The Arc 5, aka Lamdash Pro 5 or Series 900, is one of Panasonic’s most popular lines of electric shavers.
Many of them offer fantastic performance for the money, especially the older models that can often be bought at a discount.
Since its introduction back in 2009, the defining characteristic of the Arc 5 series has been the massive shaving head with 5 individual cutting elements.
Currently in its fourth generation, a lot has changed in the design and material choice of the Arc 5 shavers.
However, the foils and blades used by the various Arc 5 models have mostly undergone incremental changes — with one notable exception.
And this can make things difficult when it’s time to replace them with new ones.
Moreover, there’s a lot of cross-generation compatibility when it comes to Arc 5 replacement foils and blades.
As a result, newer foils and blades are actually compatible with older Arc 5 shavers (and vice-versa), which means you can give your Arc 5 a quick and easy upgrade.
This practical guide will address all of that and show you precisely which foils and blades will fit your Panasonic Arc 5.
The Arc 5 shaving head: a quick overview
Before getting started, it’s important to note that most Panasonic Arc 5 shavers have two (removable) inner blades, while the other three blades are integrated into the foil block itself.
Only the latest (fourth generation) Arc 5 shavers use a totally different design where all 5 blades are integrated into the foil, and all 5 are non-removable.
So throughout this guide, whenever I mention the word blades, I am only referring to the pair of removable inner blades.
These two blades are exactly the same among all Panasonic Arc 5 models that use this system.
The part number of the removable blades is WES9170, sometimes listed as WES9170P.
The foils however can be different and have different part numbers.
But any Arc 5 foil and blades set out there actually contains the same two inner blades, namely the WES9170.
As a side note, you have the option to buy the inner blades and outer foil either separately or as a set (a set is usually more advantageous in terms of costs).
The set will have a different part number than the inner blades and outer foil it comprises.
Again, the exception is the newest generation (aka Arc 5 PRO or Series 900 PRO) with all the 5 blades integrated into the foil, so you’ll always be replacing just that single piece.
Important: the part numbers for Panasonic foils and blades usually start with ES. However, sometimes you’ll see them starting with WES or even having a Y or P at the end.
Just know that these refer to the same parts and are only related to packaging, the region where they’re being sold, and so on.
Identifying the foils and blades of your Arc 5 shaver
As mentioned at the beginning, there are four different Arc 5 generations between 2009 and the present day.
Moreover, the third generation comprises 8 different shaver revisions that come with 4 different foils.
Obviously, going over every single Arc 5 variation would be extremely lengthy, and, I might add, unnecessary for the purpose of this guide.
Side note: if you do want to read about every single Arc 5 model, you can check out my in-depth comparison guide.
Instead, we’ll be grouping all the different Arc 5 shavers ever made into just 3 categories, depending entirely on the type (or style) of foil they use.
1. Old-style foil (no comfort rollers)
| Foil | Inner blades | Foil + blades set |
|---|---|---|
| WES9173P (ES9173, WES9173Y) | WES9170 | ES9032 |
This one is the oldest (original) Arc 5 foil design that actually debuted on the very first generation.
However, it is still present on some of the current Arc 5 models, like the ES-LV65, ES-LV67, ES-LV69 or the USA-exclusive ES-ALV6H.
This foil is readily available in many countries and the price is generally lower compared to the newer foil iterations.
It’s very easy to identify since it’s a simple design, without any comfort rollers and all the cutters are silver.
If your Arc 5 came with this style of foil, it’s most likely an older or a more budget-friendly, global model.
2. New style (with comfort rollers)
| Foil | Inner blades | Foil+blades set | Release year |
|---|---|---|---|
| WES9175 | WES9170 | ES9034 (WES9034P) | 2015 |
| WES9177 (WES9177Y, ES9177) | WES9170 | WES9036 (WES9036Y, ES9036) | 2017 |
| ES9179 | WES9170 | ES9038 | 2019 |
| ES9181 | WES9170 | ES9040 (WES9040Y) | 2021 |
In 2015, Panasonic introduced a new foil design for the Arc 5, featuring a pair of comfort rollers that rotate freely to help the head glide more easily on the skin.
The rollers can be either gold or silver (on the newer shaver models).
In addition to that, these foils also come with a tweaked slit trimmer that should be better at capturing longer, flat-lying hairs.
There are a total of four different Arc 5 foils with comfort rollers.
They have different part numbers and were incrementally improved.
The real-world differences between them are marginal and mostly consist of a slightly tweaked slit trimmer for better effectiveness with flat-lying hairs.
Having used all of them, I can confirm that they all feel pretty much the same.
3. New style (without comfort rollers)
| Foil + blades (non-removable) block | Release year |
|---|---|
| ES9510 | 2024 |
This one is the latest Arc 5 foil design and it’s specific to the Generation 4 shavers that were initially released only in Japan and Australia.
In 2026, they were released in the USA as well under the Arc 5 PRO name.
Oddly, Panasonic ditched the comfort rollers and also modified the cutting elements.
As such, we have 3 foil cutters (instead of 4) and 2 gold slit trimmers instead of one.
Moreover, the cutters are a bit thinner and closer together, which means the shaving head of the fourth-generation Arc 5 PRO/Lamdash PRO 5 is smaller compared to the previous ones.
But the most important change is that now all 5 blades are integrated into the foil block and are non-removable.
As we saw, the other two foil designs above have two inner (removable) blades.
For this reason, this third foil style is only compatible with the fourth-generation Arc 5 PRO shavers.
It will not fit the other (older) Arc 5 shavers.
Which replacement foils and blades will fit my Arc 5?
Your Arc 5 came with one of the three foil styles above and should be very straightforward to identify visually, in particular the presence or absence of the two comfort rollers:
Based on that, we will see what options you have for replacing the foil and blades.
We’ll first check out the replacement parts that originally came with your shaver (and are officially recommended by the manufacturer) and then other compatible parts, which can be either newer or older.
Let’s now see which foils and blades will fit every Panasonic Arc 5, regardless of the generation.
1. Shavers with the Old style foil (no rollers)
If your Arc 5 originally came with the Old style foil (shavers like the ES-LV65/ES-LV95, ES-LV67/ES-LV97, ES-LV69, ES-ALV6H etc.), then the official replacement would be a set with the old style foil, namely the ES9032 (aka WES9032P).
| Part type | Part no | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Foil & Blades Set | ES9032 (WES9032P, WES9032Y) | See on Amazon |
However, any of the New style foils with comfort rollers will also fit perfectly.
So if you want to give your Arc 5 a small upgrade, you can buy and use any of the following sets: ES9034, ES9036, ES9038, ES9040.
| Part type | Part no | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Foil & Blades Set | ES9034 | See on Amazon |
| Foil & Blades Set | ES9036 | See on Amazon |
| Foil & Blades Set | ES9038 | See on Amazon Jp |
| Foil & Blades Set | ES9040 | See on Amazon UK |
I listed these sets chronologically and the newer, the better (but only slightly, if at all).
But how are these four foils better than the Old style foil?
First of all, they are gentler.
The foil in the Old style set (no rollers) can be a bit too aggressive if you have sensitive skin.
Any of the four sets/foil variations with comfort rollers are smoother and more forgiving, especially during a dry shave.
The middle slit trimmer is also tweaked, but in my experience is still pretty ineffective with longer, flat-lying hairs, especially if they grow in different directions.
But if you can buy any of these 4 foil sets with comfort rollers, with the ES9040 being the newest, and for a fair price, I think it’s a great option.
You can always fall back to the original (Old style) foil without the rollers if you can’t source the newer ones.
The original is in fact easier to find, especially in the USA, and should cost a bit less as well.
2. Shavers with the New style foil with comfort rollers
If your shaver originally came with the New style foil with comfort rollers, you can of course buy any of the four available sets of this type.
Here is (again) the table with the part numbers:
| Part type | Part no | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Foil & Blades Set | ES9034 | See on Amazon |
| Foil & Blades Set | ES9036 | See on Amazon |
| Foil & Blades Set | ES9038 | See on Amazon Jp |
| Foil & Blades Set | ES9040 | See on Amazon UK |
A few popular Arc 5 razors that came with these foils are the ES-LV6Q, ES-LV9Q, ES-LV6U, ES-LV9U, ES-PV3A, etc.
Again, the newest set of this type is the ES9040, which will be a small upgrade if your shaver came with one of the previous ES9034, ES9036 or ES9038.
Moreover, the ES9034 and ES9036 are discontinued, so you will have no option but to upgrade to a newer set like the ES9038 or ES9040.
The differences between these 4 foils with comfort rollers are however minimal.
Important: the latest New style foil (without rollers) will NOT be compatible with your shaver.
Now, even if your Arc 5 (or Lamdash Pro 5 as it is called in Japan, or Series 900 in Europe) came with these foils with comfort rollers, you can also downgrade and buy the Old style set (without rollers), the ES9032.
It will fit perfectly and this is actually a worthy option.
Panasonic ES9032 set
As mentioned earlier, this set usually costs less and is readily available.
Moreover, it shaves just as close as the ones with the rollers.
In fact, some users prefer it as they feel like the rollers sometimes get in the way a bit.
I haven’t had any problems with the rollers, but it’s something to consider.
3. Shavers with the New style foil without comfort rollers
As we know, this foil that has all the blades built in (similar to Braun), is only compatible with the latest Arc 5 (PRO) generation 4 shavers, like ES-L580U, ES-L570W, ES-L570D, ES-L550U, ES-L550D.
The two USA models, namely the ES-L550WS and ES-L580WS, also use this foil.
If you own any of these shavers, you can only use this foil block (part number ES9510).
It is usually available directly from Panasonic Japan or amazon.co.jp.
It should become available in the USA as well.
For the time being, there are no upgrade or downgrade options.
Takeaway: Arc 5 foil and blades compatibility
As long as your Arc 5 shaver came with either the Old style foil (no rollers) or any of the New style foils WITH rollers, you can mix and match them any way you like.
So simply buy the replacement foil and blades set you can easily source and has a reasonable price.
Only the New style foil WITHOUT rollers will not fit.
That one will only work with the newest generation 4 Arc 5 (PRO) shavers.
Conclusion
I think it’s important for current (and future) Panasonic Arc 5 owners to know that they have quite a few options and flexibility when it comes to buying replacement foils and blades.
Because the removable blades are the same since always and the shape of the foil frame has remained unchanged, any foils/sets will fit any Arc 5 shaver.
Again, the only exception to this is the newest Generation 4 Arc 5 PRO/Lamdash PRO 5/Series 900 PRO with the New style foil without rollers and all 5 blades built in.
For example, even if older shavers like ES-LV65-S get discontinued and the (official) replacement parts are phased out as well, these shavers can still be valid options since you can buy and use the New style foil set (with comfort rollers).
Also, if you bought a newer Arc 5 (with comfort rollers) and you can’t find the exact foils it came with, you can always buy an older set as it will fit just fine.
Hopefully, this post managed to clear up some of the confusion caused by the lack of information regarding this topic, namely the cross-compatibility of various Arc 5 replacement foils.
If you have any other questions, make sure to post them in the comments below.
Disclaimer: shavercheck.com and the author of this post are not responsible for any damage caused to your device. Always follow the instructions in your shaver’s user manual.
Hi Ovidiu,
I’ve been using my ES-LV65-S for about four months. A couple of months ago, I bought the newest ES9036 blades. My experience was different from yours. I did not like the newer blades, and returned them after a few days.
The comfort rollers seemed to prevent full contact of the blades with my skin, and caused a different and, to me, confusing sensation of what was going on as I was shaving. With the original blades I clearly feel what is going on, and am able to easily exert the right amount of pressure.
Perhaps I should have tried the blades for a longer period to see whether I could get used to them.
In any case, I get almost no irritation from the original blades with daily dry shaving.
Thanks again for your web site, which was instrumental in steering me to the ES-LV65-S, which shaves much closer, with much less irritation, and faster than the Norelcos I used for decades.
Thanks also for your material on oiling blades. There is no mention of this in the US manual, and no oil was included.
Steve
Hi Steve,
Thank you for your feedback on this, that’s actually very interesting. I clearly noticed the presence of the bars as well and at first it did feel a bit odd, however in my case this didn’t seem to bother me. I still find them a bit more comfortable than the older foil, but I wouldn’t necessarily attribute this entirely to the rollers. The three integrated blades and their corresponding foils may be tweaked a bit as well.
I’m glad to hear the ES-LV65-S is still working great for you.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you are the. Best
You are very welcome, glad I could be of help.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Wow maybe that’s why they went back to non roller blades
Could be, then again the cost of manufacturing will be reduced as well by ditching the rollers. User feedback for the foils with rollers has been overwhelmingly positive, and they kept the roller for the latest Arc 6 as well.
The main benefit in my opinion is that without the rollers, the 5 cutters can be placed closer together, making the shaving head significantly more compact.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you… I am seeing 9036/38 and “9040 on eBay from Japan. Should I just go with the 9040? All pretty same prices
Sure, if the price is the same, then you might as well get the newest.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for taking the time to pass this information along.
You are very welcome, Michael. Glad you found it useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for this information. Very useful. It´s good to know that the previous generations of Panasonic Arc 5 shavers can use the newest blades without issues.
My question would be; Is it worth getting the ES-LV65 model or should I wait for new generation and see if the upgrade is gonna be significant?
Thank you
Hi Aleks,
Thank you for your comment. In my opinion, given the current prices, availability and overall performance difference between the two generations, the ES-LV65-S would be the one to buy right now.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for the informative article, but I was hoping you’d address the difference between the ES-LV61 and ES-LV61-A. I’m looking for the foil/blade set for the former model.
