Japanese Panasonic is a brand known for its consistently high-quality products. The entry-level offerings are often impressive, and the company consistently strives to lead the market in various categories, from TV sets to personal care products. This ambition often reflects in the price. However, that’s not always the case. The Panasonic ES-LV9Q shaver, similar to the company’s latest high-end OLED, the GZ2000, clearly targets the premium segment. The key question is whether this shaver lives up to Panasonic’s reputation.
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Shavers gained popularity in the 1980s but lost ground to razors in the 1990s. In recent decades, Gillette has largely dominated this product category. Recent controversies surrounding the SAS advertisement, as well as their “woke” advertising campaign, haven’t resonated well with many consumers, resulting in significant financial losses for the company. Regardless of one’s stance on “toxic masculinity”, razors are increasingly perceived as disposable products requiring frequent replacement (approximately monthly), leading to considerable waste and transportation. Panasonic’s shaver incorporates the company’s patented five-blade technology, a linear motor that automatically adjusts power based on beard density, and a self-cleaning and sharpening system.
Shaver vs. Razor
It is crucial to acknowledge that transitioning from a razor to a shaver requires an adjustment period of roughly one month. Razors often provide a closer, sharper shave, and typically offer a faster path to a completely smooth result. Panasonic recommends wet shaving for the initial three weeks (using shaving foam), which is a beneficial suggestion. The skin and hair need time to adapt, and users must adjust their shaving technique. Two key differences are the need to shave against the grain with a shaver (generally discouraged with razors to avoid ingrown hairs) and the occasional need to stretch the skin to optimize the shaver’s performance.
Once the technique is mastered and the facial hair adapts, the ES-LV9Q offers several advantages. It delivers a surprisingly close shave, reducing the frequency required, even if each shave takes slightly longer. Furthermore, after 3-4 weeks, excellent results can be achieved with completely dry shaving, eliminating the need for preparation or cleanup. While the ES-LV9Q can be used in the shower, dry shaving yielded superior results in our testing.
Maintenance
The Panasonic ES-LV9Q includes a dedicated dock for storage, blade sharpening, cleaning, and drying. This is a convenient feature, although the sharpening process is relatively loud and takes approximately 10-15 minutes, performed in intervals. Optimal performance requires a specialized cleaning fluid, with an initial supply included by Panasonic, estimated to last one month before replacement. This introduces a considerable ongoing cost: replacing the fluid monthly could lead to annual maintenance expenses of approximately SEK 600-700. While cheaper third-party alternatives or extended replacement intervals may be considered, the potential risk to such a premium product should be carefully weighed. This shaver represents an investment requiring recurring purchases to maintain optimal functionality. Experimenting with untested cleaning solutions is not advised, as damaging the finely calibrated blades could occur.
Crème de la Crème
Having previously used shavers, several members of the editorial team (who regularly shave) had transitioned to razors. This was largely due to perceived simplicity and often superior results compared to shavers that demanded considerable effort and sometimes yielded patchy results. The Panasonic ES-LV9Q is the finest shaver we have tested. While not quite as versatile as the company’s ER-GK80 body trimmer, it effectively handles shorter, coarser facial hair. The shave is surprisingly gentle, with no instances of snagging or uncomfortable hair pulling. Reaching its full potential requires practice and patience. Razors may be a useful supplement for achieving an ultra-smooth shave, particularly for mature skin where decreased elasticity on the neck can hinder the shaver’s ability to capture small hairs with its blade construction and protective mechanism.
The price ranges from approximately SEK 3,500 to 5,000, placing this shaver in the premium category. While it is undoubtedly a leading shaver, this price point represents a significant investment compared to the cost of razors and shaving foam, even before considering environmental factors. Furthermore, the ongoing maintenance costs of the ES-LV9Q, following recommended practices, can reach up to SEK 8,000 over its lifespan. This is a considerable expense for most consumers.
Ultimately, the decision of whether the Panasonic ES-LV9Q is worth the investment depends on individual needs and financial considerations. From our experience, transitioning back to razors after using the ES-LV9Q is difficult due to its convenience and the quality of the shave it provides. We confidently recommend it to men who prefer a consistently smooth face.
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