Customer Reviews

Braun 8595 Activator Self-Cleaning Shaving System with LCD Display

5 star:		(116)
4 star:		(35)
3 star:		(20)
2 star:		(14)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

The key thing in an electric shaver is getting the whiskers to the cutting blades. If the foil is too thick, or the holes in the foil don't get the stubby hairs inside, the shave won't be close. My whiskers grow flat along my skin in some parts of my face, especially in my throat area. The heads of most electric shavers just glided over them without picking them up. I could only get a close shape with a blade. My previous Panasonic wet/dry shaver had little rubber fins (like on some of the better Gillette razors) at the leading edges of the foil to lift up the flat hairs so they could go into the foil. That was the best electric shave I had ever gotten up to now. But Panasonic no longer sells any model with those fins, and the replacement foils with the fins for my shaver have been discontinued.

I looked around for current shavers that might have a new approach. Shaving with a blade every day is just too hard on my skin. I came across these Brauns 8595 and 8585. The explanation of the new foil design approach seemed to make enough sense to give it a try. The two models are the same, except that the 8595 has an LCD display for $40 more. The information on Braun's website sort of reveals, if you look at what the functions of the display are, that its main purpose is to nag you--time to clean, time to replace the foil, etc. So I saved the extra money and got the 8585.

I have been very impressed with it. The differently shaped foil slots/holes really do seem to pull in the hairs. No electric shaver is ever going to be as completely close as a blade--a blade scapes your skin; a shaver always has a foil between your skin and the cutters. But this is pretty near to it. It's at least as good as my old wet/dry Panasonic with the hair-lifting fins.

Here's a semi-undocumented tip. The instructions say that you charge the shaver by putting it in the cleaning/charging station. They also say that you can use the power cord for corded shaving if the battery is discharged, and that the battery charges whenever the shaver is connected to a power outlet. What they DON'T say outright is what these facts suggest and I discovered: you can charge the shaver by connecting it to the outlet directly with the power cord. You don't have to use the cleaning/charging stand. This makes it easier to travel with the shaver, since you don't have to take that liquid-filled cleaning stand with you.

When the new BrAun 8000 series quietly debuted, I was curious as to what advancements could be made to a fine shaver like the BrAun Synchro 7000 series.
The answers are a whole new design, although predicated on the earlier 7000 series self-cleaning BrAuns, and most importantly, a new screen design that really does help capture all kinds of hair types as opposed to the standard Braun screen as well as the screen on most other shavers, this one features a screen of various openeing sizes that are a geometric pattern.
BrAun seems to have concentrated on keeping their expertise in the dry shaver market, as opposed to Panasonic who leads the pack in the wet/dry shavers, and it really shows with this shaver.
The unit is just as well thought out in design as the 7000 series although I personally find the 7000 series a better looking overall shell, with the 8595 featuring a shiney silver appearnace as opposed to the Titanium/Champagne and black of the 7000 series.
The Shaver runs just as smoothly as the 7000 series but the real leap in performance seems to be due to the screen design. After having used this new model for over a week I can attest to the fact that BrAun's claim of cutting and capturing more hair per pass on your face is valid. The shave seems a bit closer than the synchro 7000 series and certainly takes less time to get a better quality shave than the earlier 7000 series models and rivals that of the Panasonic wet dry models I have earlier reviewed. The clean and charge base is smaller than the 7000 series but does use the same refill cartridges as the earlier models and seems to be more efficient at the cleaning/charging duties as it automatically reads from the shaver what type of charge and clean is required, either economy, normal or intensive, as well as reading the cartridge fill level. Battery maintennace and health is a premium and is included on the 8000 series and will deep discharge the batteries once it "sees" the regular use requires it for battery health.
All in all BrAun is introducing a decided improvement over its venerable 7000 series and keeps it's claim as the premeier dry shaver in the world. On a personal note I never obtained world class results until I went from the Electric Shave type products, to a quality shaving oil such as The Total Shaving Solution, not sold by Amazon (but should be!). I use 1 drop and rub it in on my face, wait 30 seconds and shave and I have never had such a smooth, comfortable shave, even with my Panasonic wet/dry shaveer I have always been crazy about. If anything, clean up with the BrAun is even better than the Panasonic as I just splap it in the holder and push down the lock for a clean, charged and dry razor the next time my beard is ready!
If you are ready for an investmnent or upgrade from either the earlier BrAun models, or even the Panasonic wet/dry shavers, you will not be disappointed with the Braun 8595, a world class shaver giving world class results!