Hi Randy,
Thank you for your comment. Both are really the same, the ES-LV61 is just the more generic model name, while the ES-LV61-A is the blue variation. That last letter is often left out as it’s not really relevant.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
you speak about backward compatibility but I didn’t understand if there is also a forward compatibility.
Let’s say I want to use the Foil & Blades Set WES9032P in the razor LV9Q. Would it be possibile?
Thank you
Hi Elton,
Yes, that would be possible. I actually addressed this issue in the article as well (the compatible foils & blades section for the third generation Arc 5).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Dang man. Your reviews and breakdown are super legit! Well done sir! Really appreciate it.
Thank you for the kind words, Mike. Much appreciated!
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello,
It looks like a tooth on the popup trimmer of my arc 5 maybe broke, can that be replaced?
Hi Alejandro,
Generally yes and for the more popular Arc 5 variations you can even find it online. What’s the Arc 5 model you have?
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have the ES-LV95.
Thanks for the help.
In that case you would need the following part number: Panasonic WESELV9L1507
At least in Europe the part is pretty easy to source online.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Good Article!
Thank you, Robert. Glad you found it useful.
–Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I must say that this is one of the most detailed and well written analysis I’ve ever read! I just ordered a ES-LV65-S to replace my 5 year old ES-LV81. I’ve been using Panasonic’s fine shavers for a decade after using Brauns for several years. I have a few questions. First, I’ve never used any oil on ANY of my electric shavers; what’s your recommendation? Do you generally replace the foils and blades at the same time and also, how often? After reading this, It’s my understanding that you opted for the ES9036 set for your shaver; is that correct? Thanks again for all of your hard work and help!
Regards,
Jack
Hi Jack,
Many thanks for your comment, glad you found the article useful.
I clean my shavers most of the time using water and soap, so I pretty much have to use either a light oil (fine machine oil, clipper oil, etc.) or a spray lubricant (my favorite is Remington Shaver Saver). This makes a noticeable difference to the performance of my Panasonic shavers — the foils remain significantly cooler, the shave is closer and more comfortable and I’m pretty sure that the foils and blades will last longer as well. Soap removes pretty much any form of lubrication, so if you don’t use soap you could get away with not lubricating the blades (or doing it less often). But it is highly recommended that at least from time to time to apply a drop of oil on the outside of each foil. I wrote a detailed guide on that as well if you want to check it out.
I prefer to change both the blades and the foils even when some of them seem to be in better shape. Pairing a worn foil with new blades won’t get the best out of the blades and some micro-warping of the foils may actually increase the wear of the new blades.
As for how often I change them, I really couldn’t say since I have literally dozens of electric shavers and I rotate them heavily. It’s almost impossible to keep track of all the parts, so I stopped doing it altogether. The ES9036 set that appears in this post originally came from a revision C Arc 5, but I’ve tried it on my ES-LV65-S and works perfectly. So you can certainly get it in the future for your Panny.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu,
Very much and thank you again.
Best regards,
Jack
Hi guys,
Rather stupid questions, but how do you remove inner blades on ES-CV65-S? Do you just pull them up?
Thank you,
Max
Hi Max,
Don’t worry, that’s not a stupid question at all. You basically grab the blade by the plastic ends between your thumb and index finger and simply pull it straight. Sometimes they’re a little stubborn and takes a bit of work to get them out, so just take your time and make sure your fingers aren’t wet or slippery. Also, always hold the blades by the plastic extremities between your thumb and index finger when you’re putting them back as they’re quite sharp and you can actually cut yourself.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
My panasonic shaver es lv 81 has been loosing its battery drain after 60% (3 1/2 years old). Therefore I am considering purchasing the es-lv 97. If I purchase the es lv 67 can I use my older charging and cleaning system that I used for my es lv 81 shaver?
Thanks, Steve
Hi Steve,
Unfortunately no, your existing cleaning station will not work with the ES-LV97.
–Ovidiu
Hi Steve,
You can unassemble the shaver and change the battery. I believe WESLV9ZL2508 will fit your shaver. Ovidiu Nicolae, please correct me if I am wrong.
Hi Rob,
Thank you for your comment. You are correct, the WESLV9ZL2508 should fit just fine. I think the WES8163L2505 and WESLV95L2508 were the older battery that originally came with the shaver and are probably discontinued.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hey Ovidiu,
I received my Panasonic ES-LV61-A Arc5 on Christmas Day 2015 and it’s still going strong. While looking for replacement foil and blades I came across your site. I just ordered the Panasonic Replacement Blade Set for 5-blade ES9036 (Compatible ES9034 ES9032) from Amazon.
Thanks for the tip!
Hi Ralph,
No problem, glad you found it useful. Hope you’ll enjoy shaving with the new set!
–Ovidiu
Hi,
I am considering to buy a new Panasonic shaver for a replacement of ES-LV61 which take to much time to shave eve after blade/foil and battery switch.
So I am wondering what is the difference between the ES-LV9EX and LV9E ?
Thanks
Hi Vivien,
The LV9EX has a brushed aluminum body, while the LV9E is made out of plastic. Also, the LV9EX comes with a leather case and features a smart lock function (it unlocks automatically when you hold it in your hand). The LV9E only comes with a soft faux leather pouch. Performance-wise, they are absolutely identical.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Nicolae,
Thank you very much for these precisions. There is quiet a price difference between these 2 versions (around 70-80 €) that’s a bit to much for such few changes.
I think I’ll go with the regular “E” version on Rakuten Japan as it’s not pricier than the Q version we have in Europe.
Thanks !
No problem (I would do the same in this situation).
Hi Ovidiu,
Thanks for this article!
Quick question.. I’m considering buying a gen 2 model (ES-LV97-K) with the cleaning station.
Do you happen to know if I’ll still be able to use the station if I upgrade the foils to that of a Gen 3? I’ve read in a previous article that it might not fit.
Thanks,
Min
Hi Min,
Yes, you’ll still be able to use the station. I replied here with more details as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for a very informative article. You talked quite a bit about backward compatibility, but can I use the 3rd generation foil / blade set with my Panasonic ES-LV81? Would there be any benefit, What blade and foil would you recommend.
Hi Brad,
Thank you for your comment. As mentioned in the article, you can use the third generation foils/blades on your LV81. The main benefit, at least in my experience, was a smoother and more comfortable shave and the foils also remained cooler. I didn’t notice any improvements to the closeness which was already excellent, to be honest. You can get the WES9034P or the WES9036 set (whichever you can find at a better price).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Thanks for your informative article on blades and foils.
On my ES-LV65 I have a problem with the removable piece the foils fit into.
The chrome plating is coming off due to corrosion which leaves a sharp edge in contact with my skin.
Any advice on where to buy a replacement part?
Regards
Edwin
Hi Edwin,
You are very welcome, glad you found it useful.
The part number of the foil frame is WESELV8S0047. You can find it online on various websites like eBay or Encompass.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for the part number Ovidiu. I’ve found several suppliers online and will order it tomorrow.
Regards
Edwin
if there was only a way to sharpen the cutter blades…
That’s almost impossible with this type of blades. You can shapen rotary blades and get decent results, but in the case of foils shavers, you’ll have to buy new ones.
ES-LV95-S can use ES9036?? Thanks
Yes, it can use the ES9036 set.
Thanks Ovidiu
Ovidiu Nicolae,
Thank you for the article. You did the great job.
Thank you so much Rob, glad you found it useful.
I have installed the new ES9038 foil and blades in my ES-LV9DX-S razor and it fits perfectly even though it states it is for the Rev. EX. So it is backwards compatible at least one alphabetic iteration.
Thank you for info, Paul, much appreciated. It will also fit the older generations as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Love my Panasonic razor. Much better shave than my two previous razors (both Braun). It’s time to replace the foil and blades, but I have no idea which generation I’m using. The booklet says it’s a Model No. ES-LV65 and the part is WES9032. Any help on identifying the generation and where I can locate the replacement foil/blae combo? Thanks!
Hi David,
Your ES-LV65 is a generation 2 Arc 5 shaver, so the required foil & blade set is indeed the WES9032 (sometimes listed as ES9032, WES9032P or WES9032Y). They all refer to the same part. You can also use a newer foil and blade set, you can find the part numbers in the Compatible Foils & Blades table in the article. Amazon usually carries these sets.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Awesome!! Thanks so much for your response. I was so lucky to have come across this page.
Please Help
Man, shaving should not be such a chore. Isn’t the shave itself work enough and not I have to research what shaver foil or blades for what shaver and on top of it what generation.
I bough the Panasonic ES-LV9N 5-Blade generation who the hell knows, because I found it on super sale. Now I find the replacement blades will cost me more than I think I should be spending on shaving.
I still don’t know what are the lowest compatible part I can get for this damn thing or what is the high end parts I could get should I decided to cash in my stock options.
Please
Hi Robert,
The most reasonably priced compatible set for your shaver is usually the WES9032P. The newer parts are most of the time more expensive (WES9034P, WES9036). Your shaver originally came with the WES9034P foil & blades set. When it’s time to replace them, just get the cheaper one you can find out of these 3 options. The differences between them in terms of performance are really not that noticeable.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Salut Ovidiu,
Many thanks for your well documented advice on all matters regarding electric shavers. Following your research, I did buy the Panasonic ES LV65 back in 2018. I did change the foil and blades in 2019 with the same type, but now, after taking your advice, I bought the updated WES9036 spares. Will replace them this coming weekend.
Well done on this really professional website – definitely the no.1 in terms of useful advice offered.
Toate cele bune,
Valentin
Thank you for your comment, Valentin, much appreciated. Glad you found the information useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu
Great website and reviews, Thanks.
I own a Lv-65, 15 months life.
I think now it is time to replace the head.
But not sure. Does the shaver notify when head must be replaced?
If yes, i world like to upgrade to last model head, WES9036, to improve the performance.
Any website do you recommend?
On eBay i have found it for 60€, seems a little bit expensive.
Any advise?
Thanks
Regards
Giovanni
Hi Giovanni,
Thank you for your comment, much appreciated.
The LV65 does actually have a reminder, but you shouldn’t rely (entirely) on it. It should show up when the shaver estimates that you have been using it for 12 months, but it’s really up to you to decide the moment. If the shaver doesn’t seem to cut as well anymore, it takes a lot of time to complete a shave, the closeness suffers or the foils get really hot, then you should probably replace the foil + inner blades.
I personally get all my parts from Amazon and never had any issues. The price tends to vary, so I would keep an eye on the set for a while. You could also get the parts directly from Panasonic, but you’ll have to check it with your local Panasonic importer.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu
In order to upgrade LV65-S head with new one do you suggest Wes9036y or 9038 or 9034?
I have found wes9036y Around 60€ but would like to be sure it will fit with my shaver and will be the best head in the market right now between different available models
Thanks
Regards
Giovanni
Hi Giovanni,
In my opinion the differences between all those revisions are pretty minor, especially between 9036 and 9038. So I would go with the 9036 set, it’s probably also easier to get and costs less than the 9038. It will definitely fit your shaver.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks Ovidiu
Appreciated
Probably my shaver has not reminded me yet because i shave myself any other day.
Not every day;)
Anyway performance are decreasing afferma 15 months and foils are becoming hot…
I will follow your advise: wes9036 to test the new head.
I have found full set on eBay: 60€.
But not available on Amazon.
Thanks!!
Hi Ovidiu,
I have two ES-LV-61A shavers. I ordered replacement blades and screens for both of these shavers and Amazon sent me two of the WES 9034P blades and screens (with the gold bars). Will these work on my ES-LV-61A shavers – and will I still get the same close shave or better? Thank you so much!
Hi Rob,
Yes, the WES9034P set will fit your shavers. Regarding the closeness, as I mentioned in the article, I find it to be pretty much the same compared to the foils without the bars. However, given that these are new parts with zero wear, you will likely get a closer shave compared to the older foils & blades.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks Ovidiu! Great website by the way!
One last question, I ordered WES9036P but they sent me WES9034P. I have read by some that WES9036P is better in some reviews, and other reviews who say there is no difference between the two. What do you say?
Thanks again!
Rob
You are very welcome, Rob. WES9036P is supposed to be marginally better — in my experience the differences are negligible and most users won’t even be able to notice them.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, thanks for your article it’s a very comprehensive report. I’m looking for my father who is 95 and I know nothing about shavers, but he needs a replacement set of blades for his Panasonic ESLV95. Which set would you recommend that will fit his shaver. Thank you in advance.
Hi Sue,
You are very welcome, glad you found it useful. As mentioned in the article, you should get the WES9032P set for the ES-LV95. Other newer sets will fit it as well, but those are usually more expensive and will not bring significant improvements (to me they seem to be a bit more comfortable).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello Ovidiu.
Thank you for your very informative shaver website. Great information.
I have the ES-LV9N-S shaver. It seems the inner blades (WES9170/WES9170P) are out of stock at this point in time.
Will the ES9170 inner blades work? If not, can you suggest an alternative inner blade part number. Cheaper is better.
Hello Jose,
Thank you, glad you found the site useful. It should work just fine, if I recall correctly that’s simply the name of the part for the Japanese market.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello, Thanks the comprehensive information.
Is it possible to get a replacement head cover for the es lv65 ?
Hey Bernard,
Yes it is, the part number for the head cover is WESLV94X7158. Doing a google search for that will present you with quite a few options to buy it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Again wonderfully detailed… wank and shill free info. I’ve used your site for the last few shavers I’ve bought (series 7 then arc 5 for closer). Now I find myself needing blades for my arc 5. Do to the relatively high cost $62 for new blades vs my used $42 eBay arc5 I wanted to make sure it was still the top of the line in closeness and there wasn’t some other used razor I should shoot for, or even a better rendition of the arc5. Seems to be just that. Thanks to your website I found out that I can try the new blade rendition, so I can feel like I’m getting something for my money. I hope you’re using affiliate links, because you deserve something for your efforts.
