Panasonic Premium ES-RF31 Wet and Dry 4-Blade Electric
Panasonic Premium ES-RF31 Wet and Dry 4-Blade Electric Shaver for Men with Flexible Pivoting Head, Silver (Pack of 1)
4 Blade Cutting System
The 4 blade cutting system powerfully shaves through even the toughest stubble. It lifts up flat-lying hairs allowing every hair to be shaved easily. The curved foils distribute the skin contact pressure evenly for less skin irritation.
Multi-fit Arc Blades
Round shaped outer foils mean the shaver’s head is constantly in touch with your skin, including tricky areas like under the chin.
Sonic Vibration Cleaning Mode
While rinsing the shaver under running water, sonic vibrations help remove clinging hair debris, leaving the blades fresh and clean.
 |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES-RF31 | ES-RT37 | ES-SL41 | ES-RW30 | |
| Shaving Blades | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Feature of blades (Japanese Blade Technology) | Finishing foil×1：for a amazing close shave, Outer foil×2：for a amazing close shave, Slit blade foil×1：efficiently catches even the lying long hair | Outer foil×2：for a amazing close shave, Slit blade foil×1：efficiently catches even the lying long hair | Outer foil×2：for a amazing close shave, Slit blade foil×1：efficiently catches even the lying long hair | Outer foil×2：for a amazing close shave |
| Contour Flex Head | Floating Head | Floating Head | – | Floating Head |
| Precision Trimmer | – | – | – | – |
| Wet & Dry | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shaving Time / Charge Time | 65 Min / 1 hr | 50 Min / 1 hr | 21 Min / 10 hr | 21 Min / 8 hr |
| Quick charge | ✓ | ✓ | – | – |
| Lock Function | Switch Lock Function | – | – | – |
| Fully Waterproof | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED/sound | 3 LED | low battery warning | – | – |
| Weight: | 0.74 Grams |
| Brand: | Panasonic |
| Origin: | Japan |
I’ve had lots of shavers, some of them costing 3x the price of this one. Phillips for example with their inherent faulty plastic clasp.
I’ve been using this one for a few weeks now and very satisfied. I only use it dry but still it gives a close enough shave for me. The battery lasts for ages. It’s easy to keep clean – much easier than the rotary shavers I’ve had in the past. I wish it had a usb charger instead of the shaver socket plug.
The fact that it can be used wet or dry makes it very convenient I am primarily a wet double edge blade shaver but I do find this unit gives a good shave
Great product. A bit difficult to get at the hairs under my nose even with the slide out trimmer. But it does do the job. Hopefully I’ll master that bit in time. Perhaps they can develop something better because in every other aspect it’s perfect.
Bought this to replace my 5 head shaver as a replacement foil and cutter for that was more expensive that this shaver! Gives an equally close shave and battery life is amazing, goes for ages between charges. In my mind, at this price, why buy more expensive 5 head models?
Very pleased with my purchase..
I have used electric razors for fifty years and tried many different makes, but , although I have used it for just one week, so far it is the best razor that I have owned. It gives a close, comfortable shave and is easy to clean. It also cost no more than other razors and feels well built..
Excellent shaver, very close shave with either wet shave cream or electric pre shave lotion. OK dry shave. Good battery time, not too heavy or bulky in hand. Popup trimmer is a tad short but ok.
One niggle with seller – item was shipped in its lightweight retail display carton, no outer box. It arrived undamaged, but I’d credit that to pure luck and a careful courier.
Terrific shaver, fully charged it gives me about a 12 shaves of around 4 minutes. I have used it wet with gel , dry with a pre shave lotion, dry with no lotion and even with Proraso shaving cream and a boar brush.
I usually DE shave at weekends and do a quick shave every weekday morning with this as soon as I wake up. Very convenient , no irritation, easy to clean with either soap or via a brush . Cant fault it really. No irritation whatsoever . A really good purchase
I bought Braun Shavers but the price now is too high Braun produced a cheaper shaver which actually is poor so sent back. This shaver is sold at a reasonable price and with a dry shave IF you work very slowly over your face and stretch your skin (SLOWLY is the operative word) as you shave the end result is nearly as good as a wet shave. I am impressed by the result so only time will tell. Good buy!
It provides a nice clean shave. I use it to shave my head bald and I also use it for my beard.
Keeps a good battery usage time and also very easy to clean and I also use it in shower.
shaves well, in fact have been using phillips rotary type shavers for years but these are better. easy to clean, decent battery life, low maintenance and built well. Down sides are that it is a little bit clumsy and bulky but you get used to that.
