I used it to decide on a Philips 6885. I've noticed many improvements in the new razors especially around cleaning so I'm thinking of purchasing a replacement for my 6885. I remember you used to get tons of these questions but I really like what I see from Braun and would like to know the recommendations between the Pulsonic and Clean 360. Also, if there's a razor that is hands down the best please post.

Thanks again for your awesome site.

Victor

You're welcome, Victor and thanks for your note.  The Pulsonic has been getting great reviews but I should point out that it takes three weeks to a month to get your face accustomed to the new shaver.  There are several discussions about the Pulsonic such as at http://jimelliott.suddenlaunch2.com/index.cgi?board=talk&action=display&num=1189807849   I hope this helps.

From: Chris

Sent: Wednesday, January 02, 2008 12:23 PM

Great site guys!

I’ve just received the Philips Arcitec for a Christmas gift and I love it! I’ve used a blade for the last 20 years because the blade was not close enough for my time in the military…I wish the technology were better years ago.

My question: I do have the self-cleaning unit with the Arcitec – is there any replacement to the HQ200 cleaning solution – using an alternate product or some home-made recipe that does not cost as much?

Again…great site. I appreciate the information from it.

Chris

Thanks for the question and the kind words, Chris. I looked up my notes as well as Electric Razor Rap postings and found no discussions about substitutes for the Philips cleaning solution. There are plenty of discussions about Braun's cleaning solution, but that is not the same.  So I started a new thread in the Electric Razor Rap message board asking if anyone has a recipe for a Philips cleaning machine substitute.  You can follow the thread at http://jimelliott.suddenlaunch2.com/index.cgi?board=talk&action=display&num=1199412863   I hope this helps.

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