Panasonic ES8043 Pro-Curve Linear Drive Wet & Dry Shaver

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Panasonic ES8043 Pro-Curve Linear Drive Wet & Dry Shaver

Avg. Review Score 8.7

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Product Features

Wet & Dry operation offering a fully waterproof design
Revolutionary 13,000 RPM direct Linear Motor Drive
Flexible pivoting head follows facial contours
Triple blade shaving system
Two foils and centre slit blade to catch longer hairs
Flip up sideburn trimmer
Low charge warning light
Fully waterproof design
Shaves either wet with lather or dry for smooth, comfortable shaves
One hour charge using auto 100-240V using supplied charging stand and power lead
45 minutes running time from a full charge
Comes with storage pouch and cleaning brush

Customer Reviews of this Product

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Performance was super, Roy pullinger - 3rd June 2008

9/10

Sevice was second to none and the product out performed most pleased.Lock the flexible head in position for the best result.

Short lifespan, Mr L Pizan - 10th April 2008

6/10

Despite its excellent performance, what ultimately let this shaver down was that it had a very short shelf life indeed.
I only bought this saver in Nov 2006 and now in April 2008 it has stopped working. I had always previously bought Braun shavers which lasted for years and years but their prformance was average. Unfortunately Panasonic shavers are gentle on my skin and I will be very reluctantly replacing it with another one.

Not bad at all!, Caruso - 20th December 2007

8/10

Having read the reviews I expected nothing short of miraculous! but at the end of the day it is just a shaver! however it is a very good shaver and with a bit of practice gives a very close shave.

The first time I used the shaver it wasn't so good but it was my first attempt with any electric shaver. The second shave I used the flexible head in the locked position and immediately had a much c...

Click to Read More >loser shave! The third shave I used the shaver wet (NICE!!!)with K of S gel (the orange one) as I used to with my old stealth fusion razor, a massive difference a very close comfortable shave especially with the shaver in the locked position. Virtually no shaver rash and the small bit I did have was gone within half an hour.

This shaver is very easy to clean and maintain without any silly gimicks, "Just wash And Go!" Let's face it (no punn intended) nothing shaves as close as a blade but this shaver is very good, comfortable and convienient to use. I have to admit I would be very curious to see how the new Braun Pulsonic shaver compares but beyond a certain point I can't help thinking that some products are designed to catch more customers than hairs!!!

Just Superb, SB St. Albans - 6th December 2007

10/10

My previous shaver was a Braun Syncro which I had for 4 years and I was very satisfied with it. I have also used rotary shavers before but have always gone back to Braun foils, until now!

I have had the Panasonic ES8043 for several weeks now and it is better in every way than the Syncro. The closeness of the shave is amazing, I use King of Shaves Alpha oil and get great results. The pivoting...

Click to Read More > head makes for a very comfortable shave.

The cleaning function (coat the foil in liquid hand soap, hold the on button for 2 sec to activate "sonic cleaning" and rinse under the tap) is much more convenient and quicker than having a separate base station and is a great feature.

The pop up trimmer is also very effective because of the high speed operation of the motor and makes light work of detailing neck/sideburn lines.

I like the styling of the ES8043, it just looks different to the other foil shavers out there. I have no issues with the build quality, it is solid as a rock and does not creak or groan.

I have nothing negative to say about this shaver as it fantastic!

OK, but..........., Noggin - 26th October 2007

7/10

The build quality of this model (made in China) is not as good as the previous Panasonic model I purchased, which was made in Japan. My initial reaction on opening the package was disappointment. Now after 8 months of daily use, it is becoming very noisy and regularly jams when wet shaving - I use King of Shaves oil and gel.

I am now going to replace the foils and cutting head to see if this mak...

Click to Read More >es a difference. The previous model I used lasted just over 3 years, before the motor no longer held any charge. I'll be very surprised if this one lasts another year. Oh, by the way, the service from Shavers.co.uk is excellent.

LASTED TWO WEEKS, MD - 16th September 2007

10/10

ON/OFF SWITCH WENT BAD IN THIS MODEL WITHIN TWO WEEKS. PREVIOUS MODEL ES8075 LASTED 10 MONTHS

Former Braun user, Dave Baker - 27th August 2007

9/10

First class service from shavers.co.uk.

