A few weeks ago, I acquired my first shavette: I was always attracted to straight razors, however my main reason for the shavette, was increased accuracy when shaping my beard. The choice fell on the Boker Barberette because of its similarity to the Dovo Shavette and Tondeo Sifter, with which it shares the ability to use two different types of blades: DE blades snapped in half and longer ones, called cabinet blades. The Boker, being priced similarly to a Parker, is also more affordable than either the Dovo or Tondeo.
My Barberette has been used mainly with Astra SPs, a blade that was new to me, and which I chose because of its reputation as a good starter shavette blade. Indeed, we became fast friends: the Astra SP is sharp enough, without overdoing it, and I'd say more comfortable than average. It also seems to age more gracefully than most other blades, a minor aspect but still worthy of note.
Having had a couple shaves with the TSS-3, now, these are certainly very early times, so FWIW:
It is entirely possible, on the other hand, that my technique needs to change and improve to take full advantage of the longer and sharper blade. While my dexterity and familiarity with the shavette has been improving by leaps and bounds, there are still inroads to be made.
The extra length can help somewhat in making straight lines, as I was hoping, but the reduction in maneuverability is greater than I was expecting. Perhaps the length of Artist Club blades and the likes, half-way between cabinet and DEs, was chosen as an optimal compromise.
All in all, I'll certainly keep using the TSS-3 blades, until my opinions mature in a more well-rounded understanding of the blade's pros and cons.
My Barberette has been used mainly with Astra SPs, a blade that was new to me, and which I chose because of its reputation as a good starter shavette blade. Indeed, we became fast friends: the Astra SP is sharp enough, without overdoing it, and I'd say more comfortable than average. It also seems to age more gracefully than most other blades, a minor aspect but still worthy of note.
Having had a couple shaves with the TSS-3, now, these are certainly very early times, so FWIW:
- The TSS-3 are obviously sharper than the Astra SPs, simply going by how easy it is to let a little blood, just by applying a very slight pressure.
- In spite of its superior cutting power, I didn't have any major (or minor, for that matter) incident; however, I did rest the blade in a couple spots I wasn't supposed to, as the extra length is something I still need to adjust to.
- In general, I suspect the blade may be rougher, or less comfortable than the Astra SP.
- The TSS-3 are supposedly thicker (and thus more rigid) than standard DE blades, however I cannot readily discern a difference with my naked eye, simply handling it. A side-by-side comparison might be necessary.
It is entirely possible, on the other hand, that my technique needs to change and improve to take full advantage of the longer and sharper blade. While my dexterity and familiarity with the shavette has been improving by leaps and bounds, there are still inroads to be made.
The extra length can help somewhat in making straight lines, as I was hoping, but the reduction in maneuverability is greater than I was expecting. Perhaps the length of Artist Club blades and the likes, half-way between cabinet and DEs, was chosen as an optimal compromise.
All in all, I'll certainly keep using the TSS-3 blades, until my opinions mature in a more well-rounded understanding of the blade's pros and cons.