Braun has taken the 7000 series shavers and gone a step further, to say the least. I loved my 7526 but was persuaded to try this unit. The new foil design is truly an advance. It makes shaving so much easier, especially for those wayward neck hairs that grow every which way. And I get virtually no irritation despite having sensitive skin.

On the down side the cleaning cycle is still noisy but not distressingly so, and the cleaning solution needs to be changed regularly, adding to the cost. Gillette/Braun has figured out how to keep us shavers buying consumables even for dry shaves.

The manufacturer claims that the foil and cutterblock should last 18 months but I found with the 7526 that 6-9 months was more realistic for maintaining shave quality. I suspect that this unit will be similar in that respect. This also adds to the cost but replacing them does give you a virtually new shaver.

The cleaning unit analyzes the amount of hair in the shaver after a shave and sets the cleaning cycle accordingly. It also analyzes battery usage and charges after each use. Periodically it discharges the battery completely to avoid battery "memory". It does this automatically. There is also a cord that can be used on extended trips and a brush for manual cleaning.

On the whole I am very happy with this unit and would recommend the Braun 8000 series to anyone comtemplating a replacement or a first electric shave system.

1. Intro:
--I bought this to replace my Braun Syncro 7570 (which still works fine, but the cleaning base was broken so I decided to just buy the new shaver). It's a little different.
--A little background: Brauns are the only shavers that work for me. I've tried everything else (except panasonic) and I would always have to use a manual razor to finish the shave except the Brauns. This is my third Braun (after the 7570 and the 6550).

2. Other people's complaints:
--Yes the saver has to turn on for it to clean so there is noise associated with the cleaning. For eco cleaning, the intermittent noise is about 3 minutes. It's really not that long or that loud.
--The blue leds are bright. okay.

3. Pros:
--Good shave (not that different form the syncro). Catches more neck hairs.
--It seems to really care about not wasting your cleaning solution.
--Battery is always fully charged so if you go on a trip you just take the shaver in its nice small case and you don't have to worry about charging it for at least a week. (and the base will do a deep cleaning when you come back).
--It just works! You don't have to worry about maintaining it.
--Over a long period it's still cheaper than disposable razors.
--The drying part of of the cleaning cycle is better than the syncro. Instead of blowing air through, it heats instead. this is better than before if you have a humid bathroom, and it makes less cleaning fluid smell. (it's probably more efficient too but I'm guessing)

4. Cons:
--The cleaning base makes a high pitch electronic noise when idle. It's in the bathroom so it doesn't bother me. It definitely would in the bedroom.
--There is a shaving odometer on it. It counts the number of shaves during the lifetime of the product. It can't be reset. I list it as con because I don't need something else keeping track of what I do. (I guess it could be a pro since you know you're getting a brand new shaver when it's at 0!).
--The "smiley face" form the syncro is gone!

5. Both pro and con:
--The automatic cleaning. I like that I don't have to worry/think about it but if I wanted it to go through a cycle I can't force it. I'd have to shave for a minute and then put it back to make it clean. (I accidentally interrupted the cleaning cycle one day (it was new and I was playing with it) and it didn't dry it. So I ended up with a wet shaver and there was nothing I could do to dry it except wait). It's also a pro because it doesn't just start cleaning every time you put it the the base like the old syncro.
--It's like driving and automatic after you've been used to a stick shift, both good and bad.
--Word of advice, don't mess with it while it's cleaning. Even though it's "locked" you can still pull it forward and interrupt it.

