The Arc 5 represents Panasonic’s high-end line of electric shavers.
Ever since their introduction back in 2009, the defining characteristic of the Arc 5 series was the massive shaving head that featured 5 individual cutting elements.
Currently at the third 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.
And this can make things a bit 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 and this part was never explicitly documented by Panasonic.
As a result, newer foils and blades are actually compatible with older Arc 5 models and vice-versa.
This guide will address all of that and show you precisely which foils and blades will fit your particular Panasonic Arc 5 model.
Which foils and blades should you buy for your Arc 5?
Before getting started, it’s important to note that all Panasonic Arc 5 razors have two (removable) inner blades, while the remaining three are integrated into the foil block itself.
So throughout this guide, whenever I mention the word “blades”, I am only referring to the pair of removable inner blades.
So every Arc 5 foil and blades set out there actually contains the same two inner blades, namely the WES9170 (sometimes the P is left out of the name, but it’s the exact same part).
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.
With that out of the way, let’s see which foils and blades will fit every Panasonic Arc 5 generation.
We’ll first check out the ones that originally came with the shaver (and are officially recommended by the manufacturer) and then other compatible parts, which can be either newer or older than the ones that came with your shaver.
1. For first and second-generation Arc 5 shavers (ES-LV61-A, ES-LV81-K, ES-LV65-S, ES-LV95-S, ES-LV67-K, ES-LV97-K, ES-ALV6HR etc.)
1.1 Original Foils & Blades
First & second gen Panasonic Arc 5 foil & blades| Part type | Part no | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Blades | WES9170 (ES9170, WES9170P) | See on Amazon |
| Foil | WES9173P (ES9173, WES9173Y) | See on Amazon |
| Foil & Blades Set | WES9032P (ES9032, WES9032Y) | See on Amazon |
As you can see, the second generation Arc 5 shavers (ES-LV65-S, ES-LV95-S) come with exactly the same foils and blades as the original, first-generation models (ES-LV61-A, ES-LV81-K).
In 2019 Panasonic introduced a couple of supposedly new models, the ES-LV67 and ES-LV97. However, they’re basically a second-generation Arc 5 with a new design of the shaver’s body, but the same foil and blades.
So if you have a first or second-generation Panasonic Arc 5, those are the part numbers of the original foil and blades.
1.2 Compatible (newer) Foils & Blades
Third generation Arc 5 foil and blades| Part type | Part no | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Blades (all revisions) | WES9170 (ES9170, WES9170P) | See on Amazon |
| Foil (rev A and B) | WES9175 | |
| Foil (rev C and D) | WES9177 (WES9177Y, ES9177) | |
| Foil (rev E and F) | ES9179 | |
| Foil (rev G and H) | ES9181 | |
| Foil & Blades Set (rev A and B) | WES9034P (ES9034) | See on Amazon |
| Foil & Blades Set (rev C and D) | WES9036 (WES9036Y, ES9036) | See on Amazon |
| Foil & Blades Set (rev E and F) | ES9038 | |
| Foil & Blades Set (rev G and H) | ES9040 | See on Amazon Jp |
If for some reason the original foils and blades are not available or you simply want to give your older Arc 5 an upgrade, you can opt for some newer parts.
Precisely, we’re talking about the latest (third generation) Panasonic Arc 5 models.
They come with revised outer foils that will fit older models and likely provide a more comfortable shave compared to the original foils.
The third generation Arc 5 (launched in 2015) uses four foil models (with different part numbers).
As we saw earlier, the inner blades are the same throughout all generations and revisions.
Why four foil models? Well, there are 9 revisions of the third generation as of 2022 (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and J) and some of them also come with revised foils.
I wrote detailed articles about most of the third generation revisions; you can check them out at the following links:
Also, here’s my detailed Arc 5 buying guide where you can find all the relevant info about every Arc 5 model ever released.
A and B come with one foil type, while the C and D revisions use a newer, slightly revised foil (the differences between them are marginal, so you can opt for either of them).
Later came the Arc 5 revision E and F shavers, also with a slightly updated foil that has a different part number. Again, the differences in practice are minor (consisting mainly of a tweaked middle cutter).
The defining characteristic of all these new, third-generation outer foils is the presence of two rollers that supposedly make them glide smoother over the skin.
Is it worth the upgrade to the newer foils? Well, if you can get them for not a whole lot more, I think so.
I’ve used them alongside the old ones and while I found the closeness to be pretty much the same, the new foils (with the two golden rollers) are more comfortable.
The latest Arc 5 foil is currently the one that first came with the revision G shaver models (2021).
