I just spent a good deal of money getting set up with a DE razor and supplies. Was thinking about getting a shavette for now due to the low cost. Is this a worthwhile venture into straight razor shaving?
Shavette
- Thread starter BearHeart
- Start date
Some love them, some hate them.
I would suggest a real straight, Whipped Dog is very highly regarded, shave ready razor and everything needed to maintain it for some time for around $50. If it turns out you don't like it, you can sell the razor and get $15-20 back easily.
I would suggest a real straight, Whipped Dog is very highly regarded, shave ready razor and everything needed to maintain it for some time for around $50. If it turns out you don't like it, you can sell the razor and get $15-20 back easily.
- Thread starter
- #3
So his razors come sharp and I just have to keep it that way?
Yes, the razor comes shave ready with the tools and info needed to maintain it that way for some time.
A shavette is a viable alternative to a traditional straight IMO. A real straight shaver should be able to shave with anything 
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I used a Parker for about a year and really enjoyed it. Matter of fact, I would eventual like to rescale it. Last week I picked up a Feather AC from Appleton Barber supply because they had the old stock on sale. I really enjoy the idea of not having to worry about stopping and honing. I just don't have time/resources now.
I do say go for a shavette to try out the motions.
I do say go for a shavette to try out the motions.
I have tried the DOVO and FOCUS. I much prefer the cheaper Focus, as it holds the blade better.
While I agree with Alfredo & ​​Kent Completely, ( and respect their judgement immensely) I will add this:
I have a Feather SS Kamisori japanese style Shavette that will give me the closest DFS shave that I have ever had. BUT, there is something VERY special about using, say a Case carbon steel 5/8 folding western style conventional straight, that I have honed myself and get a DFS with. I have never mastered honing a conventional straight that can compare with a Feather Pro super blade's sharpness. But, I enjoy my conventional straight razor shaves so much. I will use both, not to mention my other large bladed and very fine conventional straights.
I do not ever expect that I will go back down to a safety razor as I love pushing the envelop. Once mastered a straight razor is the ultimate challenge for shaving, if that is your kind of goal.
One other thing. And this is where some may disagree. I have bought a $10.00 'Magic' Shavette from Sally's and loaded it with a 1/2 Feather blade and with a light touch get one DFS ! If not careful, you will bleed same as A Feather SS Kamisori.........
Good luck &
HTH
I have a Feather SS Kamisori japanese style Shavette that will give me the closest DFS shave that I have ever had. BUT, there is something VERY special about using, say a Case carbon steel 5/8 folding western style conventional straight, that I have honed myself and get a DFS with. I have never mastered honing a conventional straight that can compare with a Feather Pro super blade's sharpness. But, I enjoy my conventional straight razor shaves so much. I will use both, not to mention my other large bladed and very fine conventional straights.
I do not ever expect that I will go back down to a safety razor as I love pushing the envelop. Once mastered a straight razor is the ultimate challenge for shaving, if that is your kind of goal.
One other thing. And this is where some may disagree. I have bought a $10.00 'Magic' Shavette from Sally's and loaded it with a 1/2 Feather blade and with a light touch get one DFS ! If not careful, you will bleed same as A Feather SS Kamisori.........
Good luck &
HTH
Slash McCoy
I freehand dog rockets
You will enjoy a nice vintage straight a lot more than a Franken-Razor. Yes, there is more stuff to learn with a proper straight. But once you have learned it, then it is just more stuff you know! And the cool factor is much higher with a straight.
www.whippeddog.com is your friend.
www.whippeddog.com is your friend.
I agree with Doc and Slash, get a whipped dog. You'll get a shave ready straight, a strop, and a pasted balsa to keep it shave ready for a very long time. I've never used a shavette myself but from what I've read most people consider Straights to be a lot more forgiving and comfortable to use. Plus, if your motivation for getting a shavette is cost then you may as well get a real straight from whippeddog.
This question comes up quite a bit and the same people pretty much answer the same thing. I wouldn't go for a shavette. I did, I didn't like it. I do like the AC Feathers/clones a lot but I learned on traditional straights first. The shavette will work but if you use a whipped dog, you will learn how to use a straight and THEN if you use the shavette, you are likely to have a much better experience. Too many on here have announced they sliced themselves to pieces but after the 10th or 15th shave they had it down pat. Others have complained about it and we've not heard from them again. If you have the blood to spare, then go with the shavette. Else... make it easy and more enjoyable on yourself.
I'd actually say that you're better off learning with a shavette. Yes there's a bit of a steep learning curve and they're notoriously bloodthirsty, but it narrows down margin for error significantly as you don't have to worry about whether it needs honing or whether your stropping is off. Once you've learned how to use one you can shave with anything - the difference in technique is minimal. When you know your technique is good THEN go on to real straights and tackle the world of stropping and honing without the worry that it's just crappy technique giving you bad shaves
I'll agree that this question comes up all the time, and I'll speak on the side of the shavette. I for one learned to use straights with the Feather AC, and yes the learning curve is a bit steep. But you should keep in mind that both the shavette and the regular straight are both open blade razors. Keep in mind that the disposable blade straight is much sharper than any regular straight razor, hence the often heard "its less forgiving". I've also tried regular straights, and between the two I'll take the disposable blade straight any time, its so much easier than having to maintain the regular straight, just change the blade. I've said it many times here to not fall for the hype that the shavette is "not the real thing". IMHO statements like that are many times from members new to straight shaving who think that's the thing to say. Once you get the technique of the disposable down, the shaves are some of the best obtainable. The disposables have their proper place in straight shaving, and if that's what you chose for your shaves then how can anyone say that that's not the right way to go about it?