I have only had the shaver for a few days, so my comments are in some areas tentative. So far, however, I am impressed with its performance and value for money. My previous shaver was a much more expensive series 7 Braun, which was heavier, noisier and did not give such a close shave. By contrast, this Panasonic is better in all departments. So far so good, and I have no hesitation in recommending i
I have a heavy and bristly beard and was reduced to using my previous German shaver and then wet shaving in the shower in order to get a clean-shave. This Panasonic is a game changer. It shaves close and only needs charging once a fortnight. I’m impressed…
Have for the last few years been a fan of Braun shavers but lately, I’ve been disappointed with their closeness after a few months. Decided to try this panasonic one and haven’t been disappointed so far. Lighter and quieter than my last Braun, it also gives a closer shave than I’ve had for a long time. Cheaper than Braun too. Only time will tell if it maintains a close shave on a daily basis.
So many foil shavers are just terrible so.I’ve used the usual Philips 3000 tri head shacers for a few years but have had two in a row where all the parts just fell out. Foil shavers in the past have never really worked for me but I decided to take the plunge and try one again. For rhe money, this is superb. Close shavers, quick to use, Classy looks. Best shaver I’ve had in years. Recommended.
I read few reviews on this shaver, which were very positive, and went for it. It took me a few days to adjust to it as it is a different type of shaver to the Philips. I have to say I’m really impressed. I still think the Philips system is good, but the Panasonic certainly has the edge. It shaves closer. It will always be true that electric shavers don’t quite get as close as a wet shave, but this shaver is certainly very close! What’s more, I don’t get the cuts etc. that I used to get when wet shaving. Recommended.
TENDS TO PINCH A BIT MORE ON LONG HAIRS THAN THE BRAUN BUT IS REALLY GOOD FOR SMOOTH FINISH. NEITHER DO UNDER THE CHIN THAT WELL.
HAD TO SEND BRAUN BACK FOR REPAIR AS ON/OFF BUTTON FELL OFF. DON’T EXPECT THIS FROM A TOP OF THE RANGE MODEL AFTER 15 MONTHS – THEY TOOK THEIR TIME & PROBABLY JUST GLUED IT!
CAN STILL BUY THIS MODEL ON AMAZON & I DOUBT YOU WILL BEAT IT FOR THE MONEY
PANASONIC GONE DAFT ON PRICE WITH NEWER MODELS TRYING TO FOLLOW BRAUN UPMARKET-NOT WORTH IT FOR THE DIFFERENCE
Things I like:
– First and foremost, the shave experience… so far, it’s buttery smooth and works its way through even several days’ stubble with minimal effort and no unpleasant tugging.
– I like the fact that it has a proper gauge to show battery level, not just a low battery light.
– It also has a proper travel lock, unlike the Braun which just had a flimsy plastic cover which didn’t actually prevent the power button from being turned on accidentally in transit.
– The head guard is good and solid, and a pouch is provided.
– It’s a reasonable size and weight, and not too noisy.
– The head pivots from side to side (but not back and forth), which is reasonably handy.
Things I’m not so keen on:
– It’s top-heavy, which is taking some getting used to. The weight distribution of the Braun was better and it felt more secure in my hand.
– The non-slip section doesn’t extend around the back, so it can slip too easily if placed on its back to charge (another design flaw). It needs to be angled onto its side to have more chance of staying put.
– My model (RF31) has no stand (hence above issue)… I think you have to upgrade to RF41 for that.
– The charging adaptor is a touch bulkier/heavier than the Braun one.
– The plastic head guard is sturdy but has no vents in it to allow any residual moisture out (again, Panasonic, please think more about your design!).
– I liked the integrated design of the Braun foil & cutter cassette – made it easy to take off, clean and replace; yes, it meant foil & cutters must be renewed at the same time, but the Braun spares price is cheaper anyway.
– The leaflet mentions something about the battery having only a 1 year warranty, despite the shaver being marketed as having a 2 year warranty.
The trimmer is smaller than I’m used to, although that could perhaps be a benefit in terms of manoeuvrability. I’m not sure it feels as effective as the Braun one, but could be that I’m just not used to using it yet (only had it a couple of weeks).
All in all, I’m willing to overlook the minor niggles because shaving performance so far has been great, and I hope that continues to be the case for a good while. I just hope that Panasonic put a bit more thought into some of the design aspects when renewing their range, including taking lessons from the best ideas that their competitors have implemented.
Reason for purchase
I bought this razor because I was about give up on electrics and always getting a 2nd class shave….and go back to hand shavers. My old Braun was on a new foil but still disappointing with results. Whilst doing my ‘last chance for electric razors’ research I noted that reviews for these Panasonic razors were always so good (compared to all others that never quite made the grade on close inspection)…and decided to give it a go – and I’m so pleased I did. My faith in electrics is renewed twice-fold.
Price: When I buy a razor I look for the best technology and thenlook for the mid-range model that uses the same technology without all the wizz-bang lights and techno-sales-pitch-babble. This was a good price-technology compromise and most importantly incorporated the latest Panasonic shaving tech. As for price, given I bought mine 9 months ago – check it and see if it suits you now! Fact is; it’s a good shave.