6. Conclusion:
--I'd recommend it. In the long run it's cheaper than disposables. Let say you have change the foil and cutter every year, and you have to put a new cleaning solution cartridge one a month.
--Cartridge is about ~$4 for each. ~$50 a year.
--Foil is $30 (rounded up). ~$30 a year.
--How much would you spend on disposables in a year?

Ok I've never typed up a review here on Amazon, but since I based my decision to buy this shaver from all the other reviews on here, I thought I should at least contribute back to the community.

I won't repeat what has already been said. Bottomline, this shaver does what it claims. And it does give the best shave I've ever had. And yes, my whiskers lie flat around my throat like a lot of other guys and my 3-rotor Norelco would never get all of them which forced me to use a twin-edge Gillette after 10 mins on the Norelco to get the stubborn wiskers.

I'm in my 40's and have used electric shavers all my life. My experience has been either I don't get a good shave, or if I press hard enough against my skin, all the electric shavers I've had in the past would leave my skin with a burning sensation.

Not this Braun. I thought the screeen looked gimicky, but it really does the job. Note that I have NOT been able to save any time shaving with the Braun. It still takes me 5-10 minutes to shave (depending how many days over the weekend I opted to skip shaving). But when I do spend 5-10 minutes with the Braun, I always wind up with the best cleanest shave. I can't say that with the other electric shavers I've used even after 10 minutes.

Regarding the cleaner - I'm following the clean once a week and then reseal it trick. I didn't want to buy cleaner every month. So far I've had this 8595 about 3 weeks and I only clean it once a week AND only charge it once a week. The battery still shows 50% charge remaining by the end of the week so I suppose I could push it to every 2 weeks if I wanted.

Basically if you want to, just use the auto clean and when it's done, pull out the cleaning solution "tub" and reseal it with the originally provided shipping plugs that came with it. It won't evaporate during the week while sealed up. At the end of week, get out the charging station (I leave mine under the sink cabinet), slap in the solution "tub", drop in the shaver and enable the auto clean.

I doesn't bug me to not have it cleaned every day. I'm just glad I now have a product that can auto clean for me on a weekly basis. A real time saver in my opinion and no mess in the sink or trash with old wiskers.

I will confirm other things you'll read from other reviews:
- yes the auto clean is noisy. I don't do auto clean in the mornings with the wife sleeping. I do my once a week auto clean in the evening after I get home from work
- yes the blue light is bright... doesn't matter to me, I only have the charging station out on the sink once a week for the cleaning
- yes the plug-in charger is big and sticks out of the socket pretty far... again no biggie to me because I only plug it in once a week

That's about it. Hope this review helps you decide if the 8595 meets your needs and expectations.

Pros:

-Close shave, for an electric
-Easy to use, clean, and keep charged with the cleaning base
-Major gadget points with the cleaning base

Cons:

-Expensive
-Cleaning base requires refill cartridges (estimated to last 1-2 months each)
-Difficult to clean by hand (if traveling)
-Loud
-Not as portable as some units

I can think of only two reasons why we (men) use electric shavers:

1. They are quicker, cleaner, and easier to use than a blade.
2. They are gadgets, and everything is better with power.

Based on that bit of information, the Braun Activator is a resounding success, but only on the second point.

Like most men, I learned to shave the old fashioned way. No, not with a straight-razor and leather strap, I'm not that old. I learned using a safety razor and a bottle of shaving cream. As I got older, and the time between getting up and getting to school/work/etc. narrowed, and breakfast went the way of the dodo, so I sought out a way to cut down the daily 5 minutes it took to shave and clean up. About 8 years ago I started using a Norelco rotary shaver and figured I had found it.

