PHILIPS Norelco 6880/81 Shaver 6800: A Smooth Operator, Inside and Out

The quest for a clean, comfortable shave is a journey many men embark on daily. While traditional razors have their merits, they often fall short for those with sensitive skin or those seeking a more convenient solution. Electric shavers, particularly the rotary type, have emerged as a popular alternative. Today, we’ll be dissecting the PHILIPS Norelco 6880/81 Shaver 6800, a device that promises to deliver both closeness and comfort. As a materials scientist, I’m particularly interested in how the choice of materials and clever engineering can contribute to a superior shaving experience.

Overview

The PHILIPS Norelco 6880/81 Shaver 6800 is a mid-to-high-tier electric shaver designed for the modern man. It’s a cordless, rechargeable model that offers the versatility of both wet and dry shaving. This shaver is packed with features aimed at minimizing skin irritation while providing an efficient and close shave. Its sleek design and advanced features position it as a strong contender in the electric shaver market.

Design Philosophy - Engineered for Skin Comfort

At the heart of the 6880/81’s design is a commitment to minimizing skin irritation. PHILIPS has clearly invested in research and development to create a shaver that glides smoothly, cuts effectively, and leaves the skin feeling comfortable. This philosophy is reflected in every aspect of the shaver, from the materials used in the blades to the flexible design of the shaving heads. This user-centric design builds upon the legacy of electric shavers, constantly refining the technology for a better user experience.

MultiFlex Heads - Adapting to Every Curve

Imagine trying to shave a balloon with a flat razor – it’s a recipe for disaster! Our faces, much like balloons, are full of curves and angles. This is where the 6880/81’s MultiFlex heads come into play. These heads are designed to pivot and flex in eight different directions, a feature that allows them to maintain constant contact with the skin’s surface.

User Scenario: Think about navigating the tricky terrain around your jawline or under your chin. With traditional shavers, you might find yourself contorting your face or making multiple passes to catch every hair. The MultiFlex heads, however, seamlessly adjust to these contours, ensuring a more uniform shave with less effort.

Pros/Cons: Users generally praise the MultiFlex heads for their effectiveness in reaching difficult areas, resulting in a more even shave. A small percentage of users find that for very pronounced jawlines additional passes may be needed.

Scientific Principle: The flexibility of the MultiFlex heads is achieved through a sophisticated hinge system. These hinges allow each shaving head to move independently, mimicking the way our own skin moves and stretches. This adaptability ensures that the blades maintain optimal contact with the skin, distributing pressure evenly and minimizing the risk of nicks and cuts. This is similar to how independent suspension systems in cars allow each wheel to maintain contact with uneven road surfaces.

SkinProtect Blades - Precision with a Gentle Touch

The 6880/81 features what PHILIPS calls “SkinProtect Blades.” These blades are engineered to deliver a close shave while minimizing direct contact with the skin, a common culprit of irritation.

User Scenario: Imagine you’re rushing to get ready in the morning. You need a quick, efficient shave but don’t want to risk ending up with a red, irritated face. The SkinProtect Blades are designed for just this scenario, allowing for a fast yet comfortable shave.

Pros/Cons: Reviews consistently highlight the effectiveness of these blades in reducing irritation, especially for users with sensitive skin. The blades are reported to be durable and long lasting.

Scientific Principle: The SkinProtect Blades achieve their gentle yet effective cut through a combination of factors. Firstly, they are designed with rounded edges, unlike the sharp, angular edges found on some traditional razors. This reduces the chance of the blade catching or scraping the skin. Secondly, the blades are engineered with a specific cutting angle that allows them to lift and sever hairs efficiently without pulling or tugging. As a materials scientist, I can appreciate the precision engineering involved in creating a blade that is both sharp enough to cut hair effectively and gentle enough to avoid irritating the skin.

ComfortGlide Rings - Smooth Sailing for Your Skin

Surrounding the SkinProtect Blades are the ComfortGlide rings, a feature that sets the 6880/81 apart. These rings are coated with a specialized material designed to reduce friction between the shaver and your skin.

User Scenario: Picture this: you’re shaving in a hurry, and with each stroke, you feel that familiar tugging and pulling sensation. This is where the ComfortGlide rings work their magic. They allow the shaver to glide effortlessly across your skin, making the entire process smoother and more comfortable.

Pros/Cons: Users frequently commend the ComfortGlide rings for significantly reducing friction and making the shaving experience much more pleasant. It’s particularly beneficial for those prone to razor burn.

