I am starting to get into wetshaving. I already have everything minus a new razor. At first I was solf on just getting a Edwin Jagger ,but now I have been reading about these disposable straights from Dovo. Would it be wise to just start in it with of those. I already think in the long run I want to use a straight.
A few questions.
- Thread starter jwtiger69
- Start date
Welcome to B&B.
I'm sure a lot of people will say this, so let me be the first. If you have $$ you could skip DEs and Shavettes and pick up a starter package from Whipped Dog, which features a used straight. If you want to keep things new and have the lower end of $$$, you could pick up a starter package from Jarrod at the Superior Shave. Haven't dealt with Larry at Whipped Dog, but he enjoys a great reputation here. I have had many dealings with Jarrod, and he's really a top-notch straight-shooter.
That said, there is a bit of a learning curve with straights, and they definitely demand more time and attention. But in the end, for many, the reward of learning the process and the shave that results is definitely worth it. If it seems too much for starters, then I would recommend picking up an open-comb DE, either on the B/S/T or from Jarrod at TSS, or from Phil at BullGoose. With an open-comb, you can see more of the blade.
Edit: I have a cheap Parker "shavette" that I use with half-blades, and it does okay when I am on a short trip; but honestly, I think you're better off starting with a true straight before using the ones with replacement blades.
I'm sure a lot of people will say this, so let me be the first. If you have $$ you could skip DEs and Shavettes and pick up a starter package from Whipped Dog, which features a used straight. If you want to keep things new and have the lower end of $$$, you could pick up a starter package from Jarrod at the Superior Shave. Haven't dealt with Larry at Whipped Dog, but he enjoys a great reputation here. I have had many dealings with Jarrod, and he's really a top-notch straight-shooter.
That said, there is a bit of a learning curve with straights, and they definitely demand more time and attention. But in the end, for many, the reward of learning the process and the shave that results is definitely worth it. If it seems too much for starters, then I would recommend picking up an open-comb DE, either on the B/S/T or from Jarrod at TSS, or from Phil at BullGoose. With an open-comb, you can see more of the blade.
Edit: I have a cheap Parker "shavette" that I use with half-blades, and it does okay when I am on a short trip; but honestly, I think you're better off starting with a true straight before using the ones with replacement blades.
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You could try it, the ej s are likely rebranded dovo's. Definitely don't get a used blade off the bay yet. Make sure its certified honed by a reputable seller.
I was assuming you meant Edwin Jagger branded straight razor and not DE.
- Thread starter
- #5
I was originally going to get a Edwin Jagger DE but there is a part of me that wants to go with a straight. Price is an issue right now as money is super tight. That is why I was curious about the disposable to start and learn how to shave with it. And of course eventually save up and try to get a package for around $250-300. Thanks to everyone who replied.
Have a go with the Parker shavette then. Phil at BullGoose has them for $16-$20, and Shark half-blades. Or you could try one of his DE sampler blade packs and cut them in half yourself (leave the blade in the paper wrapper as you bend the blade in half to break it!). Thing is, it's easy to cut yourself with any kind of shavette, but it will teach you the basics of holding the razor, shaving with both hands, and stretching and pulling the skin--although the blade angle will be a little bit steeper than with a true straight. Go slow, and you should be alright with it.
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Whats your current budget. There is likely a big difference between a safety de shavette and feather style shavette.
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- #8
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- #9
ci got a whipped dog deal and am happy as you said you dont know what they look like but larry wont send you junk but they are not nessesarily pretty mine has some tarnish etc but to be honest i could clean it up pretty well if i could be arsed althoughi think on old vintage blades it adds character and a bit of romance
nb
by tarnish i mean slight discoloration it will not be rusty or nasty looking
i have never tried the dovo shavvette you mentioned but i think the consesus is it is over priced and inferiour to the parker. i used a similar one to the parker for a few months and it worked great but did take some getting used to dont foget to budget for soap and a brush i tried the shavette with some gillette canned gel and it was not nice i would say brush and soap would be the top priority even if its with a mach 3
ps
i got a gillette tech off the bay for a few pound and that is great if you want to try a DE
nb
by tarnish i mean slight discoloration it will not be rusty or nasty looking
i have never tried the dovo shavvette you mentioned but i think the consesus is it is over priced and inferiour to the parker. i used a similar one to the parker for a few months and it worked great but did take some getting used to dont foget to budget for soap and a brush i tried the shavette with some gillette canned gel and it was not nice i would say brush and soap would be the top priority even if its with a mach 3
ps
i got a gillette tech off the bay for a few pound and that is great if you want to try a DE
- Thread starter
- #11
Thanks for the info. I think I am pretty set on getting a kit from whipped dog. I am really excited and cannot wait to order it. Now I just need to do more researching on stroping, honing and general care of straights.
The kit from whipped dog will have a lot of helpful info with it as well.
- Thread starter
- #13
http://www.whippeddog.com/products/view/sight-unseen-deal
Shave ready razor
Strop
Balsa
neats foot oil
instructions
newspaper
mine came with info on every component i.e. how to use the strop how use the balsawood etc also i would stronly suggest u get the extra strop in with the offer as u will probaly cut the first up quite quick at first i certainly did the you can just use it as a pasted strop when you get better and use the other
- Thread starter
- #16
Awesome! I cannot wait.... Thanks again! I will update when I get it/after my first attempt at shaving with it.
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