ShaveTech USB Travel Shaver

Archived Product Review

ABOVE: The ShaveTech USB Rechargeable Travel Shaver (shown here in white) is packaged in a sturdy box that's easy to gift-wrap.

By Durant Imboden

We're offered products to review from time to time. Usually we say "No, thanks," but every now and then a product intrigues us--as in the case of the ShaveTech USB Rechargeable Travel Shaver, which solves a common problem with electric razors: the need to carry a charger on trips of more than a few days.

Design and size:

The slim, rectangular ShaveTech razor is smaller than many smartphones, and it comes in two colors: white and black. Our sample was the white model, which looks like something Apple might have designed. It's a sleek, compact device with a snap-on lid. The price is a reasonable US $29.95 plus shipping.

Remove the ShaveTech's lid, and you'll see the replaceable shaving head, which consists of a perforated stainless-steel hood with an inner blade. (The head's rated life is 30 to 45 hours, and a replacement head costs only US $6.99, so it makes sense to buy an extra when ordering the razor.)

How it works:

Charging the ShaveTech is simple: Just flip out the swiveling USB connector and plug it into a laptop, charger, or other device with a standard USB port. (We suggest doing this overnight or when you're out sightseing during the day, so the razor will be charged fully when you're ready to shave.) A charge is good for about 30 minutes of shaving.

Ready to shave? Turn the razor on and apply it to your chin or cheeks. When you're finished, slip the shaver into the included pouch--or, if you have time, snap off the shaving head and clean it with a small brush (also provided).

A field test by someone who shaves:

I haven't shaved in several decades, so for field testing, I turned to our son, Thatcher Imboden, who provided his thoughts on the ShaveTech razor:

Positives

Compact size and flat shape for efficient storage on the road or at the office.
Battery lasts about a week with daily use.
Relatively decent shave for a compact shaver with a single row of blades.
Power button is designed to avoid being turned on by accident.

Mixed (things to be aware of)

Charges only from USB. This means no converter or adapter is needed for international travel, but you will require access to a computer or USB power adapter.
When charging, the USB emits a bright light. This may be distracting to people who are light-sensitive in hotel rooms.
The USB charger pivots out and connects to your laptop. This requires space next to the computer for resting the shaver.

Drawbacks

The shape isn't ergonomic (a necessary trade-off for its small, slim size).
Five o'clock shadow comes a little earlier than it might with a stronger full-size shaver.
A full charge takes about eight hours. (ShaveTech suggests four hours of charging for every 30 minutes of use.)

Our opinion in a nutshell:

The ShaveTech USB Rechargeable Travel Shaver delivers what it promises. If you travel with a laptop, dislike the Santa Claus look, and prefer an electric razor to a blade, the ShaveTech is a good value. (It also makes a nice holiday, birthday, or anniversary gift.)

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