Really love how you break down small iteration changes between generations. Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much for your comment and support, Josh. Glad you found the website useful!
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for this, it helped me a lot. I bought WES9034 as a replacement for over 1-year-old original WES9036, time will tell if the replacement is as good as the original. I like the golden rollers, they are comfortable for me. I’m also surprised that they are going strong after a year.
Thank you for your comment, Kris. Glad you found the post useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello,
Great website! Can I use a WES9170 blade/foil set instead of a WES9032P? The WES9170 is much cheaper
Hello Russ
WES9170 is the part number of just the two inner blades, it is not a set. The WES9032P is actually the set comprised of both the inner blades and the foils, hence the higher price.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for your detailed information.
After owning several electric shavers, my experience has been that the replacement blades never cut as close or last as long as the original blades that come with the new shaver. I would love to see someone like Consumer Reports do a study to see if this is true. In the meantime, I’ll continue to purchase replacement blades and hope for the best. Thanks
Thank you for your comment, Doug. This is a tricky one to put to the test. The quality of the replacement blades can vary among different manufacturers (the parts are sometimes outsourced, the quality control can vary as well); it is a very heated topic with mixed experiences among different users.
The only thing you can do is to make sure you’re buying genuine replacement parts from a reputable vendor.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks!
I have the LV65 with no “S”. I could not see what options I have above. My main problem is the hairs on my neck, which grow a little longer and then seem to evade the shaver. Can you tell me what options I have for my current shaver?
Also, should I get a “neck shaver”…or some other shaver that would, with one or 2 passes, cut these neck hairs and then do my usual shave? It seems that if I go a few days without a shave, then I need to use the trimmer for the next and then try the shave again. Thanks.
The S in ES-LV65-S only stands for Silver, so it’s really the same model, regardless how you refer to it. You can safely use the foils & blades recommended in the article for the ES-LV65-S.
Panasonic shavers in general don’t fare too well with longer and flat hairs. To get around this, you can either try to shave more often, use the pop-up trimmer to cut the stubborn hairs, or, as you’ve mentioned, buy a second tool just for this. Using a pre-shave lotion can help as well (more details here).
Some electric shavers (both foil and rotary) are better with these hairs, but I don’t think it’s worth getting one just for this. The ones that are really good (Braun Series 7/9, Philips S9000 Prestige) are also very expensive, so I would try the aforementioned tweaks.
If you still want to go this route I would check out the Philips OneBlade as it’s cheap and should be suitable for pre-trimming those difficult hairs (it’s not designed to cut them really close to the skin, so you’ll have to follow-up with your Panasonic).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for information. Very helpful.
I bought a Panasonic shaver, ES-CLV56, from Japan in 2015. It had been worked quite well until recently. It won’t shave as clean as before. I believe the foil and blade need to be replaced. The original blade is ES9170 and foil is ES9173. On Amazon, I found ES9170 and WES9173P. 1. Can these two replace the original one I have? 2. These two items are sold on Amazon separately, so quite pricy. There is a set, WES9032P, also available at much lower price. Can it replace my original one? Thanks for your thought.
Hi Chip,
Thank you for your comment.
1. Yes, they will fit perfectly. They’re really the same parts as the ones listed for your shaver.
2. Also yes, the WES9032P set actually contains the same blades and outer foils sold separately. Buying the set is usually a lot more convenient.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you so much. Appreciate your quick response.
Chip
Hi, thank you for your article. I own an ES-LV6N and in Europe it is now impossible to find WES9034 (foil + blades) and even WES9175 (outer foil) is hard to find. Panasonic customer service has been totally uncooperative to find a solution. Could you please recommend an alternative? Y get lost with all the different model names. I find it shameful that Panasonic would leave customers in such a situation. Thank you so much in advance.
Hi Mark,
You have a few options available, precisely the newer WES9036 (sometimes listed as WES9036Y or ES9036) and ES9038 foil+blades sets. Alternatively, you could also get the older WES9032P set used on the first and second generation Arc 5. They lack the two gold rollers, but are still really good parts and usually cheaper.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for this terrific website. Two questions for you:
1) I have a ESLV65 shaver, about 3 years old. I want to replace the foil and blade with WES9036 parts, which I understand you to recommend. Given that the cost of these is around 40-50% of teh cost of a new shaver, do you think it is worth it to replace the foil and blades, or should I just go ahead and buy a new ESLV65? What I am worried about is the battery on my shaver. It seems fine now, but how much life might be left in it? Do these batteries typically last 4-5 years? I generally shave every day..
2) Is there a Panasonic razor that shaves as well as the ESLV 65 with a different handle? My previous shaver was a Panasonic ESLA63, which I found more comfortable to hold, though it may not have shaved quite as close as the ESLV65.
Any suggestions you can give would be much appreciated. Thank you. regards, jean l
ps I note that one of your correspondents was unhappy with the rollers on the WES9036 foil. Is this an uncommon complaint in your experience?
Hi Jean,
Thank you for the kind words, much appreciated.
1) Considering the price you’ll be paying on a new shaver and on a new set and that your current ES-LV65 is 3 years old, you may as well buy the new shaver. Panasonic says that the battery should last for 3 years and even though in practice they do last longer than that, anything on top of the 3 to 4 years after daily use is just a bonus.
2) Well, there are the newer Arc 5 models like the ES-LV67, ES-LV6Q and so on which do have a different design, but I don’t know if you would actually like the handle better. I also own the ES-LA63 and its handle is slimmer and more sculpted, but I’m personally not bothered with the ES-LV65.
As for the rollers, it’s really just personal preference, but I think most users won’t have any trouble with them. Some do not like the newer foils as they feel the rollers get in the way of getting a really close shave.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
HI Ovidiu. Thanks very much for your reply. Very helpful. I forgot to ask:
Is the battery on the ES-LV65 replaceable? and if so, is it cost effective to do so??
Thank again for your website, certainly the best shaver website I have seen on the internet. Regards jl
No problem, glad I could be of help. It is not officially user-replaceable, but there are quite a few who have successfully swapped it. You can even find a few tutorials on YouTube. But do keep in mind that the waterproofing of the shaver will likely be compromised once you open it, so you’ll have to keep that in mind when cleaning it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi
I have replaced the battery in my ES-LV61 using a tutorial on Youtube. Quite easy.
Don’t worry about waterproofing as long as you just clean the shaver head with running water, but I wouldn’t use the shaver in the shower.
Sincerely
Flemming
Hey Flemming,
Many thanks for your comment. That would indeed be the main concern — cleaning the razor with water. I would also avoid storing it in a room with high humidity, steam, and so on like the bathroom.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Please could you explain the difference between the LV65 and the LV65S shavers ?
Hi,
They’re really the same shavers — the S only stands for Silver, so LV65 is just a shorthand way of referring to it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu
In order to upgrade LV65-S head with new one, I have found wes9036y and wes9034y at same price (60€):I understood both will fit with my shaver.
Are both of them exactly the same in erms of performance?
Do you recommend 36 or 34?
Another option would be looking around for the newer version wes9038y
Thanks for your help
Regards
Giovanni
Hi Giovanni,
the WES9036Y is the newer foil and it uses a revised central trimmer; its benefits over the WES9034 seem to be minor, but since you can get them both at the same price, then you may as well buy the newer one. I personally wouldn’t bother getting the latest ES9038. Officially, that middle trimmer has been renamed, but they don’t mention the actual differences and it looks extremely similar to the WES9036Y.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks Ovidiu
I will buy wes9036y
I will let you know my impressions
I am also evaluating to try Braun series 9 9385 (discounted at 289€), instead of spending 60€ for new panasonic foils/blades, since the braun cleaning station seems very good and series 9 less aggressive than panasonic for sensitive skin.
My panasonic is 2 years old shaver.
What do you think comparing series 9 with panasonic? Is it really an upgrade/worth the money 200€ difference?
You are very welcome. The Series 9 is a better option if you need a practical cleaning station and if you’re getting some skin irritation/razor burn from the Arc 5. Otherwise, it would probably be best to stick to your current shaver if you’re happy with the results and it’s still in good shape.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu, I have bought wes9036y replacement for my LV-65.
I confirm you 100% fit. It is really a major upgrade in my opinion, as you described. It is more gentle on the skin and the 2 gold bars are really useful. My razor is now brand new, spending 1/4 comparing a switch to braun series 9. Thanks for the advice!
Hi Giovanni,
You are very welcome. That’s great, I’m glad you’re happy with your upgraded LV65.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
How easy is it to change the blades? Is there a correct way to do this? I have to say that it isn’t the most elegant solution.
It’s very easy, actually. The inner blades must be grabbed by the plastic ends and pulled straight off the head. The new ones must be inserted in their place (also holding them by the extremities). The foil has two tabs that must be squeezed in order to remove it from the frame. Your shaver’s user manual shows these operations in greater detail.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I just purchased the ES-LV95 S…..I am confused about the foil combinations….so here is my question: can I use the new “gold” foils on the ES-LV 95 S shaver?
Hi,
Yes, you can use the new foils with the gold rollers on the ES-LV95.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Appreciate the information. I am now going to upgrade the parts in my ES-LV65 but wanted to purchase a cleaning station as well. I found this one
https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Replacement-Clean-Charge-ES-LV95/dp/B085878963/ref=sr_1_16?dchild=1&keywords=Panasonic+eslv65+clean+and+charge&qid=1618753829&sr=8-16
but it only says it would fit the ES-LV95. Do you know if it works for the 65 as well?
Thank you.
Hi Jonathan,
Unfortunately, you cannot use the ES-LV65 with a cleaning station as the shaver lacks the three contact pins on the back used for charging and for communicating with the station. Only the ES-LV95 has them.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have the ES-LV9N-S – on Panasonic’s website it says I have to use the WES9034P replacement foil. Do the WES9032P and WES9036 also work with this shaver? The 9034P seems out of stock and is almost double the price of the 9032P and 9036. Thanks in advance!
Hi,
That is correct, both the WES9032P and WES9036 will fit your shaver.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Great service to users of Panasonic, congrats!
My situation is as follows: I have a model ES-CLV9D, bought in Japan. I’m looking for replacement parts that equals to the Japanese ones (ES9177 and ES9170). I’d like just to be sure what are the best compatible replacements I can get without having to go back to – or buy directly from – Japan. If possible in a bundle. Thanks.
Hi,
Thank you for your comment, much appreciated. Your shaver came with the WES9036 foil and blades set, also found under the WES9036Y and ES9036 names. You can buy them separately as well (the part numbers you listed above), but it’s usually a better deal when you get the set.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Please can you tell me if the PANASONIC ES LV 9Q is still available in the UK & whether it is worth paying the considerably higher price. So far I have found it very difficult to locate this model.
Many thanks
Michael.
Hi Michael,
It is still being sold by several UK stores, including Amazon. However, I would actually get the ES-LV97 for significantly less money. It’s pretty much identical performance-wise, even though it comes with the older outer foil (no comfort rollers). But as I said in the article, you can actually upgrade them with the newer ones later on.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Really appreciate this information! I ordered the ES9036 set imported from Japan via your Amazon link for my trusty ES-LV65S (got almost two years out of the original set). The new set has the brass rollers, and they are a noticeable improvement vs the plastic glides on the original.
First thing that jumped out was how much quieter the new set is. I swapped back and measured both with the decibel meter in my Apple Watch. Old set was 75 dB at 18″. New improved set is 65 dB. The quietness of the new cutter set is remarkable.
The new set shaves as nice as, and perhaps even better, than the original. My originals were getting near end of life as my face was feeling a bit raw after shaving, so I was starting to shave every other day. The new set doesn’t give me that feeling at all.
Thanks again!
Thank you so much for your comment and support, Geoff — glad you found the post useful and you’re enjoying your upgraded Arc 5. Judging by that difference in noise, the old set was definitely in need of replacement. After years of constant use some parts become loose, the metal gets warped and the blades dull. Since the blades fit so snugly inside the foils and oscillate at a very high rate, it’s not uncommon for the shaver to get noisy or vibrate more than usual.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Excellent article. Regarding the lubrication, Panasonic says its cleaning fluid(if you have the cleaning station with the LV-95s) lubricates and cleans. Do you think this fluid does a sufficient job or should I still use an oil or spray?
Thank you Chris. Yes, if you use the station on a regular basis, you shouldn’t need to oil the blades in addition to that. It will not hurt, but it won’t be necessary.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu,
Your site is an amazing resource and helped me to choose the ES-LV9Q last year – thank you. I’ve been very happy with it, but think I now need new blades. Having read your guide, I was about to get the ES9038, when I saw the ES9040 set on Amazon Japan.
I checked the Panasonic website, but it doesn’t give any details on differences or compatibility with older models; the only information I can glean is:
1. The blade is still the ES9170
2. The foil is now ES9181, up from ES9179 on the ES9038 set
3. I can see that the central cutter is gold and the rollers silver, rather than vice versa
4. The set was released this month
Do you have any insight on the differences, and think that it’s likely it will work with my shaver?
Thanks!
Hi Andrew,
Thank you for your comment, glad you found the site useful. The Panasonic ES9040 set is brand new and while I don’t have any official info yet, it should fit your ES-LV9Q without any issues. The two inner blades are the same, and that’s definitely a strong hint that it is backward compatible. The only novelty seems to be the middle trimmer that now has a gold coating, probably Titanium Nitride. The slits are also different and more similar to the ones on the Braun Series 9, so hopefully it’ll deal better with longer/flat-lying hairs.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu
Panasonic japan now have the ES-LV9U shaver which is released in 2021. They are using the newer ES9040 set. Can get ES9040 able to use as replace for the ES-LV9c model which is using the ES9036? i know the ES9038 on the E and F version is usable on the LV9c.
