First jeans for women, now an electric shaver. The Panasonic Smooth Operator Wet/Dry Ladies Shaver threatens to fan the flames of the sexual revolution once again.

I had been curious for some time about using an electric razor -join the boys in their great leap foreward - and so this recent addition to the review bin seemed the perfect opportunity for experimentation. One that I couldn't leave to my stable of manly writers.

The Smooth Operator shaver is a wet/dry unit, meaning you can shave with water and some sort of fancy cream, or completely dry (something I don't recomend with a disposable).

It has a smooth, pale lilac casing that is small and contoured for easy handling. It is easy to clean and seems to hold a charge for several days (the box promises eight hours per charge). Sadly, Panasonic dropped the ball on the charger. Iit is difficult to know if the razor is locked into the socket-mounted charger or not. It's connection point is too small and angled wrong to hold it upright easily. Pity.

Irrational fears about something that did NOT have an open blade made me timid at first. After a small prayer, I gingerly lowered the fully submersible device into the bathtub with me -and sure enough, it continued to run. The 6800-rpm cutter did a fine job, certainly good enough for everyday use on my reasonabley sparse growth. It's more convenient than a blade, and zero-blood loss make it a worthwhile addition to the bulging cupboard under the sink.

If you just got off work and are now hurrying to the opera while changing in the car, then this gadget is excellent for a quicky dry shave to go with that strappy evening gown. However, if you're getting married later today, go to the evil people who wax you bald, or pull out your trusty twin blade. You just can't replace the old standbys when a seriously close shave is required.

Price: $99.95 Canadian / $78 US

More info: www.panasonic.ca / www.panasonic.com

Buy it: In Canada, at Radio Shack and Personal Edge stores or check here for a Canadian store near you. In the US, at Sears, Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, Service Merchandise, Eckerd and Walgreen's.