The Basics

For those who are not familiar with electric shavers, there's basically two types: foil and rotary. Rotaries are the ones with two or three circular screens on the top. Foil shavers, like this Braun, have a rectangular screen, or "foil," at the top. On average, foil cuts closer, but rotary cuts long and/or tough hair better. Oh, and in case you're REALLY new, NO electric shaver comes as close as a blade (gimme my money back, Remington). Braun make the highest rated foils. Norelco make the highest rated rotaries. There is a "wet/dry" shaver style out there, too, but I haven't tried them.

The Incumbent

So I've been using Norelco for years, most recently the Norelco Quadra. It was the answer to my original need for speed. It was fast, easy, and didn't need constant cleaning. On an average day, it cut close enough for my purposes. On the best day it was acceptable for more formal occasions, but I usually brought out the blade for such events. I always wondered, though, if the foils were really that much better at getting a close shave without the need for shaving cream and a blade.

The Challenger

Is a foil shaver better? To find out, I went whole hog and bought the Braun Activator. Well, after 3 weeks of use, I have decided it probably isn't.

Again, for those who don't know much about electric shavers, the manufacturers say you need to give them at least a few weeks before making a firm decision, probably to make it harder to return to the store. . .oh, did I say that? Anyway, they say that it takes time for your skin to adjust to a new type of shaving. I wouldn't know. I've never had razor burn, skin irritation, or felt the need to use aftershave. I don't have sensitive skin. Oh, and I don't read the manuals, watch drama, or put the toilet seat down, either. Are we clear?

Shave Closeness

At any rate, I've been living with the Braun for 3 weeks now, and my face should have done any adjusting it needed to do. After the first few days with the Braun, I could clearly tell that the foil shaver consistently cut closer than the rotary shaver. It was also more thorough and seemed to miss fewer hairs. Being an electric, it didn't require any shaving cream or major cleanup, either. The shaver is nice and heafty, with a solid metal case. It would make a heck of a projectile. It also makes it easy to direct around the face.

Appearance

The shaver and base look pretty cool together, too. It's almost like a little sculpture sitting there on your countertop. The LEDs and the LCD make you think it's about to connect to the Internet, take pictures of you naked, and send them to all your friends. For all I know, it did. I told you, I didn't read the manual.

Shaving Effort

Sure, it cuts closer, but it's also much more sensitive to the angle at which you hold the head, how fast you move it, and the direction you move it. In order to get the best shave, you have to move the head "against the grain" and move it slowly. It also tends to take more passes over the same area to get the best results. It's like mowing a lawn with a dull lawnmower blade. A rotary shaver, being circular, doesn't care which direction you move it or how fast you go. Shaving with the Braun is much more like shaving with a blade.

Shaving Comfort

So, it now takes me twice as long, or more, to shave when compared to the Norelco, and I can shave just as fast with a regular razor and get a much closer shave. Also, the closeness of the shave with the Braun comes at the cost of an apparently higher rate of nicks. I've had the thing for 3 weeks and I've had 3 nicks already (all around the jawline/chin, and no, I didn't cry). This is more than I had in 8 years of using a Norelco. In fact, that's more than I get with a razor. That's OK, though. Scars are cool, right?

The Braun is also incredibly loud. This is due mostly to the fact that the shaving head behind the foil vibrates at high RPM while shaving. Though not uncomfortably loud or jarring, it is an annoyance and is likely to wake up someone in the next room or county. Yes, the Norelco also makes some noise, but it is MUCH quieter and you don't have to run it as long to get a decent shave, which makes it better for husbands who don't want to wake up grumpy (just let her sleep) before slipping off.

Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning, the Braun is a mixed bag. The base unit that it comes with is nice. Just drop the shaver in, hit the button, and in about 30-40 minutes (depending on level of cleaning required), you get a fresh, clean shaver. It's also kind of entertaining the first few times in a "let's get some beer and watch the bug zapper" sort of way.