Thank you.
Hi Tan,
As I mentioned in this comment, the ES9040 set will most likely be backward compatible with older Arc 5 models like yours. The two inner blades are the same, which is a big indication in that respect. I will try to order the ES9040 myself and update the post once I manage to do that, hopefully soon enough.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Panasonic have the one of the most complicated branding and naming ever. Can i confirm if the replacement for ES-LV6Q is the following? Also normally how long do we need to change the Foil and Blades if I’m a heavy user?
Foil:
WES9177 (WES9177Y, ES9177)
Foil & Blades Set (rev C and D):
WES9036 (WES9036Y, ES9036)
Hi,
That is correct, those are the parts needed for your ES-LV6Q.
As for when to change them, that really varies a lot. Frequent use + a coarse beard will certainly cause them to wear out faster, but how well you clean the shaver and whether you lubricate the blades regularly will have an influence as well. I highly recommend using the Remington Shaver Saver spray lubricant if you can get it — it works wonders especially on prolonging the life of Panasonic blades which are subjected to more friction compared to other brands. If you live in the USA you should be able to buy it, unfortunately I can’t get it in Europe anymore.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
When exactly I need to keep it lube? I use almost everyday, and each time after use and rinse, is fully wet. Should I apply the lube right away or wait for it to dry?
Definitely better to lubricate the blades when dry. If you use a light oil, you can lubricate them right before you shave. I wrote a detailed guide as well if you want to check it out.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Today I started looking for the updated ES9038 set but all I can find listed for sale show as “made in Japan.” Is this the actual Panasonic set?
Thank you
Hi Jack,
I recommend buying the set from a reputable eBay seller or directly from Amazon.co.jp. The set always is made in Japan.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks Ovidiu; have you seen any of the newer ES9040 listed?
˜ever mind. I find some listed on amazon.co.jp.
I was actually going to suggest it as well. I’ve been using an Arc 5 revision G (2021) that came with the ES9040 set and it’s really nice. Shaves at least as close as the previous ones, but it seems more comfortable and doesn’t get warm at all. And it fits my older Arc 5 shavers as well. I will be updating this post really soon and include the ES9040 set.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu:
I was able to order the latest ES9040 set directly from Panasonic on the Amazon Japan site you provided. Thank you!. One thing about my LV65-S which I find strange is that only once since I purchased it in Nov. 19 has it indicated that cleaning was required. I also got the recommended Remington Shaver Saver. When I install the new blades I plan to wash and lubricate them at least monthly unless you recommend otherwise. Thank you for all of your help!
That’s great, you are very welcome. I hope you’ll enjoy shaving with your upgraded LV65.
Regarding the cleaning indicator, it usually appears if you don’t regularly clean the shaver using the sonic cleaning mode (long press on the power button). I personally lubricate the blades before each shave, but I also wash the head with water and liquid soap after every use, so I don’t have a choice. Once or twice a week is the rule of thumb with most electric shavers in order to keep them properly lubricated.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
That explains it! I DO use the sonic cleaning mode weekly. Going forward I will do the soap & water followed by the lubricant. Have a great day!
Do you always replace both blade and foil at the same time?
Is it worth it just to replace the foil?
I have an LV65. For about 8 months. Use almost daily. Spray with Andis Cool Care after most uses. Definitely not shaving as close as when new. Your in depth article about the foils is so great. I replaced blade and foil with the ES9036 set. Clearly a closer shave than the 8 month worn OG foil/blade set on the LV65.
BTW this shaver is better than Braun 7, Braun 9. The next best is the upgraded SH78/92 head I put on my Phillips 9000.
You need to do an article on Phillips norelco shaver head and blade replacement and cleaning.
No contest, the Arc 5 is the easiest to clean, compared to Braun or Phillips. The LV65 gets discounted to $99 on Amazon and is the best shaver deal on the planet, imho
thanks for your detailed work
Hey Alan,
Many thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it.
I personally always replace both the foil and the blades at the same time. Using a new foil with worn inner blades just doesn’t provide the same cutting quality. That’s just my experience, so I’m definitely not saying that anyone should do it. After all, the manufacturer recommends otherwise.
The foil has basically 3 integrated cutters, so you will still notice an improvement, even when using the worn inner blades.
I was actually planning on doing a similar post about Philips blades, just haven’t got the time to do it. Hopefully it will be posted after a couple more reviews that I have in the works right now.
And I totally agree, the discounted ES-LV65 is just unbeatable in terms of performance for the money.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu
Thanks for a very detailed and clearly written article, which I found while trying to understand the difference between an ES-LV65 and -LV65-S.
I have an ES-LV65 and after reading your article I bought the ES9036 on Amazon and found it’s actually $3 cheaper and hopefully slightly better than the ES9032 that I would have bought.
Brian
Hi Brian,
That’s great, I’m glad you found the post helpful. I personally find it a bit more comfortable and more enjoyable to use (glides really well when shaving dry) compared to the original ES9032.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ordered & rec’d the ES9040 (for the G version) set.
Im here in the United States. Was able to set up an account with Amazon in Japan. With shipping, around $86 (us). Popped them into the cap of my ES-LV65. I can atest they fit. My razor now hums better. Not sure why, but in the last month or so the razor sounded as if something loose. Yes, checked all visible screws. So now the razor seems quieter. As far as difference and closeness of a shave, not sure seeing an improvement. But at least these new ones fit.
Thanks for the comment, Seth. Could have been something loose/worn in the old foil that caused the noise. My experience was similar regarding the closeness of the newer foils.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Well after close to two weeks i am noticing more irritation to my face and neck with this version G set – more so then my original (version C/D). I wonder if its due to the two metal bars. Curious if the version E/F set would have been a better choice.
I doubt the bars are the cause. A new set of blades also cuts the hair really close to the skin which could make the skin prone to pseudofolliculitis for example. Maybe something else you’ve changed in your routine? I’m still using my Arc 5 G ES-LV5U constantly and didn’t notice any irritation compared to the previous Panasonic foils (with the gold bars). On the contrary, it feels a bit gentler.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi. Is there a difference between the ES-LV65 and the ES-LV65S? Are the blades interchangeable? I don’t find blades for the LV65 (without the S).
Thank you SO much!
Elliott Humrich
Hi Elliott,
No difference whatsoever; in fact, it’s the exact same shaver model. The s that appears in the name sometimes only refers to the color (silver) and it’s often left out completely. So basically you’ll need the WES9032P set or any of the newer ones (also listed in the post above).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I am impressed by your in-depth knowledge of the models and variations of Panasonic shavers!
I just ordered a Arc 3 LT67, I suppose it is a similar story with the different generations being essentially interchangeable?
Hi Pedro,
Thank you for your comment, much appreciated. It is similar, but only to some extent. For example, the newer ES-LT67 comes with the same inner blades as the older ES81103S or ES-LT41-K, but with a different foil (and hence the set also has a different part number). Because the foil frame is different on the newer LT models like yours, the older foil won’t fit.
Interestingly, other newer models still come with the older foil (for example, the ES-LL41). So it’s not really as straightforward as in the case of the Arc 5.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
HI , are you able to swap a ES LV65 Foil head for a ES LV9Q ? Thanks in advance and could some let me know ow if I’m posting incorrectly?
Hi,
Yes, you can use an ES-LV9Q foil on your ES-LV65. It will fit perfectly.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi
Chanced upon your website during a distress search.
During an assignment in Jakarta in 2018 I bought a Panasonic Shaver ES-LV9A. I’m now based in India and I need to buy a spare set or two of the blades. The compatible model is WES9034. Clearly I can’t find it here in India though there are other model numbers that I find online. Don’t know about their compatibility hence unable to decide or buy. Any help would be welcome.
Hi,
You can buy any of the sets mentioned in the post, all of them will fit your shaver perfectly. You can refer to the tables above for the exact model names.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello, I have ordered
WES9036 (WES9036Y, ES9036) from the link in this post on amazon for my ES-LV65S. To my surprise, dissimilar to what others have already commented here, the shape of the foil is totally different from my current one and it does not click and attach to the shaver. Can you explain why?
Hello Al,
If your part is a genuine Panasonic WES9036 (WES9036Y, ES9036), it will fit the foil frame of your ES-LV65-S. The only difference from your current foil should be the addition of the two golden rollers, everything else is the same. By the way, the foil can only fit the frame one way (like plugging a USB dongle into your laptop). If it doesn’t click in place, flip it. You should also consult the user manual of your shaver to make sure you’re doing everything right.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
My bad, it was my fault. I did not notice the detachable bracket sorry.
Great Info. I brought a Panasonic ES 9177 Model in Japan whilst on holidays in 2018 and it said it was a special Japanese only model, with no international distribution and all the box details are in Japanese which I can’t read. Do you know what foli and blade pack I should order? Thanks in advance.
Thank you, Jason, I really appreciate it. Are you sure that’s the correct model name of your shaver? ES9177 is the part number of an Arc 5 foil.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have the ES-LV65 model and I am very confused about the replacement blades/foil. The book says WES9032 is the part number but when I search on that I get too many options. What is the best replacement head for this model?
The WES9032 (sometimes listed as WES9032P or ES9032) is the set that originally comes with your shaver. You can of course buy it and use it on your ES-LV65. That said, any of the newer foils & blades sets will fit it as well. Please refer to the table in the post for the exact part numbers.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
Does the ES9040 replacement works with ES-LV81?
Thanks!
Hi,
Yes, it will fit just fine.
PS: an ES-LV81 that still works great today really is impressive. :-)
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Very interesting. Clearly very knowledgeable. Being tightfisted I am looking for a bargain. Found a blade supplier for Panasonic razors but can’t find out which models they fit. Would you know? Blades ES9943C/ ES318/ES 32.
WES 9835 FOIL AND WES,9850Y Are almost the price the razor ES- RW30. Do you know of a cheaper source. Many thanks
Hi Max,
Thank you for the comment. For the Panasonic ES-RW30 shaver, you would need the WES9835 foil and the WES9850 blades. Your shaver is an old model and often times the replacements are difficult to source or are very expensive. If that’s the case, you may be better off buying a new (different) shaver.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
Many thanks for your website, I’ve been absorbing all the info for weeks now.
I’ve been using DE Razor for 20+ years and always use Japanese Feather steel blades, after years of trialling everything else they absolutely give me the least razor burn (none) and provide the best mitigation for ingrown hairs, from which I have always suffered. They are v.v. sharp and I shaved every 2/3/4 days with no problems. Recently, I needed to shave more often, so decided to try electric and bought a Braun series 3 skinpro, for the very reason it wouldn’t cut as close and should therefore cause minimal irritation and help with ingrown hairs. It kinda works but I get sore skin afterwards as I need to pass over the same area a few times, especially upper lip (I’ve tried wet and dry) but I’m starting to dread using it daily. But it is good against causing ingrown hairs. I’m beginning to think the discounted Panasonic ES-LV65 might be the solution, contrary to whats said on paper/theory. I’m a big fan of the quality of anything truly made in Japan and their steel!
I was put off by Panasonic with its closer shave as in theory it would cause more burn and ingrown hairs. But I’m thinking, as, with my experience of DE blades, the much better quality and sharper Japanese steel blades, (in the real world) would be better; sharp blades = quicker cleaner faster cutting = less irritation.
Does anyone have experience with this opposite viewpoint? Maybe a light pressure shave with the arc 5, without trying to get a close shave is the ultimate prevention for ingrown hairs and burn?
Also, as I am using an inexpensive Braun S3 skinpro, despite the fact Braun is supposed to provide more comfort/less burn than the equivalent more aggressive Panasonic Arc, does this still hold try when comparing S3 (low end) vs ARC 5 (high end) ?
Many thanks,
Michael
Hi Michael,
Many thanks for the comment, glad you found the information useful.
Your less than ideal experience with the S3 could be caused by several factors, like pressing a bit too hard, going over an area repeatedly or maybe just having a coarser and denser beard. The S3 is a really basic shaver, very decent for the price, but more suitable for men with light to medium facial hair.
I usually don’t recommend Panasonic shavers to users that deal with ingrown hairs for the very reason you’ve mentioned in the comment — they shave very close and make it more likely for the hair to become ingrown. I think your results with very sharp Feather blades have more to do with the fact that they cut the hair clean in one stroke with minimal skin damage around the hair follicle and also don’t leave behind a sharp stomp as other blades might. You’re also less inclined to do a second pass or go across or even against the grain which again favors ingrown hairs.
Normally I would suggest a Braun shaver (like the old generation Series 5, 7 or the Series 9/9 Pro depending on the budget) as those are usually better for reducing ingrown hairs. But again, this isn’t set in stone and the ES-LV65 might be worth a shot, especially if you can get a great deal on one.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Many thanks, I found the recommended older (better) 51xxs Braun Series 5, in the UK for £74 and the Panasonic Arc 5 LV65 is £75. Both seem a bargain. The Braun would seem to be the safest choice for me, gentler, less chance of ingrown hair, yet I am somehow drawn towards the LV65. I would like to use my current shaving creme from time to time, and you say the Panasonic works well with that. I also like the idea of being able to upgrade the head in the future to the latest fancy ones with guide rollers. But the older Braun 51xx series should tick all the boxes and be perfect for me. Decisions!!!
