Thinking About Trying Straight Razor Shaving

[CCMphysician]

I have been DE shaving for almost two months now and I think I am ready to give straight razor shaving a try. What do you guys think of the Shavette? It appeals to me as a beginner because the blades are replaceable which saves me from having to learn to hone and sharpen the blades myself (which I am willing to do, just not quite yet), while still allowing me to practice with a straight razor. So my question is, where should I start? I think I should pick up some good tallow-based soap like Tabac so there is a better cushion and just shave my cheeks at first with each hand to get used to handling the razor.

Thank you in advance,
CCM

 

[Chimensch]

A real straight will give you a better, more comfortable shave more easily than a shavette. I wouldn't waste my time.

 

[mgarbell]

I was in the same boat as you, but I had been using a DE for about a year. Since you can get a good straight on the BST for less that $40, I would say that's your best bet. Of course, it means you also have to have a strop, but I think it's worth the investment. Even if you decide it's not for you, it call all be sold back on the BST for little loss.

I've only used my DE once since I tried a straight, and that's because I was on a business trip and it was just easier to travel with.

Good luck.

 

[Klarion]

I'd say just jump straight (hahaha) away into using regular ol' straight razors. If you like using a shavette, you're gonna want one, and even if you don't, you might persuade yourself to try a real straight anyway, to see if there's an actual difference. Really, the only thing I'd be able to recommend is giving it a fair shot. None of this "I tried it once and decided it wasn't for me!" stuff you see every so often from people selling their brand new razors. Assuming you've got a strop to use, I'd say give yourself 12-15 shaves to decide if you really like it and think it's worth the effort - that's how long it took me.

 

[CCMphysician]

I'd say just jump straight (hahaha) away into using regular ol' straight razors. If you like using a shavette, you're gonna want one, and even if you don't, you might persuade yourself to try a real straight anyway, to see if there's an actual difference. Really, the only thing I'd be able to recommend is giving it a fair shot. None of this "I tried it once and decided it wasn't for me!" stuff you see every so often from people selling their brand new razors. Assuming you've got a strop to use, I'd say give yourself 12-15 shaves to decide if you really like it and think it's worth the effort - that's how long it took me.

I've seen a lot of those posts. That's what makes me hesitant to jump straight into using one. That, and while I am currently in interviews, I can't afford to slice up my face.

-CCM

 

[RicTic]

I've seen a lot of those posts. That's what makes me hesitant to jump straight into using one. That, and while I am currently in interviews, I can't afford to slice up my face.

-CCM

Jump straight in with a regular straight razor. I did.
You'll be fine. Takes a few goes to get a decent shave, but it's not long before you do.
There's nothing like a razor sharp edge to focus the mind.
From one straight razor newb to another...to avoid cuts, concentrate on the angle and make the first stroke on the move.
I've only ever cut myself on initial contact when the blade wasn't moving and any other nicks are no worse than the ones I got with a DE.
I've been using a straight for only two weeks and it's the best thing I've ever done.

 

[CCMphysician]

Thanks for the advice. I would also like to admit that part of the reason (okay, the main reason) I want to try is because I have been looking at the Shavette and to me, it just looks darn cool.

If anyone can find another razor that looks like this, let me know and I will consider it:

Thank you again,
CCM

 

[superbleu]

how about this one
from the BST here

 

[pcdad]

*puts sunglasses on* from the glar of that amazing blade

 

[CCMphysician]

Wow! Unfortunately that is way out of my price range.

-CCM

 

[tleiland]

I don't know on this one. I've got a Dovo 6/8 but in Mantic's recent video of him being shaved by a professional barber, it looks like he's using a shavette. So it must not be too bad. I would probably try one out myself if I could get the replacements but I can't get them here.

 

[Luc]

If you are doing interviews at the moment, I would stick to a DE for now, or at least, until the interviews are finished.

I would pick a straight razor over a shavette any day. I had that Dovo shavette. It's not bad, it's all right. Compared to a straight? Not the same. The weight, balance and feeling are different. Using a straight is not as difficult as it sounds. Stropping is the only bit that you will need to add compared to a shavette.

As Jessie said, 12-15 shaves will give you a good idea if you want to continue or not.

My only other recommendation is do not expect a good shave right away, takes time!

 

[netsurfr]

Here is another alternative:

No affiliation with Classic Shaving.

 

[dannywonderful]

I don't know on this one. I've got a Dovo 6/8 but in Mantic's recent video of him being shaved by a professional barber, it looks like he's using a shavette. So it must not be too bad. I would probably try one out myself if I could get the replacements but I can't get them here.

Barber's mostly use shavettes because health laws insist they use a fresh blade for each customer.

 

[charismata]

As stated, barbers in many states are not permitted to use reusable straight razors.

The appeal of the straight razor for me was the fact that once I had acquired a few razors, hones and a strop or two, I would never have to spend another cent on shaving items.

If you are going to be buying blades anyway, why not stick with the DE razor. If you are interested in a straight razor, then I recommend you start with a real straight.

It can be done on the cheap with a little effort. A nice leather belt makes a great strop. Check out thrift stores for a nice wide, supple leather belt. At the very least, you will want an old barber hone. You can probably find one on ebay for $10 - $20. You can pick up nice blades with broken scales on ebay for almost nothing. If you are handy and have a few tools at your disposal, it is really not very hard to rescale razors.

It would not be out of the question to get yourself completely outfitted for straight razor shaving and have a couple nice razors for $50 or less, if you are willing to put a little effort into it yourself.

 

[luvmysuper]

Echoing what everyone above has said;

1. Don't waste any time on the shavette, because if you do make the switch to straights that is 3 different types of shaving you will have had to learn.

2. Buy a straight here on the BST and try your hand at it. If you give it a fair try and like it, you can save up and find that "cool looking" one you really want. If you don't like it, a sale on the BST to recoup your funds is virtually certain.

3. Don't start trying this if you have impending interviews or a photo session in the near future. The likelyhood that you will get a nick, a cut, bumps or razor burn is very very high, and that doesn't translate well in the studio or the Interview.

4. If you make the switch, do give it a fair try. Stick with it and tell yourself that you are not going to give up on it till you can give yourself a good shave with it. Until then, it's still learning and it wouldn't be fair to judge it.

Good Luck