Philips OneBlade: a smoother shave with this 360-degree blade
9.1.2023
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
While the number in its name is incredibly exaggerated, the new 360-degree blade for the Philips OneBlade still delivers a great shave.
Plenty of movement is key. Not just for your physical health, but for your razor too. This is nothing new. All the more surprising that Philips has taken so long to release a movable attachment for the OneBlade, which has been available since 2016.
Improved movement for better contours
Granted, 360 degrees is a shameless exaggeration. In reality, the blade tilts only a few degrees either way. It’s the only thing distinguishing it from the previously rigid blade. Strictly speaking, the old blade isn’t completely fixed. It does adjust along the face lengthwise. This mobility has been retained in the 360.
The shearing system, and thus the cutting quality – as well as the likelihood of cuts – remain unchanged. I trimmed one half of my beard using the new blade and the other with the old razor. There’s no noticeable or visible difference.
However, the small range of motion is enough to make shaving with the 360-degree blade more comfortable. It slides and glides along the contours of my face and other parts of my body better. I’m pleasantly surprised at how much better shaving feels. But it’s quite logical, actually. It was only particularly noticeable when I switched to a movable blade on my wet razor. That was years ago, but with each slightly more mobile model, I never want to go back to the previous one.
Source: Jan Johannsen
The motor in the razor that sets the blade in motion is the same. Still, I feel like the new blade is a little quieter when shaving. I can't give you a decibel reading for it, but a little less volume is always nice. After all, your razor is usually located somewhere near the ears.
Conclusion: comfort at a cost
In the end, you’ll get the same result shaving with the 360-degree Philips OneBlade as with the old model. Where the new one stands out is in its unmatched smooth glide action across the skin. The feeling alone is enough for me to never want to use conventional blades again. However, Philips is charging a hefty premium for the pleasure – especially compared to a 3-pack of the rigid razor blade.
Source: Photo: Jan Johannsen
The supposedly long service life of OneBlade blades puts this high price into perspective – Philips says they’ll last about four months at two shaves per week. My experience with the conventional blades so far makes the estimate seem realistic. And I’ll accept the higher price for a better shave.
Header image: Jan Johannsen
As a primary school pupil, I used to sit in a friend's living room with many of my classmates to play the Super NES. Now I get my hands on the latest technology and test it for you. In recent years at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, now at Digitec and Galaxus.