You are very welcome. Both deals are excellent, in particular the ES-LV65 which is in theory from a superior/pricier line (the Arc 5 competes with the likes of the Series 7 and 9). The Panasonic does work great with shaving cream and you can use any of the newer foils as well. I agree that it’s the more attractive option of the two and it feels like you’re getting a superior shaver in all regards. My concern is your predisposition for ingrown hairs, the Series 5 being less likely to cause any. I’m sorry I cannot provide a definitive recommendation, sometimes it’s down to trial and error and the results can also vary among different users.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I am brand new to electric razors – I have grown so tired of trying to find the perfect blade; oil, cream, etc., and the perfect razor – Fat-boy, disposable, etc. that I am considering the ES-LV65-S as it is over $100 less than the gen 3 ES LV6Q that goes for about $250. I would be using it on face and head. I read Steve’s comments from a few years back and he noted a strange sensation with the rollers but I like the idea of anything that rolls over my head easier and without a catch. So, after all of that, is the ES9036 the replacement to get if I want the gen 3 setup because of the gold colored rollers? By the way, I am old as dirt and I have NEVER run across a more thorough and well documented review as what you have – quite impressive and I thank you for it. Has reduced my risk considerably!
Hi Bill,
Many thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it.
Considering the price difference, getting the ES-LV65-S over the ES-LV6Q makes a lot of sense. I personally would buy the ES-LV65-S without hesitating.
Some users feel that the rollers get a bit in the way — I personally never had any problems with them. For shaving the head I actually think having a newer foil with the rollers would be beneficial, but even the older one that comes on the ES-LV65-S should work. I cut my hair myself and use a foil shaver for a bald skin fade on the sides and back of my head. The Arc 5 (any Arc 5, be it with or without the rollers) gets extremely close, similar to a DE razor and I think you’ll be happy with it. Just make sure to use it while your hair is short (every two to three days should be perfectly fine).
I think you should get the ES-LV65-S and in the future just upgrade to the ES9036 set (that comes standard on the ES-LV6Q). It’s definitely more convenient than buying a gen 3 Arc 5.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu,
You bet it helps! You provide very thoughtful, complete and objective replies as anyone possibly could. And timely I might add. Thanks again! Bill
You are very welcome — glad I could be of help.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Your articles are very useful and interesting. Could you please help me a bit more, by indicating what exactly model number should I look for for the replacement Foil and Blades for the ES-LV9Q model? Thank you so much!
Hi Florin,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated. The ES-LV9Q comes with the ES9036 foil & blades set, so that would be the exact part number for your shaver. Alternatively, newer and older sets are compatible as well if you can’t get the ES9036 — you’ll find the exact part numbers in the article above.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello,
I switched to Arc5 from a 25 year old Braun.
Like with the Braun, I am only getting 5 months life from the foil before it develops holes in the foil, and I start to get sharp pain when I shave.
The problem is, these Arc5 foils are twice the price. I spray the shaver blade with Shaver Saver, but it makes no difference on foil life.
Any idea how I can extend the foil life? Maybe I am pressing too hard?
Hi Dave,
Cleaning the shaver after every use with water (and every once in a while with liquid soap) and lubricating the blades are pretty much the only things you can do to get the most out of the foils/blades. Maybe your facial hair is very coarse and you shave more often than most other users? That would be the only explanation in case everything else is on point (proper use and cleaning/lubrication).
Pressing the shaver too hard could accelerate the wear, but it would also make your shave very uncomfortable, so I’m not too convinced about that being the culprit.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I upgraded to the ES9040. To me no noticeable difference with the ES9038, which is a lot less expensive. And hardly could tell either from the ES9036.
I find about 7-8 months and I am noticing drag on these blades. Then I buy a new blade set. Using the Andis Cool Care regularly.
Hi Alan,
That’s how I pretty much feel about them as well. In fact, whenever someone asks me which one to get as an upgrade to the WES9032, I simply suggest buying the cheapest of the bunch (ES9036, ES9038 or ES9040).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for your valuable articles.
Is the foil frame for LV97(WESELV9S0047) compatible with one for LV95(WESLV97H0048)?
Thank you, Brett, glad you found the site useful. The foil frame for the LV97 will NOT fit the LV95. They look similar, but the front part is different and will not fit. By the way, WESELV9S0047 is the foil frame for the LV95 and WESELV9S0047 for the LV97.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I wanted to ask/clarify as I am looking to buy the ES-LV67 in Australia, so even if the foil frame is different between the LV95 & LV97 etc., you can still use the any of the newer foils in any of the shavers even if the frames are different?
Do all models have a different foil frame, or just some?
Hi John,
Excellent question. The foil (regadless if it’s older or newer) will fit all the current Arc 5 foil frames. So you will definitely be able to use a new foil (whichever you can get at a reasonable price) on the ES-LV67.
As a side note, the foil frame does vary among different Arc 5 models but it’s also the same in some cases (I think revisions G and H for example have the same foil frames). Some Arc5s have really similar foil frames that look the same but aren’t actually cross-compatible. But what matters is that the inside of those frames is the same, so all the foils will work just fine.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Well noted and thanks a alot.
Hello Ovidiu, is ES 9181 compatibile with LV95? And from all the comments I’ve read, best replacement for LV95 is ES9036 or other, please sugest ? Thank you.
Hi Iurie,
Yes, the ES9181 foil is compatible with the LV95. By the way, ES9036 is a set, meaning foil + the two inner blades. The ES9181 is just the foil, while the set containing the ES9181 foil AND the blades is ES9040.
The ES9036 set is generally the easiest to get and has a more reasonable price compared to the newer ones that are usually only available in Japan. And since the differences between them are marginal, I’d say that yes, the ES9036 is in a way the best.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for writing this article on replacement blades and foil for the arc 5 2nd gen. i will be ordering the 9036blade/foil, i hope it shaves better than the 9032 blade/foil thanks again
Thank you, Brian, much appreciated. It’s definitely smoother and more comfortable than the 9032 set, so I hope you’ll enjoy shaving with it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Just to say thank you for the effort that you’ve put into this – so much useful information. I have an ES-LV65 which is about 6 years old now but is still going strong – I get about 10 shaves per full charge and I love the fact that there is no slow down of the motor until it really is getting very low. Since I only shave every 2 or 3 days (the joy of working from home!) it must be working fairly hard and I’ve noticed it taking longer to shave, with a lot more repeat passes to get it close, so time to replace the blades and foil again. This time, though, based on your comments, I’ll try the newer design of foils in the WES9036 pack, since I can get them for the same price as the older WES9032.
Thanks again Ovidiu!
Regards, John
Thank you so much, John, glad you found the article useful. I think you’ll enjoy the foil upgrade, your trusty ES-LV65 certainly deserves it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for all the very reviews and tips. I still use an ES-LV95, albeit with a newer foil with the rollers and blades. I did have to replace the battery as I didn’t use the shaver for about a year, but it was a dead easy replacement.
How long do you find that blades and foils last? It is hard to tell when performance degrades, as it happens so slowly. I shave five days a week. I’d say my beard is moderate in coarseness and density.
Hi John,
Thank you so much, glad you found the site useful.
I’d say one year on average but it really depends on many aspects. For example, how sensitive the user is to blades that are halfway blunt. Some may find them unusable, while others can still get really good shaves. It does happen very gradually but at some point, you’ll find that it just takes a lot more effort to get the same smooth shave, with many passes and the closeness would still not be quite as good. Also, if you can’t really tell whether you need to replace the blades/foil, you probably don’t need to just yet.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu, Truly appreciate the thorough write up along with the various information that you’ve responded back to the ‘Comments’. I currently have a Panasonic ARC5 ES-LV9N and enjoy shaving with it. Not wanting to spend the $$’s for the ARC6 product, what is the latest head/blade update that I can migrate to? Thanks again for all the data…
You’re very welcome — glad you found the info useful. The latest Arc 5 foil&blade set (that originally came with the 2021 and 2022 revisions G and H) is the ES9040. It will fit your shaver without any issues.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I just replaced a second generation set of foils and blades (the ones with the gold rollers) with an ES9040 set on my ES-LV95. I got the new set easily in the U.S. from Amazon Japan. They do shave better, but they are newer, and that accounts for a lot of the difference. I don’t believe they shave any closer. My shave this morning was after not shaving all weekend, and I do believe this foil did cut the longer whiskers more readily, even setting aside the improvement from the sharper blades.
Thank you for sharing this, John. I fully agree with your conclusion. The improvements are marginal and the latest foil is maybe a bit more effective with longer hairs compared to the first generation of the roller foil. And you are right, the performance boost is mostly related to it being a brand new set with zero wear. Upgrading from the original foil of the ES-LV95 (no rollers) usually feels like a more substantial upgrade.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu, I have an ES-LV97 with original foil & blades I have fairly coarse facial hair and have found it to be very good for wet shaving but no so good for dry shave. It’s probably about time to change the blades and I was thinking of upgrading to a third generation head, do you think they would give a better dry shave? At present I can get the ES9040 for only $8 more than the ES9036, which do you think would suit my needs best.
Hi Keith,
Being a brand new set, it will absolutely give you a better (dry) shave. Since the price difference is minimal, you might as well go with the newer ES9040. I find it gentler and more enjoyable to use, but everything else is pretty much the same. I would however recommend you a pre-shave lotion when you’re shaving dry, it might just make a big difference. My personal favorite is the one from Speick.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Omg thank you thank you thank you! I was finally going to get new blades/foils for my ES-LV9Q and the myriad choices are so confusing! So thanks for breaking it down so clearly!
I would have never taken a chance on backwards/forwards compatibility without your help.
You are very welcome, Christopher, glad you found the post useful. :-)
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Thanks for the prompt reply, I will definitely order the newer ES9040 and use a pre-shave lotion. I thought that would be the best way to go but decided to take advantage of your vast knowledge incase I was missing something. I believe from one of your previous answers to someone that the cleaning station will still work with this head which is an added advantage. Thanks for your help, your reviews are very detailed and most helpful. I originally got the Arc 5 after reading your reviews and it is without doubt the best shaver I’ve ever used. I’m in my late 60’s so I’ve tried a few over the years but none have come close to this.
Regards,
Keith
You are very welcome, Keith, glad I could be of help. Absolutely, the station will work just fine with it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Amazing work. Keep it up. Thank you
Best,
– Jorge
Hi Jorge,
Thank you so much for the comment, I really appreciate it. Glad you found the site useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for such an informative site and a Happy New Year to you
Russell
Russell, thank you so much for the kind comment. Happy New Year to you as well!
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for the extremely useful article. This information would have taken me literally years to figure out for myself.
A question for you sir.
The most recent blade and foil combo set is the ES9040, which as I understand it is released only into the Japanese market. Is there an American equivalent that would be cheaper?
Put another way, what would be the most advanced blade/foil set that could fit the ES-LV97-K?
Thanks so much!!
Thanks so much for the kind comment, Jeremy.
The ES9040 wasn’t officially released in the USA, so your only option would be to buy it from a vendor that sells it, via Amazon or eBay. They are rather pricey though. An alternative would be to buy some of the earlier iterations that are very similar performance-wise, like the ES9038 or ES9036. Also not officially released in the USA, but you might be able to find those at a lower price compared to the ES9040.
The most advanced would be the ES9040 since it’s the newest, but the ones I mentioned above are again almost identical performance-wise. All of them will fit the ES-LV97-K.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
thanks very much! sincerely appreciated!
Following your articles I just purchasd the ES-LV9U-K here in Australia and I must say it is Japanese perfection. I had a beard and was expecting hairs to be pulled and all sorts of pain, but the shaving experience was quite an experience.
Everything worked perfectly, as expected.
I like it so much I have now purchesed a new set of blades & foil so I am ready…
Please keep the Panasonic articles coming.
Regards, Glen
That’s awesome, Glen, enjoy your new Arc 6!
I’m working on an in-depth Panasonic guide actually, similar to the one I posted a while back for Braun.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Very many thanks for your very thorough walk-through on Panasonic blades and foils – I am on my third shaver, currently still have an ES-LV95 and noted that blade & cutter sets (WES9032) were about £50 ($60) over here (UK) for several years before falling to under £40 ($48) last year… now they are largely unavailable (presumed obsolete – maybe they were selling them off cheap), a few are left costing £85 ($100+), so your invaluable guidance and photos point me to WES9040 instead.
Strangely, I find WES9040 extremely hard to find in the UK at the moment too. I eventually had to source direct from Japan, at a cost of £70 ($84), so something adverse has happened to Panasonic’s distribution of these things and the price has gone through the roof.
I would hate to have to go back to Braun – my first Braun had Gillette (supposedly) blades and a very good open-design hex foil (not surprisingly, Procter & Gamble owns both brands so some co-branding was going on), which gave excellent results. They then changed to an ordinary-looking more-closed design of foil and it was never the same again, offering mediocre performance. So I tried Panasonic instead and haven’t looked back. Managed to change the Lithium battery in my earliest one. However the price and availability of Panaasonic spares is now a worry.
My experience of the Panasonic cleaning system was very disappointing indeed – the Panasonic cleaning fluid is water based and sits in an open bath, which is bound to go ‘off’ after just a few days, especially in a warm bathroom, and I felt it soon produced unpleasant and unhygienic results. It’s also highly expensive – 3 refills are now £25 or nearly $10 a shot. This made it non-viable, so I threw the cleaner station away and I don’t recommend it at all. (YMMV.) Instead I simply mash some antibacterial hand cleaning gel into my hand and rinse the shaver that way, it works perfectly and saves a small fortune.
The Braun cartridge system uses an alcohol-based fluid instead and is a sealed system. I found that far better at the time, but typically Braun it was over-elaborate and a bit expensive. It was also darn noisy! I believe Panasonic has a cartridge–based system too but I can’t find it in the UK, and it is probably very expensive. (Note that the UK/ US exchange rate has seen UK prices rise markedly.)
