The Braun 8995 sure looks fancy and a few reviews led me to believe that I would recieve a super close shave. Although that is not the case at all. I would say it worked a little better when it was new. I have had it for 10 months and I can honestly say it does not give me any closer shave than my $40.00 Norelco. The blade is recommended for replacement at 18 months. So that should not be the problem. Looks can definetly be decieving. I would definetly not recommend this unit. Oh, and the cleaning unit does not improve the closeness of the shave. I am not impressed.