Panasonic ES-RF31 Electric Shaver

ES-RF31 Wet and Dry 4-blade Panasonic Electric Shaver

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The Panasonic Premium ES-RF31 Wet and Dry 4-Blade Electric Shaver is one of the latest innovations from Panasonic, a company that has been on the forefront of razor design since the 1950s. Naturally, we were excited to test this new model in the line of Panasonic electric shavers to see what it could do. Here’s the lowdown on the ES-RF31.

The Basics/In The Box

When you unbox the Panasonic Premium ES-RF31 Wet and Dry 4-Blade Electric Shaver, you’re immediately struck by the quality of the build. The shaver is solidly constructed but it is every bit as light as other Panasonic electric shavers and similar models from other brands. Suitable for both wet shaving with a foam or gel and for dry shaving, the razor has a contoured ergonomic shape for an easy grip. What the design is missing is a resting place for the thumb like the divot on the Remington F7800 Titanium-X Dual Foil Shaver or the impressions along the sides of the Braun Series 3 3040 Electric Foil Shaver. This can make the razor a little slippery when you’re wet shaving. Panasonic includes a cleaning brush and cartridge and a carrying pouch with the shaver as well as easy-to-follow instructions. The suggested retail price is £159.99, but it can often be purchased on Amazon.

Operation and Ease of Use

Panasonic claims that the ES-RF31 Panasonic electric shaver has the world’s sharpest blades. While that sort of statement can’t be easily tested, the razor does have more cutting potential than competitors, as it features four blades to the usual two or three. Called “nano blades,” the blades sit at a 30-degree angle, which helps to lift shorter hairs as the electric shaver glides over the skin. To accommodate the extra blades, Panasonic has made the head of the Panasonic Premium ES-RF31 Wet and Dry 4-Blade Electric Shaver larger than the norm. This can take a little time to adjust to, but the increased head size speeds up shaving dramatically once you’ve acclimated yourself to the new proportions. A 10,000-RPM motor further expedites the process. The head pivots a full 8 millimeters up and down and can rock from side-to-side, so it’s easy to move the head over contoured areas.

Results After Shaving

The Panasonic Premium ES-RF31 Wet and Dry 4-Blade Electric Shaver provides a very close shave when used wet or dry. In fact, this may be one of the best Panasonic electric shavers ever made in terms of the final results you’ll enjoy. The shaver is capable of removing even very short stubble with ease. It is necessary to pay keen attention to tighter areas, such as under the nose, as the larger head size can lead to missed spots if you’re not careful.

Sensitive skin?

The Panasonic Premium ES-RF31 Wet and Dry 4-Blade Electric Shaver is an excellent model for men with sensitive skin. With its 45-micron curved foil, the shaver doesn’t tug or pull on skin, and there is very little friction to pose a risk of irritation. For those especially prone to razorburn, the shaver provides the flexibility to wet shave to protect skin.

Battery Life

In just 1 hour, the Panasonic Premium ES-RF31 Wet and Dry 4-Blade Electric Shaver can recharge fully, making it one of the fastest charging models on the market today. It provides 65 minutes of shaving time on a single charge and has a three-stage LED light indicator system to let you know how much batter remains. We found that we could use the Panasonic electric shaver for up to 3 weeks before having to recharge it. While this isn’t as convenient as the digital display on the Remington F7800 Titanium-X Dual Foil Shaver that tells you the exact number of minutes remaining, it does help to ensure that you remember to charge.

Cleaning and Care

The Panasonic Premium ES-RF31 Wet and Dry 4-Blade Electric Shaver is 100 percent waterproof, so it’s very simple to clean. The included cleaning brush and cartridge allow you to get the razor clean in just a few minutes, even if you use it for wet shaving. Maintenance is rather simple. The outer foil needs to be replaced annually, and the blades require replacement once every two years.

Special Features

In addition to its four cutting blades, the Panasonic Premium ES-RF31 Wet and Dry 4-Blade Electric Shaver includes a slide-up trimmer for sideburns and facial hair. The carrying case allows for easy travelling. While many electric shavers are water-resistant, this model actually features an IPX7 waterproof rating, so it can be safely used in the tub or shower. The wall adapter for charging should not be used in the shower, of course.

Final Thoughts

In terms of performance, it’s hard to beat the Panasonic Premium ES-RF31 Wet and Dry 4-Blade Electric Shaver. There truly are few electric razors capable of providing a closer or quicker shave than the ES-4F31. Men who purchase one should prepare themselves for a bit of an adjustment due to the size of the head, but within a week of use, most will be amazed at how much time the model saves. We recommend this electric shaver for any man who is most concerned with performance and for gents with sensitive skin.

Compare this Shaver to others below:

*All ratings out of 5 (/5)
*Ratings may be refined as we continually use the shaver, for more accurate results.

We only review the very best and most popular shavers on the market. We can recommend all shavers listed above as great purchases.