Customer Reviews

Braun 8000 Activator Combi-Pack Foil and Cutterblock Replacement Parts for Braun's Activator Razor Models 8595 and 8585

5 star:		(80)
4 star:		(33)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(30)

 

 

This is NOT the Braun 8000FC as indicated by the picture and on the invoice (if you buy). This is Braun's replacement #51S and it SUCKS! The cutter blade design has changed and it does not shave anywhere near as clean as the older design. I'd purchased these hoping to get the original design but was shipped the 51S. Just know and understand what you'll be receiving if you choose to buy!

For those of you (like me) who have noticed a significant decline in the Braun Activator replacement blades, I decided to take one for the team and try and see if the Braun 7000 Series Syncro Pro / Syncro Replacement Combo would work in my Activator. The fit is perfect, and the blade style is of the thinner variety formerly used in the Activator. I had an immediate improvement in shave closeness--with none of the hair pulling of my old replacement blade. If you own an Activator and you're about to toss it out because of the terrible quality of these replacement blades, you might want to search for "Braun 7000 Series Syncro Pro / Syncro Replacement Combo" and try my route first. Hope this is helpful.

The manufacturer recommends replacing the foil screen and cutter block every 18 months for maximum performance. I wholeheartedly agree. This cutting system seems to last a little longer than older models but it certainly doesn't last forever. While it might not be exactly at 18 months, you can readily tell that the blades are getting dull when it takes longer to shave and/or you begin experiencing skin irritation. The set is pretty expensive but Amazon.com seems to have a very competitive price (a lot cheaper than I've seen in any brick & mortar store). Having said that, it really is like getting a brand new razor each time you make the change so it's very worthwhile doing it. Not sure if you can even buy them separately, but changing both parts at the same time ensures a closer shave with less skin irritation because they work together as an integrated system.

If you've been reading any of the reviews here lately you will know the 8000 series foil/cutterblock combo has been replaced with a new combo now called the series 5 Combi 51S. You will receive this replacement even if the picture on the product page shows "8000 series" as it has been discontinued for over a year. Braun merged the replacement for the 8000 series (Activator) with the 360 Complete. This new foil/cutterblock is garbage! The cutterblock has wide blades, as opposed to the thinner blades of the original 8000 series, which pull your stubble and take MANY passes over your face to shave. They are prone to premature failure and I have gone through 3(THREE) of these in 6 months! (I bought one and two were free through Braun after complaining). All the free replacements in the world weren't making the shaving experience any better. I longed for the days when my Activator 8595 cut smooth, close, and comfortably. After all, this shaver had been my favorite for 6 years so far! I was very close to dumping the whole shaver and moving on when I happened across a reviewer on Amazon who suggested using the 7000 series replacement foil/cutterblock in his review. It worked PERFECTLY! The 7000 series replacement looks just like the much coveted original on my 8595 Activator - down to the thinner cutting blades! It didn't pull my stubble, it cut smooth as butter, and was comfortable: JUST LIKE NEW! I'd like to thank the original reviewer (James L. Walls "sixtoe") for the very good advice.

What else can I tell you? Remember how great a shave you got when you bought it? Get a new foil+cutterblock and you can get it back! The manufacturer says to replace them after 18 months but I found 12-14 months to be more accurate - and I don't shave weekends either!!!

My son has been using the Braun 8595 for several years, which afforded him a comfortable shave, and we used the replacement foil and cutter "8000 Series" Activator during the past years, which was a perfect fit and replacement, like the original. Braun apparently discontinued this foil cutter block, and the new one caused my son great pain and discomfort during his shave! I had to go out and buy him an entire new system, and am going to try to return the unused, and hopefully the slightly used foil and cutter. The REPLACEMENT foil and cutter says: Braun 51S Series 5 / 8000 Series, 360(degrees)Complete, Activator. If you are at all sensitive, you might not like this replacement!

I believe Braun has changed the way they make the new replacement cutters and foil heads for the 8000 series razors. The older ones had grey plastic clips on the ends and the new ones have black. I have purchased three new sets in four months and all three have lost a clip off of the end. This causes the foils to vibrate. It is a very noticable change in the sound when turned on and the quality of shave is greatly reduced. I have used this razor for three years and never had this problem. I used the last replacement head two times before it broke.

Not matter how often you replace them (within reason), it's still cheaper than disposable razors.

So, I've had this wonderful razor for about a year and a half it it was time to switch out the foil and cutterblock. When I first switched out to the replacement parts, I could immediately tell the difference, both good and bad. I could tell that the cutter block was really sharp and cut through my thick beard. The bad part was the fact that the foil kept grabbing my longer hairs and pulling them. Tip for everyone! If you have this same problem, try turning the foil around. The part fits both frontways and backways. Ever since doing this, no problems!

I never thought I'd say anything bad about my Braun 8585 shaver, but the replacement foils and cutterblock have ruined a wonderful product.

Here's what happened....I used my original blades and foil for 2 to 3 years. The shaver gave me a GREAT shave. Then I replaced those blades with replacement foil and cutterblock. What a mistake! Apparently Braun was bought out by Gillette in 2005. Gillette changed the design of the blades and moved the manufacture of them to China. Well, now blades that are supposed to last 18 months only last 2-3 months. They are HORRIBLE.

I am so frustrated because it now takes me 3 times as long to shave and the results are just terrible. The shaver is cutting my face and not my hair. Yesterday, I ordered a Panasonic shaver because I can't afford to replace the blades every 2-3 months and get a crappy shave.

I used to love this shaver. What a shame.