That's great when you're home, but what if you're traveling? The base doesn't travel. It gets homesick. It has a small reservoir of cleaning fluid inside it that can, and will, spill out even if you're just moving it across the countertop. Let's just say this wouldn't make it through airport security.

Travel

Thus when you're on the road, you'll have to clean it by hand. The procedure is long, complicated, and reminds me of field stripping and cleaning an M1911 Colt (minus the cool factor). In short, it's easier to rebuild a Chevy small block than put this thing back together after manual cleaning. If you're going to be traveling for more than a few days, pack your regular razor and shaving cream. Strike one against traveling.

For comparison, cleaning the Norelco involves pressing a button to flip open the top, dumping out the hair, and, if you're really gung-ho, rinsing in water. Ten seconds, max.

The Braun comes with a nice plastic carrying case, but it doesn't have anywhere for the wall plug to go. This is probably fine for shorter trips, but it would have been nice to have space for the charger. It does have a little custom-fit space for the included cleaning brush, though, so at least you can clean it by hand, provided you don't have to do anything else on your trip such as work (see above).

Expense

Did I mention that the Braun base requires cleaning solution? Yeah. In addition to buying one of the most expensive shavers on the market, you've got to buy cleaning solution cartridges. Each cartridge costs about $4-6 and supposedly lasts 1-2 months. Oh, and you have to buy new razor heads every year, too. The manufacturer says that manual cleaning is essentially only for emergencies and should be followed by cleaning in the base the normal way ASAP. I think the shaver gets addicted to the cleaning fluid and goes into withdrawal after a few days.

Final Impression

After 3 weeks of use, here's my impression of the Braun. It doesn't cut as close as a razor but closer than a rotary; it's harder to use than a Norelco; it's expensive; it's noisy; it cuts your hair, and your face; it's more expensive to maintain; and it's harder to travel with than a car sick dog. But hey, it's cool looking.

In summary, if you want a close shave, get a real razor. If you want fast and easy, get a rotary. If you want your neighbors to think aliens landed their craft on your bathroom counter (complete with flashing lights and sound effects), get the Braun.

I received the 8595 Braun Activator Model for my birthday and secretly thought that all its printed features were pure hype.
How surprized I was when I actually started shaving with this model.

Informatively, since I am retired it is not necessary for me to shave every day, and since I do not really find it pleasureable to shave, especially with the maintenance, etc., that comes in different forms, I skip many days and shave when only when necessary.

My last shaver was the Panasonic wet/dry rechargeable Shaver, for which I paid close to 250 dollars and found lacking all the hype that went on in advertisisng this shaver. It took forever to complete a shave, but since I had some old Norelco models, I would at times use 2 razors to complete the job.

Now for the 8595 Braun Activator: Following closely the instructions which recommeded that the face be dry and to shave prior to washing, it did away with the Pre-Electric lotions that have increased in price. So, with Shaver in hand I commence shaving and notice that it is the closest shave I have ever had with an electric razor. Now comes the best part: No use running hot water over the shaver head, as in the case of the Panasonic Shaver, I had to use liquid soap in the cleaning when Shaver indicated cleaning, and there was an indicator for recharging. With my 8595 model Braun, when I finish shaving I place the shaver in the station and it automatically does all the rest. When setting up the shaver for first use, there is a cleaning cartridge that is inserted into the station. One just follows the instructions. The cleaning cartridge should last about a month and sells for about 5 dollars each. No other stuff is needed. It is recommeded to shave daily. So when the cartridge is inserted and the station is connected to an ac outlet, you just shave and return the razor into the station and as advertised it automatically does the rest.

The shaver automatically adusts when one uses the sideburn trimmer, etc.

Regarding the cleaning cartridge as mentioned above, if it is used daily it lasts 30 days, if not used daily it should last
approximately 8 weeks.