Best shaver I have had to date in 40 years of electric shaving. Close shave and quiet efficiant motor.

Could do with a travel case for going away - currently I use my old Braun case.

Works very well....., Jeffers - 26th August 2007

8/10

I've had this shaver since January after a lifetime of wet shaving. I also own a Braun electric razor which I would use ONLY when I had to..... thankfully it is now redundant.

The Panasonic shaves very close indeed and using King of Shaves oil it is very comfortable. The ONLY drawback is the time it takes to use it. I can get an acceptable wet shave with a Gillette Blue II in half the time. If y...

Click to Read More >ou follow the instructions to the letter and correctly clean the Panasonic as directed it is a little tedious.

That said, it does what it says on the tin and gives a very close shave indeed . So if you're not in too much of a hurry and you enjoy the feeling of a good shave you will not be disappointed with this shaver.

Very Noisy, DG - 19th August 2007

8/10

This is the second replacement 8043 from Shavers; no complaint about the service, that is excellent. After about 5 months use I find the motor extremely noisy, almost unbearably so. I dont think it needs a replacement foil or cutter as it still shaves well, however I will replace these and see if it makes any difference.

not the dogs, peter furlong - 31st July 2007

1/10

Can't fault shavers.co.uk good service.

However if you are a total baldy i would not recomend this shaver, read other reviews and thought it would be like lawn mower over my bonce. for the price i really thought this would be the one, my reminton titatium (£45) is much better. I dry shave by the way, maybe it is better wet shaving with this one.

my problem has always been foils ...

Click to Read More >wear out after a month and i don't expect this one to be much better.

back to the bald drawing board i'm afraid.

Really Pleased, Rob - 26th July 2007

9/10

My Remington finally died and it was time to dip into the shaver pool again. I stumbled upon this site and found all the answers I could want. Fantastic service as well ordered at about 11pm arrived 2pm the next day, fabulous.

The shaver itself awesome, shaved 4 times with it now, all dry haven't tested it wet.

Shaves much closer than my old one, comfortable on the face with the fl...

Click to Read More >exible head a real bonus. The manual says it can take up to a month to get used to a new shaver well this is like putting on a comfortable pair of slippers from the first shave. I thoroughly recommend the ES8043

Former Braun user, R Prendergast - 29th June 2007

9/10

Having used Braun shavers for 15 years thought I would give wet 'n dry a go. Didn't want a razor which dispensed goo or needed an elaborate cleaning system. Took some time to get used to the Panny partly because I started getting spots (for the first time in 35 years). I began to suspect it was because of the dreaded sodium lauryl sulphate to be found in Nivea Sensitive, Gillette Fusion etc.(see http://www....

Click to Read More >natural-health-information-centre.com/sodium-lauryl-sulfate.html). When I switched to RSC moisturising cream, the problem was cured (the cream doesn't contain SLS). The bonus is that you only use a tiny amount of the cream - foaming (courtesy of SLS) is totally unnecessary. I now enjoy a very close shave from the Panny. Only one gripe with this cheaper Panny product is the lack of a charge level indicator - usually charge it once a week on the same day, so as not to get caught short! Excellent and speedy service from shavers.co.uk

Revised Opinion-Improvement!, J.K.W. - 2nd June 2007

10/10

My initial score/review is now amended- I now use King of Shaves oil! Although designed for normal wet shaving with a blade, I had the idea to try it with electric shavers -- it works a treat, on both my Coolskin (saves a fortune on those cartridges!) & with my new Panasonic ES8043.

It's a revelation,now giving me an excellent shave.No more gel/foam for me, or Coolskin sachets, I'm sticking to th...

Click to Read More >e shaving oils (Wilko's even have a cheaper one at 69 pence!) for a really great shave.

Below Expectations, J.K.W. - 24th May 2007

7/10

1.Service from yourselves 1st Class- thanks.

2.The ES8043 did not match my hopes, because it simply does not shave as close as my Coolskin Philishave,particularly along the lower jaw line.