Scientific Principle: Friction is the force that resists motion when two surfaces rub against each other. In the context of shaving, friction between the shaver and the skin can lead to irritation, redness, and discomfort. The ComfortGlide rings are coated with a low-friction material, possibly a polymer or a specialized coating, which acts as a lubricant, reducing the coefficient of friction. This allows the shaver to glide more easily across the skin, minimizing heat buildup and irritation. It’s a similar principle to how lubricants are used in machinery to reduce wear and tear.

Wet & Dry Shaving - Flexibility for Your Routine

The 6880/81 offers the convenience of both wet and dry shaving. You can use it with your favorite shaving cream or gel for added comfort, or even in the shower for a quick and efficient shave.

User Scenario: Let’s say you prefer a traditional wet shave with shaving cream for a more luxurious experience. Or perhaps you’re running late and need to shave in the shower to save time. The 6880/81 accommodates both scenarios.

Pros/Cons: The versatility of wet and dry shaving is a major plus for many users, allowing them to customize their shaving routine based on their preferences and time constraints.

Scientific Principle: The ability to shave wet or dry is made possible by the shaver’s waterproof design. The internal components are sealed off from water, preventing damage and ensuring safe operation in wet environments. This involves careful engineering of seals and gaskets, similar to how diver’s watches are designed to withstand water pressure.

Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery - Powering Your Shave

This shaver is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, known for its high energy density and long lifespan. It provides 50 minutes of shaving time on a full charge.

User Scenario: You’re traveling for a week and don’t want to worry about your shaver running out of juice. The long-lasting battery ensures you can enjoy multiple shaves without needing to recharge.

Pros/Cons: Users appreciate the long battery life, which is convenient for travel and reduces the frequency of charging. However, some users have expressed disappointment that the shaver cannot be used while plugged in. The 3 level indicator provides ample warning to recharge before the battery is fully depleted.

Scientific Principle: Lithium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that uses lithium ions as the primary component of its electrochemistry. They are favored in many portable electronic devices due to their high energy density, meaning they can store a lot of energy for their size and weight. They also have a relatively low self-discharge rate, meaning they hold their charge for a long time when not in use.

Quiet Operation - A Serene Shaving Experience

Compared to the often-noisy foil shavers, the 6880/81 is lauded for its quiet operation.

User Scenario: Imagine shaving early in the morning without waking up your family. The quiet motor allows for a more peaceful start to your day.

Pros/Cons: Users consistently rate the quiet operation as a significant advantage, making the shaving experience more pleasant.

Scientific Principle: The reduced noise is likely due to a combination of factors, including the inherent design of the rotary motor, which tends to be quieter than the oscillating motors found in foil shavers. Additionally, the use of sound-dampening materials within the shaver’s housing helps to absorb vibrations and further reduce noise output.

Separate Trimmer Attachment

This model comes with a separate trimmer attachment that is used in place of the rotary shaving heads.

User Scenario: This attachment is useful for trimming sideburns or a mustache.

Pros/Cons: While not as convenient as an integrated pop-up trimmer, some users find that the separate attachment allows for more precise control. Other users found it difficult to attach without using their reading glasses.

Scientific Principle: The separate attachment allows for a different blade design, optimized for trimming longer hairs.

Ergonomic Design

The shaver is designed to fit comfortably in hand.

User Scenario: The user can maintain a secure grip on the shaver, even with wet hands.

Pros/Cons: Many users find the design to be comfortable and easy to use.

Scientific Principle: The shape, weight, and materials used are chosen to provide a comfortable and secure grip.

Battery Life Indicator

The 3-level LED indicator lets the user know how much battery life remains.

User Scenario: The user can quickly glance at the indicator to see if they have enough power for a full shave, or if they need to recharge soon.

Pros/Cons: This feature helps avoid the inconvenience of the shaver dying mid-shave. However, the shaver cannot be used while plugged in.

Scientific Principle: The indicator is connected to a sensor that monitors the battery’s remaining charge and displays it using LEDs.

Summary

The PHILIPS Norelco 6880/81 Shaver 6800 is a well-engineered electric shaver that prioritizes both a close shave and skin comfort. Its MultiFlex heads, SkinProtect Blades, and ComfortGlide rings work in harmony to deliver a smooth and irritation-free experience. The wet/dry functionality and long-lasting Lithium-ion battery add to its convenience and versatility. While the separate trimmer attachment and lack of plug-and-shave functionality might be minor drawbacks for some, the overwhelmingly positive user reviews (with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 5,000 users on Amazon) and the clever engineering behind its features make it a compelling choice for anyone seeking a high-quality electric shaver. As a materials scientist, I’m impressed by how PHILIPS has leveraged advanced materials and design principles to create a product that truly enhances the daily routine of shaving. The $179.99 price tag places it in the mid-to-high range of electric shavers, but the investment may be worthwhile for those who value both performance and skin comfort.