After all the DE's are disposable blade razors to.
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It looks like you've received several replies in support of both shavettes and straights, I know that sort of thing can be terribly confusing for a beginner, so I'll offer you the following advice: go with whichever appeals most to you. The fact is that at the end of the day none of us have to shave with whatever you choose and don't have to deal with the consequences. It is also a fact, however, that one is far more likely to stick with learning a new skill if they have the desire and motivation to master it whilst at the same time are more likely to give up if they do not. This is why I believe you should pick whichever you like the idea of the most. If you really want a straight but pick a shavette for economy or ease of use then you are likely to be disappointed with it and give up. At the same time, if what appeals to you is a shavette then what I or anyone else thinks of it is irrelevant. Although I personally wouldn't use one what matters is that you would and have the motivation required to master its use.
As a final word, I'll add that learning to care for a straight razor isn't nearly as difficult or overwhelming as it all sounds. So long as you make sure to dry it thoroughly after each use, take your time with stropping, and make regular use of a basted balsa like the one included at whippeddog.com you'll be fine. If a straight razor is what you fancy then you should go ahead and get one and not worry too much about the learning curve. If you truly want to learn how to use one then you will, regardless of the obstacles you encounter along the way.
Well, I hope that clears things up a bit and helps you with your decision. Oh, and be sure to let us all know which one you ultimately decide to go with.
As a final word, I'll add that learning to care for a straight razor isn't nearly as difficult or overwhelming as it all sounds. So long as you make sure to dry it thoroughly after each use, take your time with stropping, and make regular use of a basted balsa like the one included at whippeddog.com you'll be fine. If a straight razor is what you fancy then you should go ahead and get one and not worry too much about the learning curve. If you truly want to learn how to use one then you will, regardless of the obstacles you encounter along the way.
Well, I hope that clears things up a bit and helps you with your decision. Oh, and be sure to let us all know which one you ultimately decide to go with.
- Thread starter
- #15
Thanks to all. I think I am going to go with a regular straight as that is where I wanted to end up in the first place.
Shavettes are a great introduction to straight shaving. If you're interested in exploring that world, I'd say go for it.
Sounds good, if you want a straight razor in the first place then I think you're making a wise decision. One word of advice though: try to get a second shave ready straight razor if you can. If you are unlucky like I was and mess up your first straight then you will still have a spare you can use whilst the first goes out for honing. Not to mention that having and rotating between two razors means you can go twice as long before having to get them rehoned (or learn how to do it yourself.) Trust me; you will want multiple straights in the end anyways so you may as well get two at the beginning. Just try sticking to one for the first 30 shaves or so, so you can get comfortable with straight razor shaving before trying the second. As others have already said, whippeddog is a great source of really cheap shave ready straights.
Also, make sure you start a shave journal when they arrive so we know how it goes.
Good luck!
If you buy a shavette, well, don't forget to buy an alum block. They are nasty. You can get nicked/cut on the corners far more easily than with a straight razor. I used a Sanguine shavette, and never has a product been more true to its name.
The Sanguine ones were the cheapest I saw with a good blade locking mechanism. I did buy a very cheap shavette from Hong Kong and wasn't game to use it.
If you really, really want to try the experience, buy a six pack of cheap Lord disposable straight edge razors on Ebay. They will cut you nearly as often as a shavette will. Who knows, you may find that you can handle it.
Regards,
Renato
The Sanguine ones were the cheapest I saw with a good blade locking mechanism. I did buy a very cheap shavette from Hong Kong and wasn't game to use it.
If you really, really want to try the experience, buy a six pack of cheap Lord disposable straight edge razors on Ebay. They will cut you nearly as often as a shavette will. Who knows, you may find that you can handle it.
Regards,
Renato
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I went the shavette and there definintely is a learning curve. I had to take a break and come back to it but in the end I think it was a great way to go. I have found that the transition to a wedge is seamless and the hollow ground razors to be pretty easy overall. As stated, shavette type razors are less forgiving, some more or less than others.
Parkers and Sanguines are very rigid (which I happen to prefer) whereas the Diane that I found to have more flex (the slide in blade holding mechanism vs the scissor lock type)
The nice thing is that the shavettes make for a very light travel kit too. No need to carry a strop along with you. Just a couple DE blades.
Parkers and Sanguines are very rigid (which I happen to prefer) whereas the Diane that I found to have more flex (the slide in blade holding mechanism vs the scissor lock type)
The nice thing is that the shavettes make for a very light travel kit too. No need to carry a strop along with you. Just a couple DE blades.
I also want to add that If I were to do it again, I would probably have stayed with the shavette but then go with the whippeddog for my first real razor. Again this is because I tend to keep a shavette in my travel kit though and its helped me adjust to any razor. Wedges and Kamisoris gave me no real issues on the first round and I can attribute that to the learning lessons I got from the shavettes
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