Dear B&B community,
I’m 18 and have been shaving since about 13.5. I started with an electric shaver. As time passed it started to pull on the beard, perhaps as a result of the blades going dull, so I switched to cartridges at 16. Shaved with those ripoffs until this summer. Now I shave with disposable single blade bics(70’s style). Ironically they cost about five times cheaper yet shave better than the cartridges
I want to take close shaving to the next level by switching to a shavette. I have never shaved or been shaved with a straight razor or a safety razor before, only disposable and cartridge. Knowing this one may rightfully suggest that it would be more logical to get a safety razor first and then move to a straight, but I am a bit Impatient so I want to bite the bullet and just go for it. What’s the worst that can happen? I don’t think you can slice your face off unless you are absolutely reckless. To avoid the maintenance of a “real” straight razor, I want to purchase a shavette.
I have read a lot online about shaving, razors, blades, creams, soaps, brushes and technique, but I still have a number of questions that I would like to get more specific answers to;
1. Which shavette? The full metal Parker SR1 seems to be a pretty good deal for 20 bucks. I also like the Dovo Shavette for it’s smooth profile.
One thing I have noticed about shavettes is that they have flat sides. On most shavettes, including the SR1, only the bottom quarter inch near the edge of the blade is sloped, while “real” straight razors usually have a smooth sloped profile, like a knife, with the thinnest point being of the razor the edge of the blade and the widest point being the top of the spine.
Given that the “real” straight razor is considered the ultimate best shaving device, my theory is that the best shavette is the one that mimics that natural smooth slope of a “real” straight razor the best.
2. Which blades? I think that standard half DE blades would work better than the super wide shavette-specific blades because narrower blades should be easier to maneuver. What brand though?
3. Canned shaving cream vs traditional cream/soap: While some compare pairing a straight razor with barbasol to drinking fine wine with a mcdonalds burger, others claim it works okay. A lot of people argue against canned creams because the contain a lot of toxic substances and numbing agents. I can agree with that as my face generally feels pretty numb after shaving. What do you think? I don’t want to spend way too much right now so if it’s alright I can get a decent shavette and blades for now and buy traditional cream/soap and a brush later.
4. Which cream/soap? I am very sensitive to stimuli and I don’t like overly strong, heavy, sweet or tart smells. Heavily spiced food, heavy and tart perfumes irritate me. I can’t comfortably stand next to someone who has bathed in a heavy/spicy/tart perfume. Especially those who have poor hygiene and try to conceal it with gallons of perfume. But that’s another topic. What I’m trying to say is that for me heavily scented creams/soaps, stuff like bay leaf, cinnamon, coffee, uber-macho “manly” scents are unacceptable. I want something very feminine like a subtle hint of lavender.
5. What else other than a shavette, razor blades, brush and soap do I need? What if I cut myself? Should I get an alum bar? Preshave? Aftershave? I have not used aftershave for over a year because it doesn’t really help me.
6. Homemade shaving cream/soap? As I mentioned I like feminine fragrances. If I can make a homemade cream/soap that would save me money and be better for my skin, I would give it a try. Has anyone had any successful experiences with this?
7. My budget is about $80. If needed, I can first buy the shavette and the blades and later the cream/soap and brush.
Thank you and Merry upcoming Christmas everyone!
I’m 18 and have been shaving since about 13.5. I started with an electric shaver. As time passed it started to pull on the beard, perhaps as a result of the blades going dull, so I switched to cartridges at 16. Shaved with those ripoffs until this summer. Now I shave with disposable single blade bics(70’s style). Ironically they cost about five times cheaper yet shave better than the cartridges
I want to take close shaving to the next level by switching to a shavette. I have never shaved or been shaved with a straight razor or a safety razor before, only disposable and cartridge. Knowing this one may rightfully suggest that it would be more logical to get a safety razor first and then move to a straight, but I am a bit Impatient so I want to bite the bullet and just go for it. What’s the worst that can happen? I don’t think you can slice your face off unless you are absolutely reckless. To avoid the maintenance of a “real” straight razor, I want to purchase a shavette.
I have read a lot online about shaving, razors, blades, creams, soaps, brushes and technique, but I still have a number of questions that I would like to get more specific answers to;
1. Which shavette? The full metal Parker SR1 seems to be a pretty good deal for 20 bucks. I also like the Dovo Shavette for it’s smooth profile.
One thing I have noticed about shavettes is that they have flat sides. On most shavettes, including the SR1, only the bottom quarter inch near the edge of the blade is sloped, while “real” straight razors usually have a smooth sloped profile, like a knife, with the thinnest point being of the razor the edge of the blade and the widest point being the top of the spine.
Given that the “real” straight razor is considered the ultimate best shaving device, my theory is that the best shavette is the one that mimics that natural smooth slope of a “real” straight razor the best.
2. Which blades? I think that standard half DE blades would work better than the super wide shavette-specific blades because narrower blades should be easier to maneuver. What brand though?
3. Canned shaving cream vs traditional cream/soap: While some compare pairing a straight razor with barbasol to drinking fine wine with a mcdonalds burger, others claim it works okay. A lot of people argue against canned creams because the contain a lot of toxic substances and numbing agents. I can agree with that as my face generally feels pretty numb after shaving. What do you think? I don’t want to spend way too much right now so if it’s alright I can get a decent shavette and blades for now and buy traditional cream/soap and a brush later.
4. Which cream/soap? I am very sensitive to stimuli and I don’t like overly strong, heavy, sweet or tart smells. Heavily spiced food, heavy and tart perfumes irritate me. I can’t comfortably stand next to someone who has bathed in a heavy/spicy/tart perfume. Especially those who have poor hygiene and try to conceal it with gallons of perfume. But that’s another topic. What I’m trying to say is that for me heavily scented creams/soaps, stuff like bay leaf, cinnamon, coffee, uber-macho “manly” scents are unacceptable. I want something very feminine like a subtle hint of lavender.
5. What else other than a shavette, razor blades, brush and soap do I need? What if I cut myself? Should I get an alum bar? Preshave? Aftershave? I have not used aftershave for over a year because it doesn’t really help me.
6. Homemade shaving cream/soap? As I mentioned I like feminine fragrances. If I can make a homemade cream/soap that would save me money and be better for my skin, I would give it a try. Has anyone had any successful experiences with this?
7. My budget is about $80. If needed, I can first buy the shavette and the blades and later the cream/soap and brush.
Thank you and Merry upcoming Christmas everyone!