The only reason I changed makes of razor was because my Coolskin was "playing up" (on/off switch,low battery warning light)& I felt using a normal shave gel/foam would be more economical than the c...

Click to Read More >oolskin cartridges which I consider exorbitant.

3.The Panasonic is NOT a bad razor,just not as good as I'd hoped.

Brilliant, Carl Leake - 18th May 2007

10/10

Just wanted to say that this shaver is brilliant and can't believe that they don't push it more in this country because i didn't know it existed until i looked on your website. Also wanted to thank you for prompt delivery, well packed box and excellent service overall. I will definetely use you again.

Excellent product and service, Michael - 23rd April 2007

10/10

Excellent product and prompt helpful service from Simon and Jenny. Thank you.

Surprised... and very pleased, Paul - 14th April 2007

10/10

Having wet shaved with blades all my life I decided to consider an electric and after some research chose the ES8043. I have to say that I have been surprised at how good this shaver is. It doesn't shave quite as smooth as a wet blade shave but it comes very close. The ES8043 is well balanced and comfortable to use; it also easy to clean. I have found it to be as effective dry as wet. It seems clear from ot...

Click to Read More >her reviews that electrics do not suit everyone but I have found myself surprisingly impressed by this particular model.

WOW!, jamie from new ferry wirral - 6th March 2007

10/10

The ES8043 is fantastic. For the first time ever since i began shaving i have had a TRULY CLOSE SHAVE skin feels and looks great.

I had been using a cool skin shaver for 3 years but it packed up quite disapointing for phillishave then i found your site and spotted the ES8043. I have been using it in wet mode so far in the shower with nivea gel as to be expected i have to work a little on the neck...

Click to Read More > but that is my only criticism.

My wife has already promised me the model above this one for my birthday so shavers.co.uk dont go any where i will definately be using you in the future. Big thanks also for speedy delivery.

Simply the best yet, J P Buckley - 28th February 2007

10/10

Have ben using electric razors for 57 years. With the years my stubble has proved more difficult and my electric razors no longer coped with those lying at odd angles.

This razor lived up to its reputation. Fast and comfortable. I have yet to try it wet.

Thoroughly recommended despite the price

Goodbye Razor Blades!.., Mike - 9th December 2006

9/10

Having some money as a birthday gift burning a hole in my pocket I decided to give an electric razor another try. In the past I have had two Philishaves; the first a twin head mains shaver 20 years ago and more recently a twin head Coolskin razor. Neither ever gave me a great shave and have reverted to a Gilette Sensor to do the job ever since. The Coolskin I found particularly disappointing as I had great ...

Click to Read More >hopes for wet shaving with it, but it always missed bits, particularly around the neck.

The Panasonic 8163 tempted me but I couldn't justify the cost on the basis of past disappointments. The 8043 ticked all the right boxes; wet or dry, foil shaver as opposed to rotary, easy to clean, great reiews, bargain price when compared to the opposition.

I was prepared to be disappointed and the first couple of shaves left me with razor burn and even a couple of nicks. But having persevered over 3 weeks using King of Shaves Kinexium oil with King of Shaves Shaving gel over the top I am now getting a consistently good shave on a par with my Gilette, but less skin nicks and razor burn. Yes the neck area is still tricky and it takes longer than the 3 minuites quoted in the manual, but I am very pleased with the outcome. It feels smooth and more importantly the 5 o'clock shadow doesn't start at noon!

Bizarrely I now enjoy shaving! The Panasonic itself looks good, cleans very simply and will do a weeks shaving without a recharge. Delivery was 48 hours after ordering. I hope the ES8043 lasts, becasue it's such a goood shave I don't want to have to change it!

It only gets 9/10 becasue nothing in life is perfect...

Now you lower the price.., Neil - 13th November 2006

10/10

I've had Panasonics for ten years now, so I've seen them get better and better. For my money, this is a very good combination, light, flexible and with results easily on par with blades, but without any damage.

Try using it wet, with a blob of Imperial Leather shower gel inside the head?

Great Shaver, Aaron - 18th October 2006

9/10

I bought the shaver about a week ago and i can say that it provides a great shave wet or dry. The Panasonic is easy to clean and easy to handle.

