Probably an odd place to ask this but, as a businessman, what do you prefer?

Probably an odd place to ask this but, as a businessman, what do you prefer? Electric shaver or razor blades (manual). We all have to look our best so what do you find provides the best shave with less irritation/shave rash?

I've used electrics (Braun and Philips) on and off, but kept coming back to a razor. Philips had a good electric with those little Nivea shave-balm cartidges built in, which was nice to avoid rash & redness, and I liked the convenience of a 'dry shave' because I could duck into the plane's loo and have a quick shave  as part of my pre-landing 'freshen up' routine.

But despite that relative convenience I just kept coming back to a razor. I like the feel of a razor better, I like the degree of control and that it does seem to give a closer shave (also, much smaller for carry-on and no need to rely on AC power!).

That said, I'm fussy about razors, and always bring my own. I've learned not to trust the disposable ones they have at hotels because they can be of varying quality, and I don't want to discover that a hotel is using a second-grade razor when I'm shaving in the morning shortly before a meeting!

I always travel with shave balm – any is good, as long as it's alcohol-free. The trick is getting them in compact travel-friendly sizes, especially if you're going to be carry-on only. Nivea is what I use at home, day to day, but when travelling I've got some small sample size after-shave balms from a few first-class amenity kits (Payot does a superb after-shave balm, this is in the QF 1st pack). 

One tip I have: when travelling I shave very first thing in the morning, before I go down for breakfast. The I come back to the room, attend to whatever emails etc there may be, and then head out on business. The reason: if I happen to cut myself or if there's any redness or rash, then I have at least an hour for it to subside; and if I do cut myself, say somewhere around the neck, then I can wear a casual shirt or T-shirt to breakfast, instead of my dress shirt, because chances are the dress shirt will pick up a little blood from that cut. By the time I'm actually ready to leave the hotel and get my day underway the cut has healed over, I can carefully dab away any blood and then change into my business clothes.

Razors still win in the end. To have the smoothest shave, I find the best practice is to have a warm face wash (if you want, you can have a full hot shower first). This opens up the pores. One can then shave, and I use the hottest water I can stand to rinse my blade, as a warm blade helps get a closer shave. When done, wash away with cold water - or feel free to step back into the shower for a cool rinse-off.

Strange, I know, but I find it works very well if you have enough time.

Yes, this is part of my routine as well, especially in hotels – run some hot water into the basin, toss in a wash-towel (the smallest of the set provided in bathrooms), wring out a bit of the water (so it doesn't slosh everywhere) and then drape it over your face and/or around your neck. This very quickly and effectively opens the pores. Lather up, shave away, rinse off with cold water, pat dry and then hit with your after-shave balm.

FWIW, I've tired using shaving 'oil' - the Somersets one - sounded great in theory but just didn't feel as smooth as foam.

Thanks guys. Finding I'm getting irritation from blades more and more lately and wanting to get some tips on the ol' electric ones so this is a great help!

If you go for electric, you will need a few weeks for it to be really effective, as your facial hair is 'used' to being yanked out a certain way (well, that's what people tell me!), so be patient.

A couple of tips with shaving.  Always do it with a razor + choose a men's shaving product that doesn't irritate the skin such as what LQD sells http://www.lqd.com.au/  .  In addition I ALWAYS shave in the shower, it gets the skin prepped the best :)