The Braun replacement blades and foils are necessary for continued use of these electric razors. The good news is that the replacement parts are perfect - no problems at all. The bad news is that they are priced pretty much the same no matter which Braun razor one has. I have a $150 8500 series and a $35 3200 series, and the blade and foil replacements are about the same price for each. For the 3200 series it seems a shame to pay the same price for a blade and foil that one paid for the entire razor to begin with...