I bought an epilator once (made by Grundig I think? some German company). I tried, I tried to like it, but it was just too painful. I also feel that I have a high pain tolerance.

Electric shavers don't give a very close shave.

Regular old razors (well, I use a Gillette Venus Divine... I know, silly marketing) work best I think (assuming waxing is out). Way back when I was young and first started shaving I used to get lots of razor rash, but I don't anymore even if I just shave with soap & water (rather than shave cream, which I used to buy religiously). I think your skin gets tougher.

But Mr. Silver, I would have alligator skin if I used alcohol-based gel on my legs every day!!! I think this might work if you don't shave very often, but if you are shaving every day or every other day, this is likely to really dry out your skin.