Originally Posted by Photon

pretty close yes. They recommend changing the blades every 2 years, I haven't changed mine so far.
The only expense is the cleaning fluid. Every time you use it you can start a cleaning cycle in its base station, so that it's clean every time you shave. I have to change that fluid every month or so

Originally Posted by Hooverdog

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.

Originally Posted by Cubdriver

This is my experience as well. I used Bics and double edge razors for about 20 years. For one reason or another I started getting rashes in addition to the usual minor cuts and bleeds. The close shave associated with a sharp razor also means that skin gets sliced away down to the sub-epidermal layer in some places, causing bleeding.

Out of frustration with rashes I was leery of continuing with razors and decided to try the cheapest rotary Norelco. They are only $40 bucks now in case you wondered. No more rashes, bleeding, soap burn, worn out blades, cuts or water was the result. I may sound like a commercial but I found it to be dramatically better than a razor. Closeness is not as tight but if you work at it a little bit you can do pretty well. I agree electrics are not as quick but they are a lot easier on your face and more pleasant to use.