TL;DR what are the advantages and disadvantages of Japanese style (fixed handle) vs folding handle? Thinking of starting with the Japanese type since I once tried a shavette and was put off by the handle moving. Bad idea? Suggestions for models?
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So, I have been thinking about getting in this world for a while.
I always wet shave, using shaving soap and a brush. Until recently with cheap disposable razors with as few blades as I could get. Recently I got myself a double edge safety razor, the Mercury 34c. Used it a few times, the transition was trivial, if anything it's easier than the disposable ones. The results are not impressive though, at least with the blade it came with the shave is less deep than with disposable ones.
I am thinking of getting in the world of straight razors. However I bought a shavette once, tried using it once and was very annoyed by the fact that the handle was not fixed. It seemed that it would have taken a lot of time to learn so I just put it away and never used it again - in fact I gave it away. Now I understand there is going to be some learning curve. However since apparently it was the moving handle that annoyed me so much I was wondering if going the Japanese style, fixed handle, could be better for me.
Is it a bad idea? What are the main differences between the two styles? If it is not a bad idea, what are some suggestions for models? Beginner friendly to an extent, but I tend to be put off by things looking cheap or clearly being there only to transition into something better soon.
That is probably the reason I am thinking of a "true" straight razor rather than shavette this time as the latter does not feel like the real thing. Happy to listen to advice to do otherwise though.
Thanks!
***
So, I have been thinking about getting in this world for a while.
I always wet shave, using shaving soap and a brush. Until recently with cheap disposable razors with as few blades as I could get. Recently I got myself a double edge safety razor, the Mercury 34c. Used it a few times, the transition was trivial, if anything it's easier than the disposable ones. The results are not impressive though, at least with the blade it came with the shave is less deep than with disposable ones.
I am thinking of getting in the world of straight razors. However I bought a shavette once, tried using it once and was very annoyed by the fact that the handle was not fixed. It seemed that it would have taken a lot of time to learn so I just put it away and never used it again - in fact I gave it away. Now I understand there is going to be some learning curve. However since apparently it was the moving handle that annoyed me so much I was wondering if going the Japanese style, fixed handle, could be better for me.
Is it a bad idea? What are the main differences between the two styles? If it is not a bad idea, what are some suggestions for models? Beginner friendly to an extent, but I tend to be put off by things looking cheap or clearly being there only to transition into something better soon.
That is probably the reason I am thinking of a "true" straight razor rather than shavette this time as the latter does not feel like the real thing. Happy to listen to advice to do otherwise though.
Thanks!