I can't comment on the delivery because i went to the premises directly. Unfortunately i didn't get the name of the man who served me but i can say he was very polite, informative and knew his products very well - everything you could want in a business. Well done and thank you.

Very impressed, Craig - 1st October 2006

10/10

Thank you for the fast delivery of this Panasonic shaver. I have used both Braun and Remmington makes in the past but they never seemed to provide a close enough shave, they always missed bits underneath the chin and I had to press on harder for areas at the side of the neck.

I have used the ES8043 three times now and I think it is an excellent purchase.

The shaver reaches all tricky parts and gives a superb shave, go buy one now.

Excellent Razor , Frank Smith - 26th September 2006

10/10

After several Braun razors, this gives me the closest shave ever. Excellent performance, matched by that of shavers.co.uk. Can't imagine what Mohit is doing wrong to give it such a poor score!

Impressed!, Pete - 29th July 2006

8/10

Well, after a lot of research I opted for the Panasonic ES8043. My old Boots brand shaver had lasted well but I was in need of something a lot better for a closer shave... and ultimately a quicker one.

After 3 shaves I am very pleased with the results. I am lucky in that I only need to shave every 3 days or when I have an important meeting, and I suffered from razor burn before which has now ...

Click to Read More >totally dissapeared with this shaver. I have only just discovered King of Shaves oil, which when paired with the new shaver seems to do the trick! I like a very smooth finish, but this is not achieved without going over the stubble quite a few times to ensure all hairs are shaved (this would be my only slight negative). The tough areas on the neck and Adam's apple are easily shaved, helped by the pivoting head.. I was surprised at just how effective this was. I am yet to try it in th eshower but after a few more shaves I may give it a try and report back!

The battery seems excellent, I have not had to recharge yet from the initial first charge out of the box. The shaver is comfortable to hold, not too noisy and very easy to clean. The sideburn trimmer on the reverse does the job fine. Overall, exactly what I wanted!

On top of all that the service and price from Shavers.co.uk was excellent, having received the product in 2 days of ordering. A+

Foiled, Mohit - 27th June 2006

1/10

I bought this Shaver after reading the reviews on this website. I am disappointed with its performance. It leaves hair on the neck area and skin is left dry and sore after using it. I tried it with King of Shaves shaving oil but then skin becomes slippery and its does nothing.
Wouldn't recommend to anyone with full growth on neck or sensitive skin.

Very Good, Simeon Greenough - 14th June 2006

9/10

My second Panasonic shaver and this model is better than it's predecessor. Only drawback is that the floating head design is pretty useless - I leave it locked all the time. Notwithstanding the shave quality is excellent particulary with wet shaves.

I'm convinced, Alan - 9th June 2006

9/10

I've been a Braun man since I began to shave properly 30 years ago. When my last Braun (£150 unit) was giving up the ghost I looked at a replacement. I'd heard that rotary shavers were very comfortable and now matched foil units so I looked through the reviews here. When I read the reviews of this shaver though, and others elsewhere, I decided to chance it - and I'm pleased I did.

First, I...

Click to Read More > ordered it late on Thursday evening and it arrived first thing on Saturday (definitely not expected!). I've used it for a week, dry only, and it has performed very well. It does take a little bit of getting used to after a Braun. The trimmer between the two foil heads can be a bit rough, and the floating head is odd, but overall it gives the best shaves I've ever had from an electric shaver.

Farewell Flanders' Fields!, Bobby - 29th May 2006

10/10

After over 40 years of shaving with a blade I decided to take the plunge into electric shaving. This was precipitated by my decision to start shaving my head. My initial attempts to shave my head left it reminiscent of Flanders' Fields and a truce had to be called. This shaver has proved to give as close a shave to my head as a blade without the resultant carnage. I use it wet, in the shower, and, apart fro...

Click to Read More >m some irritation to sensitive areas such as my neck which I'm sure will pass, has proved excellent. The instructions suggest that shaving foam works best. I found that foam does not seem to provide sufficient lubrication and use gel. Easy to keep clean too.

Must also mention the service from this site. Great prices and excellent Customer Service!

A Great Shaver.......Look no Further !, John - 27th May 2006

10/10

Firstly... Excellent sevice! ordered Saturday delivered Tuesday morning, many thanks.