Fingers crossed my new foil set will arrive from Japan in about a month’s time! Thank you again for your excellent guidance and I wish your website success.
Hi Alan,
Thanks so much for the comment. Really glad you found the post useful.
That is true unfortunately, the price of Panasonic spares has really spiked especially during 2022 and 2023. And it’s the same for the lower-end series like the Arc 3.
I think the price should now be the decisive factor when choosing between various Arc 5 sets and one should simply choose the cheapest one available. The differences are rather subtle and really only noticeable when switching from the original WES9032 to any of the newer variations. And even in that case it’s not by any means night and day, but the newer ones are gentler and smoother on the skin.
As a side note, Panasonic stopped using cartridge refills some years ago (those were used in the old Vortex Hydra cleaning systems). Those cleaners weren’t perfect either (very large and would often leak). I also think a manual cleaning is the way to go with Panasonic shavers.
Hope you’ll enjoy your refreshed LV95. :-)
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Do you know how is the situations with Arc 3 foil and blades. Are they compatible between older and newer models. Can we use WES9012, WES9013 or WES9015 on all Arc 3 shaver models?!
Thank you for your reply.
Hi Martin,
Generally, it’s not the same situation in the case of the Arc 3. There are exceptions where the exact set will fit an older and a newer model — for example, the old and discontinued ES8103S uses the same parts the new ES-LL41-K (WES9013PC). But the ES-LT67 for example uses a different one (WES9015). The WES9013PC won’t fit.
Arc 3 models/generations usually have a different design of the foil frame, hence the foils aren’t always cross-compatible.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Even though I am Japanese, it was very difficult to find the model differences in the replacement blades. Panasonic explained it so unkindly. Thanks to you, I am using the ES9040 on my LV94(LV95) well.
Thanks so much for the comment, glad you found the info useful. Enjoy your upgraded Arc 5! :-)
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi after reading through this article and finding it very interesting, I’m using a Panasonic ES-LV97 and I’ve have bought in the past the WES9032 foil & blade set, but now I’m unable to find any here in the uk, from your list what foil & blade set would work with this shaver please.
Hi Mark,
In short, any Arc 5 foil & blades set will fit your shaver perfectly. Apart from the the WES9032 set you ‘ve been buying, the following newer sets will also work: ES9034, WES9036, ES9038, ES9040. I listed them chronologically, the last one being the newest. You can find them listed with or without the W in front of the ES — nevermind that, both refer to the same set. Just buy the one you can find for the lowest price.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Are there any place I can get the 9040 in the US? Or the equivalent with the upgraded blades?
Hi Mitchell,
Since none of the newer Arc 5 shavers were officially launched in the USA, the only option is to find the sets on sites like Amazon or eBay or even get them from Japan. If you can’t find the ES9040, the previous ES9038 and ES9036 are also good options (the differences between all three are marginal).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks!
Mitchell
I found the 9040 on eBay. It ships from Japan. I wanted to confirm that it will fit my ES LV65? Thanks.
Yes, it will fit perfectly, I even used it on my LV65 and worked great.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks!
Thank you for the great article – after a few years of having a beard I decided to shave completely and remain so. I have found my old ES-LV81, more than 10 years old and I’m in the process of getting a new battery. Happy to see all the new foil systems work exactly the same and can be used in my old razor.
You are very welcome, Paul. It’s great that you’re looking to revive your old ES-LV81 and I hope you’ll enjoy the new upgrades.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for this very useful article ! I just get a ES-LV67 and now, I know which foil and blades to use (and that’s fine because I cannot find easily the original blades ;-)).
Awesome, thanks so much for the comment, Joel. Enjoy shaving with your ES-LV67!
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
Are these products suitable for the Panasonic Es-LV6N model?
https://www.amazon.com.tr/Panasonic-Wes9177Y1361-makinesi-modeller-Es-Lv9Q/dp/B07H3XQ66K/ref=sr_1_4?__mk_tr_TR=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=2A99IM520G2S6&keywords=panasonic%2B%2B%2Bes-lv6n&qid=1694552178&sprefix=panasonic%2Bes-lv6n%2Caps%2C372&sr=8-4&th=1
https://www.amazon.com.tr/Panasonic-WES9170Y1361-K%C4%B1rkma-makas%C4%B1-evrensel-siyah/dp/B00H4VNZ6O/ref=pd_bxgy_img_sccl_1/261-5200679-8431646?pd_rd_w=BYCOq&content-id=amzn1.sym.0a9a6dd3-e8c5-460e-bc2b-2edd85853c33&pf_rd_p=0a9a6dd3-e8c5-460e-bc2b-2edd85853c33&pf_rd_r=GXFQ9KFMZCDTENFRKQTP&pd_rd_wg=OmxPJ&pd_rd_r=5a67788e-faf1-446e-ae4b-f93db9e9fdff&pd_rd_i=B00H4VNZ6O&th=1
Hi Sedat,
Yes, the linked parts are compatible with the ES-LV6N as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I’m so very grateful for your unbelievably helpful site. You’re an outstanding individual sir. Thank you very much for sharing your wealth of knowledge.
Matt, you are too kind, thank you so much for the comment. I’m glad you found the site helpful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I want to know if replacement panasonic blade model wes 9068 will fit my Panasonic es-lv65 shaver?
Hi Steven,
I’m afraid it will not fit and shouldn’t be used on the ES-LV65 or any other Arc 5.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
hello Ovidiu,
this week on tuesay, october 10, i purchased the Panasonic arc5 es-alv6hr, (the red one) on amazon on prime day.
i’m 49 and have primarily been using gilette razors and fusion razors for years, but wanted to go with something different after using manuel razors for so long.
i wouldn’t say my skin is too sensitive but i really like a very close shave on my entire face and neck, therefore i take the time to be sure i get that close shave so my face and neck are smooth all over.
last week while shaving with my gilette fusion razor, i shaved a little too closely and cut my face and neck in 2 places (not something that happens often) and not really bad but still annoying anyway.
i haven’t used the new shaver yet since i shaved thursday with the gilette and since i didn’t receive the new one till friday, but i was wondering if you feel i made a good choice to get that model of arc5?
i absolutely will be using a shaving gel, so it’ll be a wet shave, not dry.
i’m gonna wait a few more days to let it grow more, but i’m anxious to use it and see how well it’ll do.
i don’t have wiry long whiskers but short hairs that cover my face and neck, i typically try to shave every 3 to 4 days, the longest i’ll go is 5.
i spent a lot of time reading the differences and pros and cons in all the electric shavers that you wrote about, that’s what brought me to the decision to get the arc5 since you said it’s an extremely close shave and highly recommended it.
thank you for that, it definitely was a big factor in my decision.
you’re obviously very knowledgeable and i’m glad i came across it to help influence me.
Hi Timothy,
Thank you for the comment.
The Arc 5 model you got is one of the best in terms of cost and performance, especially since you got a great deal on it. It’s basically a red ES-LV67 so it’ll be very powerful and will shave close.
If you’ll be using it with shaving cream/gel, I recommend checking out my guide as well, there are a couple of key differences when shaving wet with an electric razor vs a manual one.
Also, electric shavers work best on short, straight hairs, so you’ll probably get the best results when shaving around every 2-3 days or so, maybe more if your hair grows slower.
You may get a great shave from the start or you may need a few weeks to adjust to the shaver and the new technique, but I think you’ll ultimately enjoy it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu
A most informative article that must have taken much research and patience. However, I’m finding it so confusing with the number of models and revisions that Panasonic has generated to know what new improvements are associated with what Arc generation or revision. For clarification are the more recent foils such as the ES9040 which are third generation Rev G,H,J backwardly compatible and can be used to replace the old foils on a second generation Arc 5 ES-ALV6HR which I am looking to purchase? I would be grateful for your help.
Hi Martin,
Thank you so much for the feedback, I really appreciate it.
The answer is yes, the ES9040 will be fully compatible with the ES-ALV6HR. Compared to the foil that comes with the ES-ALV6HR, the one in the ES9040 is more comfortable. In other aspects I find it extremely similar.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello there
I own the Panasonic ES-LV9Q and I’m now looking to replace the foil and blades. Looking at amazon.de, which set would you recommend? I find it incredibly difficult to find the right ones..
Hi Nicolai,
Any of the ES9036, ES9038 or ES9040 — whichever you can find for a good price. Your shaver came with the ES9036 set, but the other newer ones will work perfectly.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for the quick reply! :)
Hi there, I have one of these shavers and one year on it is not shaving very closely. I understand I should replace the blades for a closer shave. Question is – should I replace the foil as well (if it is not broken), or just replacing the blades will give me a closer shave? Thanks for a helpful article.
Hi John,
Actually Panasonic recommends changing the two inner blades every two years and the foil (which has the rest of three blades built-in) every year. So your best bet would be to replace the foil even if that sounds a bit counterintuitive.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ah thanks – interesting – so if I’ve only had the shaver for a year, I could see an improvement in closeness by just replacing the foil this year, not the two inner blades which could be changed next year?
Thanks again!
You are very welcome. Yes, that would be correct. There’s usually less wear on the two (more substantial) inner blades compared to the ones integrated into the foil, so they can be changed at a later time. You can also replace everything if you want to, but I think just the foil is a good option especially if you can get a great deal on the foil alone vs the foil+inner blades set.
But the set is generally more convenient to buy even if you were to only use the foil for now and the blades later on.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks – are the inner blades typically the same on most models, and it is just the outer foil that varies (with the comfort rollers), etc?
John
That’s correct, the inner blades are the same for all Arc 5 models. Only the foil can be different.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello, I have a question about the rollers. Are the fixed or they can move in&out as you press over you face/head? Is there some spring mechanism that holds them?
Last but not least, you have my total admiration for your knowledge and the will to share it.
Hi Vittorio,
Thank you so much for the kind comment, I really appreciate it.
The rollers are mounted on the plastic supports of the two outermost foils, so they will in fact move with the foil as you press it into the skin. They rotate freely as you move the shaving head over the skin.
There are two springs that allow this flexing of the entire element (foil + roller) and are mounted underneath the foil. You can see one of them in this macro shot.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ok, so they are springy but not independently from the foil. Just like the plastic strip on the cheaper blades. I can see that they are likely to help gliding on the face (much less on the scalp, maybe).
Hello Ovidiu,
Thank you for the informative post. I own an Arc 5 ES-LV9Q shaver and am in search of replacement blades and foil. I came across the WES9040Y1361 on Amazon. Would this replacement set be compatible with my shaver?
Link to the product on Amazon:
Panasonic WES9040Y1361 Replacement Blades & Shaving Foil for ES-LV9U & ES-LV6U Electric Shaver Combo Pack, 5 Blade System, Advanced Japanese Stainless Steel, Waterproof
https://amzn.eu/d/gpjgdUt
I appreciate your time.
Best regards,
Hi Sam,
Yes, that set will be compatible with your shaver. It has the newest Arc 5 foil, slightly tweaked compared to the one that originally came with your shaver. So you should also get a small upgrade.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello Ovidiu,
Thanks a lot! Really appreciate it.
Best regards,
Sam
I have a Panasonic ES LV67. Can’t find any reference to a Rev number anywhere. The model number 2860201 is on the outer case.
Not sure if it is 2 or 3 years old.
From what you have said I can go with any ES LV67, the most recent revision probably best if a good price. On-line I see references to a Rev K??
Hi Robert,
The ES-LV67 is part of generation 2, so there are no revisions. The ES-LV67-K only refers to the black version of this shaver (K stands for Kuro which is the Japanese word for black).
It is not clear to me however if you are trying to buy replacement foil&blades a new shaver.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I purchased the LV97 a year ago and noticed that I had 2-3 flat-lying hairs under my chin that kept growing without being cut. When I looked in the mirror, I was shocked to see that the flat-lying hairs had grown 1cm long without me realizing it.
I’m very stressed about this problem. Will purchasing the ES9040 improve the flat-lying hair problem?
Or is it better to sell my LV97 and go for ARC 6 or BRAUN 9 series?
Hi,
In my experience the new foils aren’t significantly better with flat-lying hairs. If the issue is only limited to 2-3 hairs, not entire patches/problem areas, I would simply use the pop-up trimmer on the ES-LV97 to trim the hairs and then the foil should have no problem cutting them at skin level for a smooth finish. I don’t think it’s worth buying a new (expensive) shaver for this alone.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi ovidiu, what is the difference between these 3 models WES9032P, ES9032, WES9032y?
Hi Farshid,
No differences whatsoever, it’s the exact same set.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, Ovidieu and fellow readers:
I have been using electric shavers since about 1965, as well as various types of blades.
About the middle of November, 2023, I bought the ES-LV6HR. I got it for $109 when it claimed a list price of $230 to $250 depending on when I checked.
between March 6 and March 9, I looked at listings for the ES9040 set. There were about 8 or 9 separate listings. They were listed as: “New 2023 upgrade,: or “New 2024 upgrade,” or Es9040 with no specified year. They are all selling for $109, and all list the sellers and/or manufacturers with Chinese names.
At the same time, the ES9032 sets go for around $70 or $72. The Es9034 was going for $94+ with a $2 or $3 shipping cost.
I found, “only one left” ES9036 listed as a “genuine Panasonic” part from a Japanese seller, for $51!
You know which of those I would buy.
As for the ES-LV6HR, I have a 2017-vintage Braun series 5 5030S with which to compare. In almost every respect, shape, weight, and thickness of body, the Braun fits more comfortably and more securely in my large hand. I thought the larger and wider head of the Panny might mow down more hair in a single pass than the Braun.
