Straight Safety Razor

[Arved]

I am straight razor curious, so I was searching around for what was on the market for what I've learned is a Shavette. I did a search on eBay for kicks and grins, and came across a straight razor that seems to have an open comb guard.

I think there are rules against links to active auctions (even though it's a BIN at $4.99). I just did an eBay search on Shavette, and it was the first one that comes up.

I tried doing a search here on it, but came up empty. My hope is someone else can find past info better than I can, or has some experience with this style of razor.

I know Shavettes are not very popular here. The advocates are few and far between, but there are a few here. I'm on the fence about one, but I'm also on the fence with going with one of the Whipped Dog deals, after being thrilled with one of his brushes. But I'm getting ahead of myself, and there are plenty of threads on those topics. I'm more curious about this hybrid design that seem to put an open comb on a Shavette style straight razor.

 

[ricardo9505]

here's what i suggest for starters.
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Parker-Barber_c_139.html
my brother bought one to get into straights. feathers can be pricey to some bbut the new line of disposable blades is rather nice.
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Feather-AC-System_c_72.html
if u have the money i highly recommend it. blades are like $.90 ea

 

[smalltank]

If it looks like a straight razor..but has a guard and is vintage...requires a specific blade

 

[Arved]

here's what i suggest for starters.
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Parker-Barber_c_139.html

I was wondering what the difference between some of the Parker Shavettes were. On that page, there are two models. One gets 5 out of 5 stars, the other 1 star out of 5. But I was going to ask about them in a different post. I'd rather avoid thread drift and discuss this safety straight.

If it looks like a straight razor..but has a guard and is vintage...requires a specific blade

It's not vintage. It's new production I presume from China. "Smith Chu" brand:

SHAVING RAZOR, STRAIGHT RAZORS,THROAT SHAVING TRADITIONAL SHAVETTE BLADES H9

Key Features:​

• Made of Steel 440C​
• Razor Length: 5.5 inch (14 cm)​
• has a nice heavy weight​
• come with a blade for free, you can also use any other blades you like​

​

440C is a Stainless Steel, so this isn't exactly made from crushed Pintos and Vegas like some razor blades.

Thanks!

 

[Kentos]

That guard is meant for shaping of hair on the head.

I would suggest a Parker Shavette. Well made and they don't break the bank. They also take standard DE blades.

 

[Mike H]

Fromm and Kai make a cheap stainless shavette with a guard, so did Weck. They use a specific blade, but they can be found pretty easy, Sallys sells them. Today they are primarily used to style hair, but that was not always the case...

 

[InfernoOrangeSS]

Did you ever try the Smith Chu? If so, how did it work out for you?