I had been using a Remington model which I was happy with but,have finally got fed up with all the foil replacements I have had to regularly keep buying. I opted for this ES8043, based mainly on the reviews read on this site,Panasonic wasn't an instant name for shavers in my mind but, I gave it a shot.
...

Click to Read More > I can honestly say that this is the best shaver that I have ever owned. It is comfortable to hold and gives a good close shave without any soreness.
I would recommended this model to anyone looking for a new Shaver, a real 5 star performer!

Brilliant, despite Selva!, John - 28th March 2006

10/10

I have had my ES8043 for a couple of months now and it gives a brilliant shave (almost as good as the best wet shave, but without the blood!) I always use it in the wet shave mode.

I can tell Selva, who doesn't seem happy with his, to be a bit more patient and use it in wet shave mode, he'll end up delighted. It takes your skin a couple of months to adapt to a different style of razor (I found this out with my previous razor, an old Panasonic). Persevere Selva!

Great razor!!, Martin - 19th March 2006

9/10

Firstly, fast delivery from shavers, good service.

I have a philishave which i've used for the last couple of years. The plastic head had broken and the cutters needed replacement which would have cost £50, so i thought i would spend a bit more and get a new shaver. I have a heavy beard growth and my get irritation on my neck area. The panasonic really is a great shaver. I normally use ...

Click to Read More >it dry with a preshave oil and it gives a very close shave with much less irritation than my old philishave. I have used it wet with shaving foam and it is as close as a mach 3 razor, without the pain, amazing!

great service, chris - 10th February 2006

9/10

Thanks for the prompt delivery of my panasonic shaver, which I bought to replace a philishave coolshave. That wasn't too bad but NOT a close shave, and the nivea lotion cartridges are far too expensive for the amount of lotion that you get- nearly a pound a shave!

I have shaved once with the ES8043 and so far so good... as close a shave as my tortuous gillette mach 3 but far easier and less painful. Brilliant service.

Totally disappointed , Selva - 28th January 2006

1/10

I am totally disappointed and unhappy with the product. The shave is not close, leaves some stubby areas & rough/dry skin and there is skin irritation. The M & M Cosmetics Bloc Men Pre-Shave Powder Stick I bought along with it is also not of much help. I did not want to rush to judge and hence waited and tried for few days before I give this review.

I wanted to buy a good electric shaver to save...

Click to Read More > time and give better shaves and was investing a significant amount. After lot of research, I was impressed by shavers.co.uk site and their recommendations and customers' reviews and bought this shaver. The company's service and delivery was very prompt, yet of no use.

Now I am stuck with this product and will not be able to invest this amount for quite some time and have returned back to wet shave.
While shavers.co.uk strongly recommend this product, no other site does this, but for some reason I felt to trust this website and feel a loser.
I would only give "0", but this site gives an option of giving scores between 1 to 10 only.

All customer reviews in this site for this product surprisingly is good, but then this is my experience.

Excellent - 1st class post (free) arrived next day - brill!, Simon Dawson - 27th January 2006

10/10

I have a heavy growth (5 o'clock shadow at midday!) plus I have problem hairs around my neck under my chin, where the hair grows along the skin rather than out from it. Philishaves have coped reasonably well, in the past, with these neck hairs but I had to persevere.

This Panasonic is the best shaver I have ever used! It DOES almost feel like a wet shave. Thanks to Simon from shavers.co....

Click to Read More >uk for his opinion and advice, I took what I considered to be a gamble with this one (previous foil shavers were useless - but that was about twenty years ago) and the neck hairs have now (with the rest of the facial growth) been removed with little effort.

Couldn't recommend it more and the service from shavers.co.uk was exceptional!

Outstanding Shave, Peter Cook - 26th January 2006

10/10

I replaced my top of the range Remington with the Panasonic linear and what a difference! Quieter, quicker, smoother and one charge lasts me up to six shaves whereas the Remington needed recharging after every shave. Needless to say I will be staying with Panasonic - a great buy and great service.

