Thread: Shavette or Safety Razor

Hello all,

I currently shave with 4 blade Schick cartridge razors (GASP)! I HATE IT!!! Today is the day I take the leap and make the change however, I am not sure if I should order a shavette or ad DE safety razor. Any opinions? I plan on ordering today or tomorrow March 6. Right now I am leaning toward the shavette but upon review of some other posts on the beginner forum I have seen people recommend safety razors over shavettes. I fully plan on transitioning to a proper SR eventually but I have a lot of learning to do. I have very thick facial hair so I don't know if that will make a difference when using a shavette or safety razor. Thanks for any input!

I went the shavette route and don't regret it at all. I will still be adding a DE for traveling with. But the shavette helped me learn a lot of the basics. Its like having a really forgiving SR.

I've seen about 50 threads where shavette users try their first SR shave and they are perplexed as to how the SR doesn't feel sharp like their shavette (no matter who hones it, or how sharp it really is). If you go that route, remember that the angles will be different enough to possibly cause this confusion for you as well.

Whereas I've not heard any DE users have this problem. Different is good, eh?

Therefore I always recommend the DE. They are plentiful and cheap if you'll buy used. They work great, and they must be learned in order to get a good shave without irritation or cuts. Don't under-estimate the DE.

OTOH, I've never attempted to use a shavette type. Probably never will.

my feeling was I was going to do either and not a hybrid. So I started with DE (34c/37c, vintage Gillette adjustable) then went to an actual straight. I just bought a Muhle R41. Who knows? Maybe I would try a shavette but if I'm going to use the same blades, then why wouldn't I just keep them in a DE holder?

Good point Gfro. I ended up ordering a Parker SR1 shavette today. My reasoning is that I want to learn the technique of a proper SR. Who knows though... I keep hearing about this RAD issue so I may end up with a DE as well. I am already addicted and I haven't even started.

Not to offend anybody but if the grand scheme of things is going to a real SR I dont see any point in using a Safety razor. I dont see how that it prepares you for SR shaving.

I started out with a shavette and the primary difference i see is the slight angle difference. SR i use a 30 degree angle(approx) With a shavette you can get away with a 45(approx) degree angle.

With that being said Safety razors give a generally enjoyable wet shaving experience.

Just my 2 cents but I also started with a Shavette (Parker SRB) and I still have it and just used it and now have had multiple straight razors too. I will be the odd guy out here but I think it gave me a great comparison as to what sharp really is and a goal to aim for when I am honing. Also, I found that all of the basics have transferred over just fine like no pressure, proper angle, different grips, ect.. Like I said I am probably the odd ball but that's my experience.

I also started with a shavette,
Yes I find a slight difference in use from a traditional straight razor.
When I transitioned to a proper straight from the shavette there was a small learning curve,
it lasted about three shaves, I used the blades as point of reference for honing as well.
It is one of many roads you can take to get where you are going as is the DE.

I agree with dexter90723. Although I am new at this so take what I say with a grain of salt. It just makes more sense that using a shavette would refine you technique needed for a straight. I know there are some differences but the biggest issue I have is hand position and a safety razor wont teach you that. Either way. Welcome to the real persons shave club.

InNae

A safety razor will teach you a shizlam lot about pressure and angle and prep-- that you cannot understand when using plastic thingies. For that reason, it is a step in the right direction.

It's not the only step fer sher.