I have a shavette.now what?

[hwedin]

Hi

I've been considering starting straight razor shaving but can't quite stretch to the required financial outlay. So I was recommended a shavette - by my local gem of shaving shop - to use until I can justify the cost of a straight. I know that a shavette isn't a true representation and can be more difficult to master. But I bought a Bluebeards' Revenge shavette anyway.

Here's my question do I use the same blades as I use in my DE (Feathers) or do I go back the usual Derby - Astra - 7 o'clock [insert colour] - Feather progression that 'one' undergoes when starting DE shaving.

Also to find the correct angle do I lay the blade flat against my face and rotate until I hear the hair being cut (~30deg) or is there another way?

Is there anything else I should bare in mind?

I know these questions have probably been asked many times - sorry!

 

[Mike H]

Take your time and enjoy. The lather may dry on your face, that's ok, just apply more lather before you shave those areas.

 

[SirFuego]

As someone who just entered into the wet shaving realm with a shavette a few weeks ago, my best advice is to just do it. Take your time and keep light pressure.

You'll eventually figure out what blade angle works for you. Its not so much getting the 30ish degree angle, its maintaining that angle around the contours of your face -- which can really only be done by feel. Blade preferences also seem to be a very individual thing. So that said, I wouldn't think/read about it much more and just dive in. As you gain more experience you'll figure out what works and any subsequent reading will start to make more sense on different techniques, etc.

 

[hwedin]

I took the plunge this morning. I used the most mild blade I have (Astra) and I had an extra long pre-shave to make sure that my skin and hair was ready

The good news:
- I've never had such a close shave with only one pass! No need for another
- no razor burn
- more comfortable than my first DE shave

The bad news
- I think I need a blood transfusion and some stitches! I look like walking abattoir at the moment
- There is some minor redness but it's not sore (only the cuts are sore)
- so many cuts my styptic pencil disintegrated

But I'm going to keep at it.

I think that not keeping the skin tight was one of the issues and perhaps too much pressure as well.

 

[Bird_Flu]

Skin stretching is key. One tip that helped me was practice skin stretching even while DE shaving, it will improve your DE shaves as well. You know how when you were learning to DE shave the mantra was zero pressure let the weight of the blade take care of it? This is so critical to straight shaving, a seriously light touch is needed any digging in at all and the shavette or straight razor will bite as I'm sure you discovered. As far as angle goes I found the 30 degrees for a DE razor to be much too steep for a shavette or straight, try keeping it one spine length away from your face so almost flat. All in all sounds like you're heading down the right path, excellent job and congratulations on your first straight razor shave!!

 

[kirisute]

I started out with feathers; if you learn with them then no reason to swap to the so called "easier" blades at all.
as above..learn stretching correctly for your face; use hot towels or shave after a shower; use pre shave oil;
if you can then learn off hand as quick as you can (or dare)! It will pay dividends.
finally take your time...enjoy the routine and everything that IE's with it! It's male pampering at its best! So just take it slow and steady and make it a pleasure.