Trimmer – short length but very effective once you get used to it. I use primarily for keeping sideburns in order and it’s better than my last Braun hands down. It actually cuts the hair (if you get the right technique – practice makes perfect!) – I’ve even used to trim nose hair in emergencies!
Power: never seems to run out! Amazing, even after 18 months still running strong as new. Previous razors have shown signs of battery age fairly quickly however eighteen months in and this is still running as strong as the first day. I have used this on many business trips up to a week and now don’t bother to pack the charger – it NEVER runs out!….doesn’t even slow down. In fact I have taken it as a challenge to run the battery down over a few weeks but it is always me that loses my bottle before the shaver loses power and I plug it in anyway! Well OK it did run low once..just when I needed it, so I plugged in for a short time(while I had my morning cuppa) and I still got a good shave before work. Basically now I plug it in if it hits the low light – which seems very rare!
If I was being picky I would suggest a coiled charging lead would be an improvement.
Sensitive Skin: I have sensitive skin. The reason some say skin is sensitive after first use is because it shaves so close – just like shaving with a blade for the first time; however after a few shaves it soon becomes the norm and a non-issue. Do persevere if this is the case for you; it’s worth it and it does go away after a week.
Razor Burn/Efficiency – Not! Because this razor cuts so well, and with so few passes also, the razor does not get hot in my experience (like some other brands). This, along with efficient blades/foil combination means less discomfort and burns due to better cutting efficiency all round.
3 Day Stubble: No problem; amazing result with surprising ease. I don’t get that itchy after effect either.
Dry shave: In summary: Excellent. Not as clinical as a wet shave but very good indeed. Even for the difficult lower neck area (with a little attention to detail as ever….stretch that skin!) – I don’t remember any in-growing hairs (a symptom of poor shave quality) with this razor over eighteen months. With my previous Braun I always had to watch out for missed hairs going awry (and therefore periodically wet-shaved for insurance)- not with this baby!
Wet Shave: I have only tried this twice (with shaving foam); and think I may try again…. The shave was close and maybe even closer; I just can’t get my head round the water, shaving foam and shavings mess going all over my electric razor – It seems to me electronics are not meant to be in water; but that’s just me – for those that like it it does seem to be very good; and strangely left my skin feeling sensitive which may indicate it is shaving even closer; hence my thoughts on trying again…
The Difficult Bits: Neck area is good with careful technique and under the nose seems impossible (due to the size of the head) but it will actually get it all if you stretch your nose up and shave up close – (just have faith and all becomes clear…and smooth!)
Speed: I haven’t timed it but can speak from perception. When I used my old electric I used to find myself wet shaving when in a rush. On those occasions I did use the electric when in a rush I regretted it as it took too long and I often missed bits. Not the case with this Panasonic. Very quick shave and just quick enough to not feel the need to wet shave (although it cannot yet beat a wet shave!). The Panasonic does not advise to shave in circles likes some others, but in straight lines. With skin held taught and a little practice it really is very quick with a couple of passes or three for perfection.
Cleaning: No need to bother with the auto-cleaning (more expensive) version – Easy to clean with either brush or running water: Just pinch the top and it pops off. I brush clean (using supplied brush) the razor cutters and surrounding area (+ trimmer if used) in about 10 seconds and tap foil in sink to empty. I wash occasionally under running tap (about 10 seconds too!). Then click top back on. Job done. Still looks like new and cleaning is no longer a chore.
Ergonomics: Light and comfortable – it could be even lighter and less bulky; but hey it’s a great shave so I’m happy.
Noise: Not bad at all. One of my buying criteria was a quieter razor as I often shave when all are sound asleep. Objective achieved with door pushed too- uninterupted slumber all-round.
Spares/Longevity – I bought a new foil online from shaverspares (Google it!) in October 2012 without issue. You could say I was being fussy as it was still a pretty good shave with the old; but I have got used to a really good shave now and did not want to compromise so now we’re back to good as new. Now on reflection this is not great – only 6 months and I replaced the foil at a cost of around 30.00; which is about half the cost of the shaver. In its defense the shave is very good and close.
I imagine if I compared the panasonic shave to my old Braun then the worn out Panasonic was about as good as the new Braun foil….but it’s going to cost me to maintain that level of shave. Food for thought. Cost/Quality decision.
Conclusion: Why don’t you have one yet!?? Seriously; this a great piece of kit and has renewed my faith in modern tech…..
Pro: It does what is says on the tin and gives a great shave
Con: The foil does not seem to have great longevity if you want to keep the close shave (6 months for me – being fussy). So for a top notch shave be prepared to buy new foils at 30.00 a pop. For an average [shave after 6 months] I am sure you can get a year or more – no doubt dependent on your bristle.