As it turns out, I get the smae, or slightly closer shave with the with the 7-year old Braun as compared to the new Panasonic. Now have not shaved weekly with that Braun, but it has the orginal cassette. I trimmed and shaved of my thick, heavy, coarse beard to test and comare the two units.
To geta close and clean and smooth shave, the Braun takes between 6 and 7 minutes; The Panasonic takes 9 to more than 10 minutes for the same or very slightly closer shave.
With both shavers, I use Old Ron’s Preshave Splash bought on Amazon.
Chinese after market prices for the Braun cassettes are priced in the mid $20s range. Cassettes, the model 52S/or B, Original Braun parts are selling between $34 and $40. The cassettes (70S or B) are selling between $38 and $50.
Had I a chance to see and actually use the Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV6hR before buying, I think I would have passed up the chance. Since I am far past the 30-day return window, I will most likely rotate the two shavers, along with some use of the 2003-vintage Braun model 6520 Flex Integral “ultra Speed” shaver which is still going strong, and for which cutter blades and foils are still available on Amazon.
Hi, Ovidiu,
Sorry about mis-spelling your name in the above comment. I just checked availability of that ES9036. It is now in stock at barely $100 and the listed “manufacturer” and “seller” is a Chinese outfit. In their description, they list the ES9036 set as being, “compatible with…: or “fits for Panasonic models…” which usually indicates an after market 3rd party seller, not a part from an authorized, or at least official Panasonic seller.
As I mentioned, that big wobbly and floppy head on that small thin body, along with a number of other issues are somewhat disconcerting for me. As you mentioned in some of your Arc5 reviews, that flexing arrangement does not really work well in practice as compared with the arrangement on Braun
Series 5 and later shavers.
I found that both my ES-LV6HR and my 5-5030S shave about equally and in about the same time on the neck and cheeks; a good bit more passes and more time arond the lips/mustache; and considerably more time with the heaviest hair on my chin and along the lower jaws and jaw line. The size and bulk of the head somewhat hampers easy maneuvering along the chin and jaw areas.
I find it very interesting that the prices on US Amazon are basically similar for all the available cutting elements for across the Arc5 line, whether you are buying the blades and foils separately, or buying the complete set, with the set being the far cheaper option. Buying the set sets yoou back only about $5 more for the set than for the foil alone.
If you like the Arc5 shaver and find your chosen replacement parts cheaper, grab it now, not later, because it might cost as much as twice that price tomorrow!
Hi Brent,
Thanks for the comments (no worries about misspelling my name).
The price of Panasonic replacement parts in the USA has always been a bit of an oddity, with significant variations and sometimes the newer parts cost less than older ones. Right now the WES9032 or WES9036 are probably the ones to get (price, availability). Also, always search for both the WES and ES spelling variations.
I’m sorry the performance of the Arc 5 hasn’t been great so far. Sometimes a shaver will simply not work as expected in practice for various reasons (skin and beard type, shaving technique and frequency and so on). I think both the Panasonic Arc 5 and the old Braun Series 5 have their specific strengths and weaknesses. I try to showcase them with these reviews, but sometimes what works well for me won’t always be right for someone else, unfortunately.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu,
I find your articles very informative. Thanks for doing this.
I have used Panasonic razors for many years. I currently have the ES LV65. As someone else mentioned earlier with a different model, the battery seems to be wearing out because when it gets to 40 or 50% charge remaining, it will rapidly drop to 10% or less. Can I change the battery on this model or do I need to buy a new one? Are there internet videos on how the change the battery? If I buy a new one, can I get comparable results to the newer models by buying a new ES LV65 and using the ES9040 foil?
Thanks for your help, Bob
Hi Bob,
Thank you for the comment.
Yes, many users have successfully replaced the battery in their ES-LV65 (even though it is not officially user replaceable). The part number for the battery is Panasonic WESLV9ZL2508 and you can find tutorials on YouTube on how to swap it.
Just keep in mind that after opening your shaver it may not be waterproof to the same degree, so I would take extra care when rinsing it.
I tried the ES9040 foil on my LV65 and it felt extremely similar to the newer Arc 5 that come with that foil.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks Ovidiu.
Bob
Hi Ovidiu
This article is superb its detail and advice offered. Kudos to you.
This is something that Panasonic shaver designers should read themselves!
I have had the ES-LV65 model for many years and it is,in my opinion, superior to every other electric shaver on the market. I have only ever used the WES9032 foil and cutter set as I never had reason to change. I replace the set every 2 years. The price of the WES 9032 and all its variants was always about A$100. But recently I was able to pick up the WES9032 (original) from Amazon Germany for half the price including shipping to Australia! My advice to users of the Panasonic Arc shavers is to shop around as sometimes you get very good deals on the older foil and cutter sets
Hi Ray,
Thank you so much for the kind words. I agree 100%, it’s definitely a good idea to do a bit of research for a good deal before buying basically any Arc 5 set.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, thank you for a very useful article. Can I use a WES9600P to replace old foils in my LV65. Is it compatible? Didn’t see a WES9600 here in the comparison table therefore asking. Also is it worth the $115?
Hey,
You are very welcome, glad you found it useful.
The WES9600P is NOT compatible with your LV65 or any other Arc 5 model. It will only work on the Arc 6 (aka Series 900+). I would simply buy any of the Arc 5 compatible sets listed in the table.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for this useful and informative article!
The ES9040 replacement set has several Japanese sellers on amazon.jp, but none will ship to the US.
However, there are currently 20 Japanese sellers on ebay who will ship to the US for prices ranging from $53-60, including shipping.
Eric,
Thanks so much for the info. I’m glad you found the article useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
My wife bought me the ARC 5 ES-ALV6H model just a little before Christmas in 2023, and I have used it since. I probably shave about 3-4 times a week, and before was using it even more earlier (I retired 12-30-23). I live in Jacksonville, FL. I am assuming this model was manufactured for Amazon, as that was where it was bought. Initially, this shaver shaved very close, although it was not great a getting in to close trim work. We are now heading toward the end of May 2024, and the shaver does not shave me as close as it did before, so I have to assume that it is time for a set of new blades. My beard is fairly tough to cut, which might explain why the blades may be worn out. Which replacements (with part numbers) would you recommend, including any upgrades?
Hi Richard,
Very coarse facial + frequent use can cause the blades to wear out faster. Cleaning and lubrication is very important especially with Panasonic shavers as the blades oscillate at a very high speed and there’s significant friction between the blades and foils (very tight tolerances). I would highly recommend the use of a spray lubricant for shavers&clippers like the Andis CoolCare Plus.
Regarding the replacement, the original set that came with your shaver is the WES9032 (ES9032). An upgrade (essentially a more comfortable set) would be any of the newer ES9036, ES9038 or ES9040. The latter is the newest and marginally better than the other two, so I would simply look for the best deal.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for your response. I see that the 3 newer sets are at least twice as expensive as the the original older set. I will try to look for deals on the newer ones. Do you have any kind of tutorial on sharpening rotary shaver blades? I have a much older Philips Norelco 7810XL. I bought newer blades for it, but it really did not notice any improvement.
You are very welcome. I’ve only ever used a Vollco sharpening kit on a set of old (entry-level) SH30 blades and it worked surprisingly well. But I’d still say that my experience is fairly limited with sharpening blades, so I’m not sure that you’ll get the same result. It also depends a lot on the blades (how much wear there is).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu!
I am currently in Japan and would like to replace all my blades on my ESLV67. For the head I’ll grab one of your expertly crafted suggestions. For the trimmer I’m a little lost. It is so hard to find. I would appreciate your help with regards to the trimmer replacement. You are a complete Jedi!
Hey,
You are too kind, thank you for the comment.
Unless there’s a specific reason, you don’t need to replace the trimmer. Normally it would outlast even the shaver (I recommend applying a drop of oil on the trimmer blade once or twice a month).
The part is rather difficult to find and from what I know the trimmer from the ES-LV65 will be compatible with your ES-LV67 in case you ever need to replace it. The part number is WESELV9L1507.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I currently have the Panasonic ES-LV97-K751 and have been using for 1 year, since Sep 2023. I am thinking of getting the replacement foil set, and thanks to you, I am of thinking the latest one -> ES9040 which I hope would be compatible. Alternatively, I was thinking if I should spend more for the Panasonic Arc 6, and purchase one with the cleaning station from Japan, as it is not sold in Singapore yet. What do you think?
Hi Richard,
I would get the ES9040 replacement set, it will fit your shaver perfectly.
The Arc 6 is better than the Arc 5, but not radically better, and for the time being I think you should just upgrade the foil set as your shaver is only 1 year old and in good shape.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
Thank’s for the complete and extensive review!
Do you know by any chance the part number of an old Panasonic 8095 travel case?
Sincerely,
Renato
Thank you, Renato. Unfortunately the part is not listed on the shaver’s Encompass page.
However, the standard Panasonic travel faux-leather case should work just fine (you can find it on Amazon).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Many thanks….
Thank you for such an informative website. Was shopping for a shaver because I am tired of getting razor with 5 blades not getting a really clean shave. Was looking the panasonic models and got a brand new unsed old unit from Mercari Japan and the model is ES-LV94. Was wondering if it would be difficult to find the replacement foil later over the years?
Hi Jordan,
Thank you for the kind comment.
Your ES-LV94 is essentially the same as the ES-LV95, so you will have no trouble finding replacement blades and foils. Basically any Arc 5 foils and blades will fit perfectly (except for the 2024 Japanese Arc 5 foil head that uses a totally different system with no inner blades).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Is the ES9040 still the best foil/blade combo available on the market for the ES-LV9Q Arc 5 razor? If so, any recommendations on where to buy it in the U.S. since it only appears to be available in Japan?
Thanks for all of your very detailed reviews and articles!!
Hi Kenneth,
Many thanks for the kind comment.
Yes, the ES9040 is still the best/newest Arc 5 foil&blades set that is backward compatible to all the Arc 5 shavers released previously, including your ES-LV9Q.
That said, if you can’t source it (for a reasonable price) then any of the slightly older combos will also be a good option as the performance differences in the real world are subtle. The other models would be the ES9038, ES9036 and ES9034. These haven’t been officially released in the USA, so the best bet would be to try finding them on eBay or Amazon, but will most likely be sold by Japanese vendors and shipped from Japan.
Lastly, there’s the old ES9032 set (no comfort rollers) that is readily available and shaves just as close, but it is not quite as comfortable as the original foil on your ES-LV9Q or the newer ones mentioned previously. But it will still fit perfectly.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
From panasonic store(official online shop in Japan) is confirmed, that ES9038(ES9179) is the replacement of ES9036(ES9177)/ES9034(ES9175). ES9040(ES9181)seems not permitted from official for older model, but it works for C or Q by me.
hope helpful.
Hi,
Many thanks for the comment. I can also confirm that the ES9040 works perfectly fine on any of the older Arc 5 shavers.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hey bud! As all others have already said: thank you for your detailed info!
My question: is it possible to clean between the “teeth” of the integrated blades? (the 2 blades in the integrated head, paired with the foils, so not the centre blade)
I ask, because at least for me, and maybe because I’m shaving my skull, and have an oily head, and use Lab Series Electric Shave Solution, I find that my hair “clogs” in between the teeth. After half my head, I like to open the head up (of my current Arc 3) and take a small brush, and brush out the clogs between the teeth of the two blades… This helps in the efficiency of shaving the second half of my skull (for me, it makes a noticeable difference (taking longer) if I don’t brush out the clogs…).
So, I’d like to perform the same task of cleaning out the clogs between the teeth of the two integrated blades. It looks like I won’t be able to do that, as they are permanently attached to the head, and not accessible?…
I guess if you’ve come across this before, and had some tips, that would be cool as well.
Because I brush out the clogs half way through a shave, and at the end of the shave, I don’t use water/soap to clean my razor, except maybe once every two weeks to give a more thorough cleaning (I only use current my Arc 3 on my skull, not on my face ever).
Thanks again!
Hi Alex,
Many thanks for the comment.
I would remove the two blades and let them soak in a mix of warm water and white vinegar (1:1 ratio) for half an hour. Add a few tablespoons of baking soda and once the foaming and fizzing begins I would continue to let them soak for up to an hour. After that give them a rinse with tap water and maybe very gently use the Panasonic brush (the short bristles) to remove any remaining gunk. But make sure to brush with the direction individual teeth, never across them as the blades will get damaged.
As a general rule, I would clean the shaver with water and soap after every use to prevent buildups.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
This is maybe not a foil question, but I was hoping you could answer it.
I have an ES-LV97 and after drying in the station, I noticed that the razor foil smells rancid.
I have completely emptied the station of water and added fresh WES4L cleaning solution, but the problem is still there.
Is the problem with the cleaning station? Or is the problem with the foil?
And is there any way to resolve this issue?
Hey,
Just a couple of question:
– Do you regularly use the plastic cover on your shaver?
– Is the funky smell present only after you dry the shaver in the station? If you were to manually wash the shaver with water and soap, would it still have that smell?
I would also thoroughly clean the station’s tray and filter between fluid changes.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
My usage habits are as follows:
1. I have never used the plastic cover since purchasing it. I use it before leaving for work and put it back into the station.
2. I mainly shave wet. After wet shaving, I separate the foil, rinse off any remaining shaving foam inside with water only, and then clean and dry it using the station.
3. Of course, before adding a new WES4L solution, I thoroughly cleaned both the station filter and water tank.
4. There’s no rancid smell coming from the station drain or water tank. It only has a refreshing lemon scent.
5. I haven’t tried cleaning without using the station yet, but I’ll give it a try and let you know later.
Hello dear Nikolay. Please tell me, will the mesh fit es9173 I’m for the razor еs lv6n? Thank you for your reply and have a nice day.