The latest 2023 Arc 5 PRO models also use this foil.
It’s also the one that features the most radical change as the middle cutter was completely redesigned instead of just tweaked. The rollers are now silver instead of gold, so it’s very easy to differentiate them from the older ones.
As a result, it is slightly better than the previous ones when shaving longer hairs, but still not great if the hairs also stay flat on the skin and grow in different directions.
You can read more details about its performance in this review.
You’ll sometimes find the foil, blades or set listed without the W in the model name. For example, ES9036 instead of WES9036. Don’t mind it, it’s the same part.
2. For third generation Arc 5 shavers
2.1 Original Foils & Blades
Third generation Arc 5 foil and blades| Part type | Part no | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Blades (all revisions) | WES9170 (ES9170, WES9170P) | See on Amazon |
| Foil (rev A and B) | WES9175 | |
| Foil (rev C and D) | WES9177 (WES9177Y, ES9177) | |
| Foil (rev E and F) | ES9179 | |
| Foil (rev G and H) | ES9181 | |
| Foil & Blades Set (rev A and B) | WES9034P (ES9034) | See on Amazon |
| Foil & Blades Set (rev C and D) | WES9036 (WES9036Y, ES9036) | See on Amazon |
| Foil & Blades Set (rev E and F) | ES9038 | |
| Foil & Blades Set (rev G and H) | ES9040 | See on Amazon Jp |
As mentioned previously, the Panasonic Arc 5 generation 3 shavers have been revised 8 times since the launch of the first A revision (that included models like the ES-LV9N/ES-LV9A, ES-LV6N/ES-LV6A).
As a result, we also have an Arc 5 revision B (ES-LV9B, ES-LV6B), a revision C (ES-LV9CX, ES-LV9C, ES-LV9Q, ES-LV6Q, ES-CV51, etc.), a revision D (ES-LV9DX, ES-LV9D, etc.), a revision E (ES-LV9EX, ES-LV9E, etc.), a revision F (ES-LV9FX, ES-LV9F, etc.), a revision G (ES-LV9U, ES-LV6U, etc.), a revision H (ES-LV9V, ES-LV7V, etc.), and a revision J (ES-LV9W, ES-LV7W, ES-LV5J, etc.).
Fun fact: the letter I was skipped by Panasonic for some reason, so we moved from H straight to J.
We know that revisions A and B come with the same foil part number, while the C and D models come with updated foils (supposedly using an improved middle trimmer for better catching longer hairs).
The revisions E and F also have a different foil compared to the C and D models, at least in the sense that it has a different part number.
In reality, all generation 3 foils from revision A to F are extremely similar and you probably won’t notice any significant difference during use.
The only one that represents a more significant step is the revision G/H/J foil with the part number ES9181. The part number of the set (foil and two inner blades) is ES9040.
Having used it alongside the older ones, I can confirm that it is better with longer facial hair and also a bit more comfortable.
However, I wouldn’t call it radically better.
Side note: All generation 3 foils/sets are also cross-compatible regardless of the revision. For example, if you own a revision C shaver like the ES-LV9Q you can upgrade the foil to the latest revision G/H/J foil/set.
2.2 Compatible (older) foils and blades
First & second gen Panasonic Arc 5 foil & blades| Part type | Part no | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Blades | WES9170 (ES9170, WES9170P) | See on Amazon |
| Foil | WES9173P (ES9173, WES9173Y) | See on Amazon |
| Foil & Blades Set | WES9032P (ES9032, WES9032Y) | See on Amazon |
The various new foil sets of the third generation Arc 5 can be a bit difficult to find and in some regions, they may not be available yet.
For example, you can only get the revision E, F and G/H/J foils/sets from Japan. Panasonic officially released them only on their domestic market.
The exception is Europe where the revision G Arc 5 shavers were officially released under the Series 900 name.
Also, the newer foils/sets can be pretty pricey, at least right now.
If you find yourself in one of these situations, you do have the option of getting the older generation foil (used by the first and second-gen Arc 5).
It won’t be a major downgrade since the first and second-generation foils were already really good, even though they are not quite as comfortable as the new ones.
In fact, some users feel like the old foil (without the rollers) is better for a closer shave.
I personally find both equally good, but it just goes to show that the older one can represent a viable option if you can find it for a great price.
Final word on choosing the right Arc 5 foil and blades
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.
Precisely, 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.
For example, even if older shaver models 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 use the newer foils and blades.
Also, if you bought a newer (generation 3) Arc 5 and you can’t find the exact foils it came with, you can always use an older model 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 parts.
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
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
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