I have a very heavy beard. I could almost shave continuously! Blade works the best, however, since i could never trust the boat to have water when I need it, i converted to a norelco shaver over 15 years ago. Here is what you have to remember, it will take time about a month or so for your face to adjust to shaving with an electric. You WILL get an aweful shave for the first couple of weeks, ie don't try it one or two times and give up. I change out the blades one time a year. Works fine. Good luck.