Where can I find a beard trimmer in New York City?

December 30, 2009 8:11 AM

Where can I find a beard trimmer in New York City? I specifically want one that takes AA batteries, nothing with a built-in battery and charger.

I'm specifically looking for a beard trimmer that takes AA batteries and can trim down to 2mm. Built-in batteries tend to suck and wear out eventually, making your product useless.

I found the "Braun EP 15" and the "Braun Allstyle", but I'd like to see them in store to make sure they're designed properly.

I called Target in Brooklyn, and nobody knows what's going on there.

If you know of a good store with a variety of beard trimmers and shavers, that would be great.

posted by hoobichu to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (14 answers total)

Bed Bath & Beyond near Lincoln Center has them.
posted by dfriedman at 8:19 AM on December 30, 2009

Usually a local knife store will be able to give you expert advice.

As a former beard wearer, let me say that I had some bad experiences with my one battery powered beard trimmer. It seemed to have a lower level of power and therfore gradually transitioned from a "beard trimmer" to a "beard yanker" as the batteries spent down. I'd find one that takes a larger number of batteries and make sure they are all fresh.
posted by cross_impact at 8:20 AM on December 30, 2009

CVS and Walgreens have several trimmers. I bought a cheapo Vidal Sasoon trimmer that takes 3 AAs a few years ago and, other than having to coax it into starting a bit, it's served me quite well.

Also you might try ShopLocal.
posted by ropeladder at 8:20 AM on December 30, 2009

I don't know NYC, but my first inclination would be a beauty-supply store (y'know, they sell stuff to barbers and cosmetologists and whatnot).
posted by box at 8:20 AM on December 30, 2009

Rite Aid has a good one for $23.
posted by jonschubin at 8:24 AM on December 30, 2009

CVS, Walgreens, Duane Reade - any of the larger chain drug stores should have them. Kmart at Penn Station or down on Broadway towards the Village would be a good place to check as well.
posted by pupdog at 8:40 AM on December 30, 2009

In addition to "Every drugstore" I would recommend one of the many Rickys stores.
posted by Sidhedevil at 9:43 AM on December 30, 2009

Mr. Shoes uses a Wahl Groomsman that we bought at Wal-Mart about 8 years ago for about $10. I don't know if it goes down to 2mm, but it came with a bunch of clip guards. It takes 3 AA batteries and works just fine.
posted by TooFewShoes at 9:50 AM on December 30, 2009

FWIW: Most cordless trimmers with built-in batteries will still work when plugged into a power source; at least mine does.
posted by entropicamericana at 11:37 AM on December 30, 2009

Just bought one at the BBB near Lincoln Center. They have a whole wall of them on the bottom level near the shampoo.
posted by rmless at 1:56 PM on December 30, 2009

What is "the BBB near Lincoln Center"? Google can only find a BBB Department Store in New Jersey...
posted by hoobichu at 2:20 PM on December 30, 2009

Bed Bath and Beyond? I got mine at Walgreens.
posted by drezdn at 4:02 PM on December 30, 2009

I got my beard trimmer at J&R. There is also a BBB in Tribeca.
posted by minimal at 7:36 AM on December 31, 2009

I ended up getting another Wahl Groomsman. It works well until it breaks, which my old one did. And it doesn't work with the fatter, higher-capacity NiMH batteries unless you shove something between the V-shaped contact inside, so it doesn't connect to itself.

But, it's pretty good and doesn't have built-in batteries, making it last for a very long time, and doesn't leave you stuck with a dead charger if you've got batteries around.
posted by hoobichu at 12:19 PM on January 29, 2010