Fantastic Razor and Service, John - 22nd January 2006

10/10

My old razor gave up. Olympic provided a very fair quote to repair but I decided to buy a new razor. I like the choice of shaving wet or dry so picked the ES8043. It was posted in the morning and I was called to ask if I wanted my old razor posted back in the same parcel (I didn't). When the razor arrived (the next day as it happens). I shaved immediately - what a delight. Gentle with a really smooth result...

Click to Read More >. I recommend the shaver to anyone. Most imortantly I will recommend Olympic for fantastic service - I wouldn't go anywhere else now.

The best I've had or tried, roger - 21st January 2006

9/10

This shaver gives me the closest shave I've ever had from an electric razor, and comes very close to the best blade razor (about Mach 2.95, I'd say!). It's also surpisingly quiet to use.

I prefer to use it dry (with liquid 'pre-shave') as I just don't like to leave it wet, and it's fiddly to dry-out.

It's very good at dealing with longer hairs and I like the trimmer's ability t...

Click to Read More >o trim without scratching.

The only thing missing is a slightly more protective 'travel case'; the soft bag supplied would save it at all if it fell on a hard surface.

Excellent Shaver!!!, Tom - 16th January 2006

10/10

Leaves my old Philishave in the shade! Never dreamt an electric razor could be so efficient! Ardderchog!!

Brilliant Tool, Keith - 10th January 2006

10/10

I have had my ES8043 for about 4 weeks now and I use it whilst in the shower, and I use 'Nivea For Men' shaving gel with it and it is the BEST shave ever. Gone is my Philishave Coolskin rechargeable , who's battery packed up after 12 months, I thought that produced a close shave , but this ........ WoW, you have to try one to beleive it ! Well done Olympic, excellent firm to deal with and prompt delivery, will use you again and will recommend you to others. Happy New Year to you all.

FANTASTIC PRODUCT, DAVE - 5th December 2005

10/10

Having just purchased the panasonic ES4025 from shavers.co.uk, and finding it to be a revelation in shaving (how electric shavers have improved over the years!!) i have now bought the panasonic ES8043.

The quicker charge time and faster cutting speed + floating head will make the daily shaving chore much more bearable. If anybody is thinking of buying an electric shaver, i can recommend the panason...

Click to Read More >ic range, great products and fantastic value

I quite enjoy shaving now, never thought i'd say that in my lifetime!!!

Excellent, Peter Burrows - 2nd December 2005

10/10

My aging Boots shaver was finally dying on me & I was looking for a shaver that would give me a closer shave than I was getting - not feeling brave enough to use a blade early in the morning.

I read the reviews on here of the Panasonic wet & dry shaver, the £140 one, and was impressed but felt I couldn't justify spending that much. I than spotted this model which seemed to offer the same a...

Click to Read More >t a better price.

Ordered late Tuesday evening, delivered Thursday morning - excellant service.

As for the shaver - first used dry, better than all my previous shavers. Used wet with either foam or gel - a revelation - I didn't realise an electric shaver could be this good with a very close cut. Some shaving rash, but after 3 weeks of daily use this has ended.

All in all - I can thoroughly recomend this shaver!

Excellent, Bob Parker - 10th November 2005

9/10

Excellent shave with Nivea sensitive foam;Great design and cleaning with the sonic feature is terrific.After being a Braun and Remington man i've now changed to Panasonic for good.Great service too.Buy and enjoy!

excellent service, K Milner-Richardson - 3rd November 2005

9/10

Excellent easy to use service.

good performance, John - 16th October 2005

9/10

First electric shaver I have ever used. I have been very impressed with the Panasonic Linear Drive Shaver from Shavers.co.uk. It took a little getting used to but my shaving is improving all the time. The reason I opted for this Panasonic shaver is because you can either have a wet or dry shave. I was impressed with the speed that the shaver was dispatched, I ordered it on Sunday afternoon and received it the following Tuesday morning.

Great Performance, Geoff - 27th September 2005

8/10

Second Panasonic Linear Drive shaver from Shavers.co.uk and I was very impressed with their honesty and service on both occassions. Shaver gives a really close shave but is much lighter than my previous model (8026) making it more pleasant to use. Pivoting head is a must have now for all my future shavers, it really speeds up shaving and helps in the difficult areas.