Hi Artem,
Yes, it will fit the ES-LV6N.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have a Panasonic shaver Model ES-LV9C need new foils and blades replacement.
Not good with Techy stuff,where or how can I get.
Hi Pat,
I would get any of these foil + blades sets: ES9040, ES9038 or ES9036 (whichever has a better price). You can usually get them directly from Panasonic or large sites like Amazon.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have the ES-LV65, will the ES9040 fit this shaver and is this set better than the rest of the Arc5 foil set? does it give a closer shave than the orignal ES9032?
Hi Pablo,
The ES9040 is the latest set that will fit the Arc 5 shavers that use this system with two inner blades. The foil in the ES9040 is gentler than the one in the original ES9032 and also a bit better with flat-lying hairs. I wouldn’t say it shaves closer if I were to compare two brand new sets; both are excellent in that regard.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you Ovidiu
I’ve been using the Japanese model ES-LV5J for for about an year and a half in the US. Unfortunately, the outer foil, Japanese part# ES9181, developed a small hole.
I see that there’s no button in the row for ES9181 to Amazon hence was wondering if there is an equivalent outer foil from a US model that I can procure?
Hey,
Unfortunately none of the newer Arc 5 models were officially released in the USA, so buying a newer outer foil is more difficult as there are none officially available. However, you can still find some on eBay. You would need the ES9181 for your shaver, but the previous ES9179 and ES9177 will fit as well and they shave almost identically. In fact, the original Arc 5 foil (no comfort rollers), the ES9173, will also fit but it’s a bit more aggressive if you have sensitive skin. But you should be able to find it very easily.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Thank you very much for your answer ♂️
I am going to look for ES9179, ES9177, or ES9173.
I don’t know why Panny doesn’t sell something like the LV5J in US that be used while charging (main & only reason I sourced the LV5J) … are they afraid of lawsuits when someone gets electrocuted when they shave in the shower while it’s plugged in charging?
Thank you again for your informative blog & this comment section that you are very engaged in providing answers. Googling lead to your articles about LV5J having the capability I seek year and a half ago!
Thank you!
Tak
Don’t know where that emoticon came from!
Tak
Hi Tak,
You are very welcome — glad I could be of help.
We can only speculate but I think what you said is more or less the reason for that; they just don’t want to deal with any potential liabilities. It’s the same in Europe, we only get the cordless models.
You can usually find the newer foils/blades on eBay (make sure the vendor has plenty of positive reviews) and Amazon.co.jp. I usually buy from the latter as the newest revisions are almost always in stock.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Great and detailed articles. Thank you!
Can you please help me understand if the lv67 and lv69 come OOTB with exactly the same blade and foil? would that be the same part ID in the box?
Thanks!
Oren
Hi Oren,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.
Yes, the LV67 and LV69 use the exact same foil and blades.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Really great job – finally I understood this incredible confusion with the model designations. The good thing is that with my es-lv95 I can use any of 3 types of foil, no need to look for 9032 specifically. Just to try something new.
Now I know it )
Thanks,
Mike
Hi Mike,
Thank you for the kind comment, really glad the info was useful.
Absolutely, you can get any of the three sets and give your LV95 an upgrade. I would buy the one that is easy to source and costs less because the differences between them are rather minor.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I recently purchased the Panasonic ES LV65 shaver after reading you review about the shaver. I am very impressed with closeness and comfort factor of the shaver. I have been using Braun S6 shaver which doesn’t give as close a shave as the Panasonic. Because of disappointment with some products I have purchased in the past basing them on reviews, I am cautious when making a purchase based on some reviews. However, your review was excellent on the Panasonic ARC 5. Thank you for your integrity and factual assessment of electric shavers.
Hey Geoffrey,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. I’m glad you’re enjoying your LV65, it’s an excellent shaver and the performance is unbeatable at that price point.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I’ve read your shaver head comparisons and I’m still confused on which replacement blades for my ES-LV9Q. Is it still among the bottom four:
Here is (again) the table with the part numbers:
Foil & Blades Set ES9034 See on Amazon
Foil & Blades Set ES9036 See on Amazon
Foil & Blades Set ES9038 See on Amazon Jp
Foil & Blades Set ES9040 See on Amazon UK
Thanks!
Mike
Hi Mike,
That is correct, any of these 4 will fit your shaver perfectly, with the ES9040 being the newest. If you can’t source that one, then try to get the ES9038 instead and so on. Also, if you can get any of the 4 sets for significantly less money than the others, go for it. As a side note, your ES-LV9Q originally came with the ES9036 set.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Well I ordered the ES9036 from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742G6G8P?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title and the parts don’t fit. the cutter head is maybe 2/3 size of what came on my ES-LV9Q and has wings on each end where my original just had little tabs on each end. The blades themselves seem to be the same or similar.
How did I order the wrong replacement?
Thanks!
Mike
Hi Mike,
There’s definitely something not right there, the foil head should be the exact same dimension and shape. Can you take a picture of it and also one with it next to the old one? You can email me at contact@shavercheck.com.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu. Thank you so much for trying to decrypt Panasonic’s insane product offering! I have the ES-LV67 and didn’t know I can get different blades! Been using WES9032P for years.
I can’t seem to find ES9038/ES9040 in Canada unless it’s importing from Japan. These look like the same thing from Panasonic’s Canadian website but wanted to confirm: WES9179P or WES9600.
Can I buy these? I really want to try to rollers!
Hey Jacek,
Thank you for the comment, glad the info was useful.
The ES9038 and ES9040 are sets, meaning they are comprised of the foil and the two removable blades. The WES9179P you found on Panasonic’s website is just the foil that is part of the ES9038 set. So you can buy it for your shaver, but you will still be using your existing inner blades. Ideally you would want to buy those as well. The inner blades have the part number WES9170.
The WES9600 is the foil block used by the Panasonic Arc 6, not the Arc 5, and will not fit your shaver.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Is the ES9038 set called WES9600 in Canada maybe?
https://shopping.panasonic.ca/products/personal-care/shaver-supplies/wes9600/product.aspx?ID=c2ba778e-e77b-4c07-91f2-355ca80f2b25&g=4eabc3ef-4a85-4569-82cb-6f69c0d9e45d&c=76D63D82-1BC4-4F11-8460-5AD18BD46849&lang=en
Absolutely not, the WES9600 in the link is the 6-blade foil head (with non-removable blades) used by the Arc 6 shavers. It’s a different system and will not fit the ES-LV67 or any other Arc 5 model.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
The Arc 5 replacement foils and blades are around $90-$125 on Panasonics website and Amazon. I see some on eBay that claim to be genuine Panasonic for around $50, are these lower priced ones likely fakes or can you trust other marketplaces selling these replacements?
Thanks for the site, it is a great help.
Hey Scott,
Thanks so much for the comment.
The eBay part could be genuine even at that price, but I would only buy it from a very reputable vendor, with thousands of positive, genuine user reviews. Otherwise I don’t think it’s worth the risk.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu!
I’m sure everyone is concerned about the high cost of Panasonic replacement blades and foils. On the US Amazon site, I’ve recently come across non-Panasonic sets that are advertised as “compatible” with Panasonic’s wes 9032. The interesting thing is that these feature straight foils and blades as opposed to the curved Panasonic versions. And these companies actually refer to this feature as an “upgrade” to the originals. Reviews seem to be mixed. Has anyone had any experience with these sets?
Great work, Ovidiu, and Happy Holidays to all!
Hi David,
Thank you so much for the comment.
I have not tried that particular set, but I did buy a few other compatible sets in the past and the performance was really poor. I just cannot recommend them and I would rather wait for a good deal on the OEM parts.
As a side note, curved foils and blades are a lot more difficult to manufacture, the tolerances are tighter as well, so the reason for this upgrade is likely that they couldn’t make them curved.
Happy Holidays and thank you again for the feedback, glad the info was useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi cool article. What is diff between es9036 and es9038? They look the same thanx
Hey,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.
The middle slit trimmer has been tweaked to be a bit more effective with flat-lying hairs on the ES9038. In practice it seems to be only marginally better, so if you can get the ES9036 for less money, I’d buy that one instead.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Once again, this very helpful guide came in very handy when I had to order blades. So far, this is the second set since I got my ’67. This time I went with the newer ES9040 set, after trying the ES9038 set last time.
Hey MJ,
Thank you so much, glad the info was helpful. The ES9040 should be at least as good as the previous ES9038, and nice upgrade for the reliable LV67.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
The WES9040P from the Arc5 Palm works with most Arc5 razors.
In the United States, the selection for replacement foils and blades is extremely limited, and they’re very expensive, so I’m certain many people end up getting the WES9032P pack because it’s easy and predictable, and I’ve seen some people ask whether the palm shaver foils+blades work with the full-size shavers, but haven’t seen anyone actually try it.
A lot of people who own these razors use this article as their reference guide for which ones to buy, so if there’s anyone seeing the extremely limited selection on the Panasonic site and and doing a word-search for WES9040P or “palm”, here’s your sign; the WES9040P for the palm shaver works in the LV67 and LV97 shavers! And the comfort rollers are a HUGE improvement, even if it can feel like they don’t cut as close at first, the increased comfort lets you do another pass without risking razor burn. It cost me $100 to find that out, so you’re welcome.
Next task: Find an alternative for the $20 detergent refills. Clipper oil, rubbing alcohol, and distilled water? Prolly what Braun’s is, but I feel like Panasonic puts some other cleaner in there.
Have a good one!
Hi Henry,
Absolutely, the WES9040P will fit all Arc 5 models except for the Generation 4 models that come with the single piece foil+integrated blades head. WES9040P is actually the exact same set as the ES9040 (WES9040Y) I mentioned in the article — Panasonic does this thing with multiple part number variations that refer to the same part.
I haven’t tinkered with Panasonic cleaning solutions much, as I rarely use my Panasonic stations and just clean the shavers manually. The options are however fewer compared to Braun when it comes to finding or making a more affordable cleaning solution.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have the fourth generation with the integrated blade foil set. Panasonic advise replacing foils annually and blades every two years. I’ve always found that I need new foils every 6 months or so but in this case I’d be replacing the blades too twice a year.
Hi Andrew,
For the fourth generation, Panasonic says it should be replaced every 18 months, so somewhere in the middle. Maybe it’ll last more than 6 months.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Just found and bookmarked this page. Can’t believe you’ve been answering questions for years. Anyway, I’ve got some quick questions that I hope you can answer. I’ve been using a Braun shavers for years and have loved them but wanted to give Panasonic a try since it’s always mentioned with good reviews.
1) Does the latest Panasonic shavers cut as good or better than the Braun shavers (I’m not sure if you can answer this but thought I’d ask anyway)?
2) I’m interested in buying the Arc5 (ES-LV67) or the Arc5 Pro (ES-L550WS). Which would you recommend? Does the Arc5 Pro cut closer than the Arc5?
Hey Jerry,
Thank you so much for the comment, I appreciate it.
1) It’s not a straight answer, I’m afraid. Both have their own pros and cons. Generally, a Panasonic shaver (in particular the 5 and 6-blade models) can cut the hair closer to the skin than a similar Braun razor and are superior in terms of raw power. That said, they work best when used often (on short stubble) and if your facial grows relatively straight. You will notice the closeness advantage especially if you have very coarse/thick/dense hair.
Braun, especially the top of the line models, from the Series 8 and up (Series 9/PRO/PRO+ and Nevo) are a lot more effective at catching difficult facial hair (longer, flat-lying, different directions of growth) in fewer strokes, they are more compliant, easier to use and in most cases probably a safer pick, even though in terms of pure closeness Panasonic is ahead. In terms of comfort, they are still ahead, even though Panasonic reduced the gap with the latest Arc 5 PRO and Arc 6 generations. The shaving head of Braun models is a lot more user-friendly as well (smaller, more effective flexing). So choosing between Panasonic and Braun comes down to what matters more for you. Braun cleaning stations are more practical, even though a Panasonic cleaner is technically superior.
2) To me the PRO is gentler/more comfortable, that would be the main advantage vs an ES-LV67 or other ARC 5 that uses the same foils. Unless you have sensitive skin, I don’t think you would be able to notice a major difference in closeness. The ES-LV67 is excellent in that regard, especially at that price point.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Just wanted to give you a quick update. Your info was a tremendous help in deciding what to get. I also took some extra time to read and watch many video reviews on Amazon, Best Buy and other places on both the Braun 8 and up models, as well as, the Arc5/Arc5 Pro. Some comments I saw on owners who used both preferred the Panasonic. You were right when you said both were close with subtle pros and cons. Considering how I shave, the Arc5 came out as the winner for me because of size and cost. I trust the actual shave will be great and look forward to trying it out. The foil and blades also is about the same cost as my current Braun 7 which is ok with me. Thanks again for your reply and sharing your thoughts!
You are very welcome, Jerry. Your choice makes a lot of sense, and I hope you will enjoy shaving with the Arc 5.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I love your detailed articles. If my Arc5 starts to feel sluggish and I’m needing to shave over the same areas more frequently, can I save money by just buying the inner blades and keep my foil? How can I tell if this is worth doing? of all my shavers including Braun 9 and Philips 9000 series, I keep going back to this one. Although for a multi day beard, Philips might be better.
Thank you for the comment, Alan, much appreciated.
The thing with the Arc 5 foil is that it’s not just a basic foil screen, it has 3 integrated blades that also wear out, just like the two removable blades. So if you’ll only be replacing the two inner blades, there’s a good chance the shaving performance won’t get back to its absolute best.
Panasonic actually recommends replacing the foil every year and the inner blades every two years. So in my opinion, if you don’t want to change everything (meaning a foil+inner blades set), replacing just the foil and keeping the two inner blades for another year would actually be better.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu