Shavette recommendation?

[Danny.]

Hi,
Can anyone recommend some shavette brands/models to me please? I've always wanted to learn how to shave with a straight, but I feel a shavette will be a good starting place for me as I won't have to strop it ect.

Being new to all of this the only big name I keep hearing is dovo, but I don't like the look of the red plastic thing. It spoils the look of it for me (no offense to anyone who likes/owns one, its just not for me).

Looking on eBay all I've really seen is names I've never heard of (hawk, enzo...) Are they any good?
I've also seen a Parker (who I have heard of) 33R. I'm leaning towards buying this, but thought I'd ask for some expert advice on here first.

Has anyone got any advice or recommendations for me? My only preference would be a black handle, but I'm not inflexible on going with another colour.

Thanks.

 

[maxman]

I owned a Dovo at one time. It was well made and not too bad looking in real life.
You get used to the blade holder (the red thing) pretty quickly.

I think Parker makes one too. Most of the other brands you come across are made for the hair cutting industry.

Another thing to look for if you want to step up to a better quality model is the Feather RG or DX series.

I've owned a DX and I really liked it. They take special blades but they are nicer to use.

 

[Doofry]

I am speaking from experience here, so here goes!
i know you have stated you don't like the look of the dovo and I will get to that...
I have owned a few Parkers and the missus has an Enzo, they are pretty much the same and don't last too long, I was disappointed with the parkers, I thought the quality was sub par, one held the blade nice and tight but rusted,which isn't good as it is supposed to be stainless steel, the other Parker I threw away as the razor kept slipping, the Enzo was ok but to be honest for salon use, doing neck shaves its fine, for anything else it is an exercise in blood letting!
Aesthetics aside, the dovo is a fantastic bit of kit, as much as the red insert goes, it doesn't look the prettiest but it sure works well!
maybe I got a couple of bad parkers, but to me, the made in India logo reads like a health warning, by all means spend a few pounds on hawk or Enzo, but remember one thing, you only get one face...look after it!

good luck on what you decide to buy and I hope you do progress Into straight shaving, it's a fantastic experience!

 

[LittleLebowski]

I find actual straights easier to use.

 

[Danny.]

Thanks for the input guys. The cost of the shavettes isn't really a factor to me, I'm not looking for cheap rubbish that won't last. I'd rather spend a bit more on a decent one. I thought Parker as a brand was known for fairly decent quality?
I just don't like the look of the dovo, but if that's the only quality item on the market I may just have to go with it.
I'll check out the feather now, the only thing that initially puts me off is the need for specific blades, but if they're easily obtainable it should'nt be a problem.

 

[Head Rigger]

When I expressed and interest in a straight razor or shavette a member here recommended the E. Weck and Sons Sextoblade. They are fairly easy and inexpensive to find on eBay and are very similar in weight and design to a regular straight razor. The blades a easy to find and they (should) have a guard to help with the blade angle. I'm still trying to get the hang of it but no major blood-letting so far!

 

[Renato1]

The Sanguine shavettes are pretty good quality, and have a better blade locking mechanism than the cheap Hong Kong ones. The Sanguine ones look to be better quality to me than the shavette my barber uses on my neck.

Though you may want to try the much cheaper plastic Lord disposable ones that you can find on Ebay in the first instance. You will cut yourself just as easily with them, as with the better ones.

Make sure you have an alum block handy, as you will probably need it - at least in the first few instances. Some people seem to easily master shavettes, but so far it has eluded me. If I try it again, I'll try some Shark Stainless Steel blades which I've since discovered are pretty mild in my aggressive DE razors.
Regards,
Renato

 

[attime6]

I've only used the Parker SR1, I don't have anything to compare it to but is suspect an actual straight would be easier to use because it has more weight to it. It does shave pretty good but it is extremely easy to nick yourself.

 

[LittleLebowski]

I strongly recommend using a Whipped Dog straight as opposed to a shavette for learning straights.

 

[Mick]

Parker is inexpensive and uses 1/2 (broken in half) DE blades so you can use any brand of DE blade in it whereas the other disposable blade straight razors have a very limited selection of blades (Feather, KAI, Dorco, and maybe a few more).

 

[Hannibal]

Hello,


I entered this world by shaving shavette, but I confess I have to be careful I have a brand that I really like Inox, with she has to learn as much as you like to put the blade to the crote be perfect and now broke for Dovo. The Dovo gives you possibility to use 3 types of blades and maybe it's approaching the feeling you want, which is believe to be the use of a razor.


Best Regards;

 

[TheVez2]

I have no less than 20 shavettes and currently use them more often than any other type of razor. Here is my brief opinion on your options:
Parker: A well made shavette, but it will bite you if your technique isn't perfect. Also your technique will be different than using a real straight. I suggest ditching the sharks that come with them, and use a milder blade like a Personna or Astra.

Sanguines (CoolCut): Same comments as the Parker.

Dovo: I've changed my opinion on these slightly. I enjoy using them now. They offer a very smooth, easy shave. I still don't like the plastic blade holder, as I don't think they will last over time. The handle is very light, so the feel is not like a true straight.
Weck Sextoblade: Simply put, the perfect shavette. Easily found on eBay for the same price or cheaper than any other shavette. Blades are easy to find and cheap. The Weck has the exact same feel in the hand as a true straight. The edge isn't quite as smooth as a real straight, but it is closer than any of the others previously mentioned. I have several Wecks, and I think they are awesome.

Feather Artist Club: This is a fantastic razor. The only problem with it is the cost of it, and the cost/availability of the blade it uses. Aside form that it is probably the best shaver of the bunch (Beats the Weck by a tiny margin).

So if you don't mind dropping some coin, the feather is awesome, if you'd rather stay cheap than getting a true straight the Weck is the way to go. That is, if you are looking for an introduction to straights. The technique is similar enough that you can transition from one right to the other. The other shavettes are nice, they just don't feel or behave like a real straight.

 

[dpmtherrien]

I've always found the Parker shavettes to be of good quality, and hold the blade very secure. I have 4 of them and get good shaves from all of them. I had a Dovo when I first started straight shaving, and found it to be pretty bad. It didn't seem to hold the blade very secure. The Dovo is quite a bit more money than the Parker's. Of course there are the top of the line Feather's and Kai's which will compare to any regular straight.

 

[Amzimbo]

I've got and use the Feather Artist, two Dovo shavettes, two Parkers and a no name Italian one I picked up in Portugal years ago. The last three have the advantage of using a regular DE blade, broken or cut ihalf (you can also find pre-cut half blades, for example by Shark). All are fine, but don't have that satisfying hand feel of a quality product. The Dovos and Feather use unique blades, which being proprietary cost more than common DE blades. Truth is, I find the Dovos better than the Feathers, but both are very good. The Dovo blades are about twice the length of a normal DE and take a bit of practice. If you don't like the red holder, there's also a black one. The blades are different for each. I think the faux tortoise holder with black insert is quite classy. Feather makes a variety of different blades for its shavette, but I haven't tried them all. Finally, the heft of the Feather most closely approximates the feel and substance of a straight edge.

 

[Danny.]

Thank you all so much for the replies.

I've spent a bit of time today reading your views, googling and searching on b&b. I found the sextoblade and feather shavettes come highly recommend and the majority of people say they are a great choice. I only buy online from eBay UK (i just don't trust companys I've never heard of with my bank details) and unfortunately the sextoblade and feathers are only available in America. It's a shame really because I really liked the look of the Jap style feather.

I read mixed reviews on the parkers, but much more positive than negative. As they are only 10 quid I've bit the bullet and just ordered the parker 33R with black handle. I'm going to learn with this and if I find I like it I will keep my eye out for a nice (real) straight razor, preferably one of the Japanese style ones if they are available.

I should be having my first shavette shave by Thursday. Wish me luck...

 

[Lucidor]

Only one I've used is a Benjamin Barber, that looked cooler than Dovo since it's all metal, but it does a poor job of exposing the blade cleanly, which I guess contributes to me not getting the hang of shaving with a shavette, and went back to the DE/SE side of things.

 

[blzrfn]

I am on the beginning of my journey into replaceable straights as well. So far I prefer the CJB Kamisori style razor (similar to a Feather, but less expensive and of lower overall quality) for its ergonomics, second would be my Sanguine and last of the razors I have tried would be the Weck. The Weck, however, is still enjoyable to use, it just has a long blade that I need to be extra careful with and that I haven't been extra careful with.

The Sanguine CoolCut4 with a Personna Platinum Chrome blade would be my recommended starter and you should be able to find one on the bay for under $10 delivered.