Imagine a beard trimmer and an electric shaver combined in one revolutionary product. You can quit imagining now because Philips has done all that for you.
The world-renown electronic brand took a beard trimmer and an electric shaver and completely reimagined this duo. The combo comes out as one near-perfect, cute, and modern grooming tool known as the OneBlade Hybrid Electric Trimmer and Shaver.
Thanks to Philips, gents who want an all-in-one shaver can now buy and use this product without having to get a separate beard trimmer and a wet shaver.
An extremely lightweight shaver, the OneBlade is truly one blade that handles everything around facial hair cuts. Plus, it does exceptionally well.
The Norelco OneBlade is in a class of its own. It offers a new way to trim, style, and shave your hair. But is it really revolutionary? Or is it all some sort of marketing hype?
This Norelco OneBlade review highlights the features, benefits, and drawbacks of this unique shaving tool to help you decide if it suits your needs.
Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work for everyone
What’s in the Box?
When you buy the QP2520/70 model (that’s the style name of the specific model under review), it should come complete with the following:
- OneBlade handle
- 1 replaceable blade
- 1 mm stubble comb
- 3 mm stubble comb
- 5 mm stubble comb
- Protective cap
- Charging cord
While the contents might be similar to every other beard trimmer, the OneBlade is definitely not a regular wet shaver.
Perhaps a quick description of how the hybrid shaver works can shed some light on its uniqueness.
The OneBlade: Unique Looks and How it Works
The engineers (or designers) back at Philips seem to have converted a traditional wet shaver into an unusual looking electric trimmer. Little wonder it’s called a hybrid shaver.
The OneBlade comes in a sleek and modern design in overall black color with lime green highlights. The power button is conveniently located at the front of the hybrid shaver.
Operating the OneBlade is quite simple. Press the button once, and the tool comes alive with a buzzing sound like any beard trimmer. Another quick press and the device will turn off.
The power button comes with a slightly recessed edge to prevent accidentally turning the blade on or off.
The design incorporates a battery level indicator near the base of the OneBlade handle. It flashes when the battery is charging or when it’s running low. The charging socket is built into the bottom of the OneBlade.
Shaving under the shower with foam-covered hands is not an issue with the OneBlade. A ribbed rubber grip covers the sides of the hybrid shaver. The non-slip pattern of the grip lets you comfortably hold the handle even with wet and slippery hands.
OneBlade Technology
Any Norelco OneBlade review is incomplete without mentioning the OneBlade Technology. After all, that’s what makes this facial hair grooming tool unique.
Here’s a simple way to explain the revolutionary OneBlade technology.
Philips engineered this tool to combine a stubble shaver’s efficiency with a facial styling tool for trimming and edging.
But that’s not all.
The technology also integrates a fast-moving cutter with a dual protection system. The cutter moves 200 times per second to deliver precision cuts. The dual protection system is a glide coating with rounded tips that protect the skin from shaving burns and irritations.
All of these combined to form the OneBlade technology that makes this hybrid device unique.
Philips Norelco OneBlade Review: Special Features
Apart from the blade technology, other noteworthy features make this hybrid electric trimmer truly outstanding.
Let’s take a quick look at these features:
Contour-Following Technology
OneBlade comes with a flexible blade head. This feature allows the head to remain in contact with your skin as it glides along the contours of your face.
Even for gents with sensitive skin, shaving is more comfortable with the contour-following feature. There is little to no chance of ingrown hairs or razor burns with this technology.
While the blade head allows for back and forth strokes, it’s best to go against the grain when shaving, ensuring that the blade stays flat against your skin.
Wet and Dry Usage
You can shave dry or wet with foam or in the shower because the device is water-resistant. This feature makes cleaning easy. Simply rinse it under the tap, and you’re good to go.
Durable OneBlade
Without a quality blade material, this product will be no different than any cheap shaver, but Philips apparently gave its all to engineer the center-piece of the OneBlade with high-quality material.
The blade is constructed with durable stainless steel for surgical precision during operation. Whether you mostly shave, trim, and style your facial hair, you can be sure that the blade will deliver clean cuts each time.
Philips says the blade can last for up to 4 months if used for two full shaves every week. However, this might not be the case for everyone since hair type and thickness varies.
Easy-to-Replace Blade Head
Eventually, you’ll have to replace the blade (ideally, after four months of use). Replacing the blade is quite easy and doesn’t require any tool. Simply press the eject button on the neck to release the trimmer head.
You want to keep one hand on the trimmer head when you eject the blade to prevent it from shooting across the room like a stray bullet. This is particularly the case if the OneBlade handle is in a horizontal position when you eject the blade.
Long-Lasting Battery
The tool comes with a long-lasting Ni-MH battery. It can deliver up to 45 minutes of continuous styling power with a single full charge. Charging time is 8 hours to completely juice up the battery.
One good thing about the OneBlade is its universal voltage capability (100V – 240V).
Why is that important?
You don’t have to worry about finding a travel adapter regardless of where you go on the planet. As long as there is a power supply, you can charge your OneBlade using any voltage.
We recommend plugging it in overnight for a complete charge since it takes a long 8 hours to get it fully juiced up.
While we’re still on the subject of travel, you can get a One-Blade-specific travel case to protect your investment and serve as storage during travels. Keep in mind, though; this is sold separately.
What is Phillips Norelco OneBlade Good For?
But all the bells and whistles will mean absolutely nothing if the hybrid shaver can’t do what it’s designed to do—and do it well.
Someone (whoever that was) once said if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will consider itself dumb its entire life.
The point is, if you use the OneBlade for a purpose it wasn’t engineered for, it will perform very poorly. For example, if you use this model to shave hairs on your chest, armpit, or other body parts, it will not yield the desired result. If anything, it might cause problems for you, especially if it’s used on sensitive body areas.
If you’re looking for a Philips product that works great for body hair, you might want to take a look at the Norelco OneBlade Face and Body Hybrid QP2630/70.
It’s an electric trimmer and shaver with almost the same looks as the model under review but comes with extra accessories for protecting sensitive body areas. It’s quite a popular product, too, according to reviews.
Okay, what exactly is the OneBlade designed to do?
Norelco OneBlade is specifically engineered for use on the face only. But unlike traditional shavers, this product is very versatile. It can trim, edge, and shave exceptionally well, regardless of hair length.
Here’s what you can expect from the hybrid tool.
Trimming
The Norelco OneBlade outperforms many traditional trimmers. You can cut your beard to any length you want using one of the stubble combs that come in the package. The combs are easy to attach to the handle. Simply click on them on and trim as desired.
The 1 mm stubble comb works well for a tight trim, while the 3 mm can reduce a medium length beard to eye-catching 5 O’clock shadow stubble. Of course, for longer stubble, use the 5 mm comb.
Edging
OneBlade shines when it comes to detailing and edging facial hair. Styling goatees, mustaches, or sideburns is quite a breeze with this tool.
You’ll have more control detailing your facial hair with the OneBlade, thanks to its capability to edge with both dual-sided blades.
Use it for precision detailing on any facial hairstyle, and you’ll be pleased, as the slimmer handle coupled with the flexible head lets you achieve finer results. The blades edge comfortably and nicely, even on sensitive areas.
With that said, this hybrid tool edges better on short to medium hair length. It might perform below expectations or take several careful maneuvering to yield impressive results if you use it on thick, coarse, or curly facial hair.
Shaving
Even if you hate shaving, OneBlade will likely change your mind.
Why is that?
There is no fear of razor burns with this model. It doesn’t get too close to your skin, so there’s no need to worry about skin irritation.
By its design, the blade won’t scrape your skin. This makes for a comfortable shave that leaves just a little hair length for the perfect 5 O’clock shadow to show up much earlier.
You are likely to get the closest shave if your facial hair stands upright and is not too thick. As a shaver, the OneBlade will not put up an impressive show for people with coarse and curly facial hair.
If that is you, it will take several passes to effectively remove your facial hair. But that’s a recipe for nasty skin irritations.
Philips Norelco OneBlade Review: The Cons
So far, we can generally agree that the OneBlade is truly a revolutionary hybrid facial hair cutting tool. But it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that it’s not perfect.
In case you’ve missed it, here are some of the downsides to the OneBlade.
Long Charging Time
In a fast-paced world, it’s difficult to find many people with the patience to wait for eight long hours to get a full charge.
But if it’s of any consolation, the 45-minute runtime can last for a couple of shaves before a recharge is necessary.
You might also notice that the device doesn’t come with a charging stand to hold the hybrid shaver up while it charges. Although that’s not a major drawback, it would have been a nice addition.
Perhaps Philips took note of that small problem because the Pro version of the OneBlade comes with a charging stand. It also has a shorter charging time of 1 hour and delivers up to 90 minutes of continuous shaving time. But as you would have guessed, it’s a more expensive model.
Not Suitable for Coarse and Curly Facial Hair
Gents with curling beard hairs or wiry inward facial hairs might not be impressed with the blade’s performance. If your hairs lay flat against your skin, this might not be the best facial hair grooming tool for you.
Cost of Replacing the Blade
The initial cost of buying the hybrid electric trimmer and shaver won’t break the bank. However, using this tool will automatically mean you’ll have to keep buying replacement blades at least 3 to four times per year.
While that running cost might be worth it for those who appreciate innovation and are willing to pay for it, others might find it too expensive in the long run.
However, you can cut down the cost by purchasing a pack of two or three replacement blades at a lower price instead of buying a single replacement blade. Alternatively, you can opt-in for a blade subscription to get 20% off the cost plus free shipping.
Does Not Deliver a Super-Close Shave
The OneBlade doesn’t give you a super-close shave. In most cases, you’ll still have a small length on the hairs, even though it might not be easily noticeable.
Technically, this is not a downside considering the OneBlade isn’t engineered to come too close to the skin. In fact, Philips clearly states that the grooming technology is “for men who wear stubble, beards, or facial hairstyles,” to quote from the manufacturer.
But since it’s marketed as a hybrid electric trimmer and shaver, most people will expect it to give the smoothest shave possible.
Very short stubble might be okay for some gents, but if you are looking to get a BBS, you should probably consider a safety razor or some other shaver. BBS is the modern man’s acronym for Baby Butt Smooth—in case you were wondering.
Bottom Line
Do we recommend the Philips Norelco OneBlade?
Absolutely!
But think about this. Someone somewhere on the planet completely dislikes your favorite dish. That’s because their taste for food is not the same as yours. The fact is, there’s nothing wrong with the food, but their taste buds aren’t suited for your kind of food.
What has this got to do with the hybrid electric shaver?
Everything!
Regardless of how revolutionary any product is, the fact remains that it won’t work for everyone. The OneBlade is not an exception to this. But that doesn’t take away from its impressive capabilities.
In a nutshell, the OneBlade is a perfect facial grooming tool for people of certain facial hair types.
If you have short to medium facial hair, this tool might be the all-in-one grooming solution for you. On the other hand, you might need some other type of trimmer and shaver if you have coarse or curly facial hairs.
Three different combs are included, allowing you to trim your hair to any length you want. Remove the combs for a cleaner shave that won’t irritate your skin. Plus, you can use the dual-sided blade to detail your facial hair.
Here’s one thing you can take away from this Norelco OneBlade review: Philips has proven once and for all that a single tool can perform excellently for shaving, trimming, and edging.