Written by Peter Brooker in Grooming on the 15th July 2016

Most guys don't grow the scabrous Jason Statham-esque stubble to look like Jason Statham (although I do), it's because we can't be dealing with the irritation that comes with the modern wet-shave. More men than ever are shaving less and today, almost half are choosing not to pick up their razor to avoid a common battle with irritation.

Well fear not, Wilkinson Sword has introduced the Hydro 5, engineered to offer improved skin protection whilst shaving. Ok so we might not be able to strike a match from our beards anymore, but let’s focus on the upside. With technology that surpasses the outdated lubrication strips, Wilkinson Sword has raised the game, equipping the razor with innovative gel pools designed for an improved glide to give the best protection from irritation.

The Hydrating Gel Pools may sound like something you'd see Samantha Morton floating around in (Minority Report reference), instead they happen to be the best lubrication strips on the market. The gel pools deliver 40 per cent less friction than any other razor brand. The gel ensures a super-thick coverage to spread evenly across the face, leaving the skin feeling protected through every stroke and hydrated for up to one hour after each shave – blowing the other conventional strips out of the water.

The novel features include; Flip Trimmer; don't struggle to negotiate the difficult contours of the face - with a simple flick of the thumb - the hydrating gel pools flip back to reveal five blades that deliver parallel precision and control. Advanced Skin Guards and Reduced Blade Span; the guard bars and reduced blade span have been redesigned to improve comfort, safety and prevent skin pinching. The Handle; with an upgraded colour palette, the ergonomic handle fits in the hand without compromise and provides guys with a more comfortable hold and control whilst shaving.

In addition, with 71 per cent of men claiming to have sensitive skin, Wilkinson Sword has also launched Hydro 5 Sensitive, the only 5-blade sensitive razor on the market. Containing all of the innovative features found in the Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5, but with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E built into the hydration gel pools to help soothe skin that is prone to being sensitive.

We trial and test the new Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 Hydrating Gel Shaver which features Advanced Skin Guards and Reduced Blade Span.