How different is shavette-alike razor to a real thing?

[HeWhoKnows]

Gents,
Having accumulated fair amount of experience with shavette, I was wondering how different is a feeling of a real razor (let's say something like 6/8 half to full hollow) while shaving?
Thing is, I'm not really satisfied with shaves that offer Shavette and I really like that Dovo Bismarck thingy, so I guess if anyone out there who has experience with both could give me an insight to what my question is, and it might feed my optimism, I could buy that beauty before end of this week.

 

[California Cajun]

Gents,
Having accumulated fair amount of experience with shavette, I was wondering how different is a feeling of a real razor (let's say something like 6/8 half to full hollow) while shaving?
Thing is, I'm not really satisfied with shaves that offer Shavette and I really like that Dovo Bismarck thingy, so I guess if anyone out there who has experience with both could give me an insight to what my question is, and it might feed my optimism, I could buy that beauty before end of this week.

I got pretty good at the Shavette, especially after sticking the blade out further, but pretty much went back to the drawing board when I went to the straight.

The reason for me was the weight. I had gotten used to the lightweight Shavette and when I started using the heavier straight the nimbleness I acquired had to be learned all over again.

So I would make the commitment to the Bismarck if that is what you want to master. I think I am going to continue to use the Shavette on an occasional basis to see if after I master the straight I can still use it for travel. Either that or a DE razor. Right now I can't see taking the strop and the whole nine yards with me on trips.

 

[HeWhoKnows]

Thanks for the answer...Could you briefly explain what you mean by "sticking the blade further"?

 

[chili]

the blade is also a lot longer on a straight

 

[dpmtherrien]

I use the Feather AC straight, and the weight and feel is about the same as a regular straight. I also use the Parker SRW straight which is much lighter. I'll use the Parker for quick touch ups, or even after I'm done using my Feather, for any very small rough spots. Since these are all I use for my straights, I really don't have any issues with using them. I get very good shaves from either.

 

[StillShaving]

Thanks for the answer...Could you briefly explain what you mean by "sticking the blade further"?

Forgive me for trying to answer this post, because I do not know what OP was trying to say, and I have never used a shavette....but if I were to trying one I would want to stick the toe of the blade out further and shave more with the heel because the DE blade is so thin and I would be afraid of the point wanting to dig into the face. So my instinct would be to shave with the blade point sticking further out. Once mastered, I imagine this would provide a great low cost shave.

 

[closer]

I've got both - a Dovo shavette that I use with a DE blade, and a Dovo Bismarck bought from SRD. With regard to feel, there is a definite difference. The Bismarck has a really nice heft, and very comfortable to use with the thumb notch (although requires a slight change in grip when going ATG). You feel like you are using a quality instrument specifically made for the job, whereas the shavette feels flimsy because its so lightweight. This is not to knock the shavette, I get good shaves with both, but you asked specifically about difference in feel. The difference in heft does mean that you have to learn the angles all over again, as also pointed out by California Cajun.

With the Bismarck though, you will need to buy a strop, and learn to use it properly (it can be learned within a few weeks). At some point, you may want to pick up a barber hone, or a finishing hone to use for touchups. But to me, that's part of the enjoyment of using a straight - learning to maintain your own blade, and can be a very rewarding exercise.

 

[HeWhoKnows]

Thanks for the answer....Of course, good strop and hone are mandatory!

 

[taffy]

I tried a shavette before buying a straight and i did get decent shaves from the shavette after a bit of a learning curve, the straight i now prefer for a few reasons, a longer blade, heavier and more fun to use, sold my shavette as soon as i got my straight which says it all.