Links: Panasonic ES-LA93-K Men's Shaver Product Page / Show Official Info /

For many men, the search for the "Perfect Shave" is the modern day equivalent of the torment of Tantalus, agonizingly close, but just out of reach. With Panasonic's introduction of the ES-LA93-K Men's Wet/Dry Shaver, that search may be closer than ever before.

For the average man, the choice of shaving instruments is either a razor with anywhere from 1 to 5 coated or uncoated blades, or a variety of electric shavers with circular rotating blades or straight blades that move forward and back. Choosing between them is a very personal and subjective process of trial and error, all of it a trial and mostly in error, as you're forced to choose between pressing a shaver hard enough to abrade your skin or take blade(s) to your face and dealing with the occasional nicks. If you're like me, you've found yourself settling for razors you're not really happy with.

Panasonic's ES-LA93-K Men's Wet/Dry Shaver with Ultra-thin Vibrating Outer Foil and Nanotech Blade might just give you the shave you've been looking for. While the shave won't be painful, digging into your wallet for the $399.99 US may be.

Since it is advertised as being a wet/dry shaver, I tested it on a completely dry 2-day beard, with a soapy face without shave cream, with shave cream, and in the shower. I was very pleasantly impressed its performance in all four sets of conditions.

One thing I learned to my chagrin was that it is still possible to nick yourself if you press a little too hard in order to get the closest possible shave. Given that that happened on the second shave in the two week trial period, I consider that part of the learning process. On Page 3 of the Operating Instructions, it specifically says "Treat yourself to wet lather shaves for at least three weeks and notice the difference. Your Panasonic WET/DRY shaver requires a little time to get used to because your skin and beard need about a month to get used to any new shaving method." Even though I've used razors exclusively for many years, I did notice that my skin and beard were already beginning to adapt to the ES-LA93-K Wet/Dry shaver.

Panasonic has made a wise decision in designing the power cord of to work with both the rechargeable shaver and the fully automatic self-cleaning and charging unit. Not only can you shave with or without the power cord attached, you can use it to recharge the shaver separately or in the charging unit. You also have the option of using the charging unit as a simple charger or you can also use the HydraClean shaving cartridge you insert into the base of the unit to clean it while it recharges.

Our biggest complaint about the shaver is its hefty price tag of $399.99 US. On the other hand, if you want a superb shave and you have the disposable income to treat yourself like a king, give the Panasonic ES-LA93-K Men's Wet/Dry Shaver with Ultra-thin Vibrating Outer Foil and Nanotech Blade a good close look.