So here it is: Cleaning and lubrication plus re-charging the battery is all done automatically as advertised.

I am very satisfied with this Razor and now shaving is just as simple as I have always wished it would be.

I highly recommend this shaver. This from an individual that has gone through many a shaver, hoping for the best, but disappointed in actual performance.

Lastly, I would have added a few more stars in addition to the five stars in the rating.

Robert Lyons
Reno, Nevada

I got this for my husband and he absolutely loves it. It's a bit pricey, but you will love this.

Money saving tip: (1)If there's a Costco near you, get the 8595 Series from there for about $160. It comes with extra foil and cutter (retail approx. $40) and travel case. (2)Do not discard the plastic plug that comes with the cartridge. It will make your cartridge last longer. If you keep the plug on the cartridge between shaving/cleaning, you will replace it about once every TWO to THREE months instead of replacing it once a month (Braun recommends you replace the cartridge after 30 uses, based on daily use. Even if you don't shave everyday, this alcohol-based solution evaporates).

And don't believe Amazon's sales pitch for the cartridge: Nobody sells the pair of cartridges for $20. Everywhere, the pair sells for $9.99. The plus side of buying the cartridge here is that you can qualify for free shipping ("super saver shipping"), and no sales tax depending on which state you live in.

So invest a little--say goodbye to the stubble and shaving cream mess, to nicks and cuts, and say hello to this wonderful new system! Happy shaving!!!!!!!!!

I have been using razors for the past 7 years. I bought my 1st electric shaver in 1997 a Philishave 2 blade rotary system, and discontinued using it as I spent more time shaving with it than my regular Gillette razor and wouldn't get as good a shave. I am originally from South-asia and have a very thick beard, such that I need to shave on a daily basis for work. I have been shaving every alternate days, to prevent cutting myself shaving with mach3, still having ingrown hair the day after. But due to a few comments from my collegues about my afternoon shadow, I decided to invest in an electric shaver and see its results. Having already experienced the Philishave (now called Norelco), I decided to get the Top of the line Braun which is the 8595 Activator. This is the best shaving system I've used to date, its unbelievable the results I get. I get better shaves than the mach3 and that too on a daily basis without bleeding. There have been times I've pushed this shaver harder to my skin than normal and have resulted in a minor cut, but still a perfectly close shave !!! I now go to work clean shaved. This unit feels like new every morning thanks to its self-cleaning system. I would definately recommend this to any person out there ... Note: it does take a couple days to get used to this shaver, and also make sure that you shave before you shower to get the best results. The after shower shave only works with razors, as they soften the hair, but as the pores swell, it won't work well with this electric shaver. cheers !

What can I say about this product? Well, I switiched to Electric Shavers about five weeks ago and began my journey with the Norelco 8894XL and then the Norelco 9190XL. In fact, I reviewed the Norelco 9190XL on Amazon and felt it performed quite well and gave a closer and more comfortable shave than the 8894XL because of the advance made with the HQ9 heads. Anyway, I had read some reviews about the Braun 8595, also known as the Activator and decided to give it a try and compare its foil to the Norelco rotaries. All I can say after using the Braun is WOW!. This is the best shave I have ever gotten and that includes blades as well as the other electrics I have used. My skin is really smooth and I have never used a shaver of this quality. It is fast as well as close in terms of the shave and the irration is minimal. I think that the cleaning machine is terrific and eliminates the need to remove the heads and cutters in a rotary to perform cleaning. I just put the shaver in the machine and it cleans the shaver as well as recharges the battery. You end up with a really nice lemon smell the next time you use the shaver. This shaver, along with the high end Norelcos is not cheap, but it is worth the price. Again, it is by far the best shaver I have owned and I would highly recommend it. I have read that Braun is improving the head and has already come out in Europe with an updated version called the 360. I almost cant imagine something better than the 8595. It is one terrific shaver and congratulate Braun in creating such a fantastic product.