Thread: Crossing over from "shavette"

Hi all,
I've been reading occasionally on this forum for a while now, but just decided to make an account.

For a bit of background, I got introduced unknowingly to the approximate world of straight razors while living and traveling out of the country for a while in places where people have no idea how to shave for themselves (places like Turkey and the Middle East). A couple of times a week I would swing by the barber and get a quick shave (for a dollar or so). Always included a massage and a coffee, so it became my personal therapy. Somewhere along the way I bought a cheap shavette style razor and tucked it away.

After moving back stateside I decided to pull the razor out and use it as a way to reconnect with some great memories. Now, several years later, I've realized it's something I genuinely enjoy and am thinking about investing a bit more in it.

My first question is whether a straight razor would work for my shaving style. I have found that I See less irritation when I avoid creams and just use oil and a bit of hot water (in the trend of Pakistani barbers who just splash some cold water and maybe a bit of liquid dettol on your face and get to it). Is this something that would be complicated in any way with a straight razor? I also have a tendency to do a dry pass to get it closer. The shavette blades sometimes leave me with a couple of little spots of blood (though no cuts). Would a straight razor help in any way? I know part of it is just sensitive skin, but I'm wondering about the added weight and a blade I know isn't barbed or anything.

I would be buying a razor as a bit of a present to myself, so I do want something new, but don't want to spend more than $100-150ish. It seems like all of the current companies have options in this range, and feedback looks to be the same for all of them. Are there any real differences beyond aesthetics? Any clear favorites between the Boker King Cutter, Thiers-Issard Le Dandy or Special Coiffeur, Dovo Best Quality, or the 5/8 Ralf Aust (aka what's currently available at SRD)?

Thanks in advance!

I'm limited in experience myself but I did transition from a Double Edge to a Shavette and then to a straight razor. I've been using a straight, and occasionally a shavette, daily since last July. I find the Straight razor is more forgiving than shavettes and offers a smoother / closer shave than any other system.
A straight takes a slightly different technique than the shavette. Little different angle and you can actually get away with more pressure it needed without cuts or weepers. I have used only oil (shave secret) in the past without issue. But I find the shave prep very enjoyable and an integral part of the process. Skin stretching is more important also. I use it very sparingly with DE or Shavette blades because I tend to get a rash or weepers when I do. With a straight razor, I have to stretch the skin but it is well worth the effort.
BTW: I spent some time in Diyarbakir, TU and remember the barbers. When I was there they used a real straight for shaves and manual clippers for cutting hair. I enjoyed the shave very much but wasn't a fan of the clippers. When ever I use Arco shave soap it reminds me of Turkey. Not sure if the barbers actually used that soap but the smell reminds me of Turkey. But then again the smell of coal burning reminds me of Turkey, actually makes me hungry for a Kebab.
Anyway, welcome to the forum. Look forward to reading about your progress with straights!

Oh and I have a Dovo, Thiers-Issard, Boker and a few other vintage blades. Thiers-Issard razors are my favorite of the new and moderately priced razors. I have a few vintage blades I like as well but if I only had a TI, I'd be pretty happy.

Originally Posted by stove

Oh and I have a Dovo, Thiers-Issard, Boker and a few other vintage blades. Thiers-Issard razors are my favorite of the new and moderately priced razors. I have a few vintage blades I like as well but if I only had a TI, I'd be pretty happy.

specifically, what do you look for when you go between different blades?

Shaving for almost two years now exclusively with a straight razor and my daily routine is hot water soaking the brush and rubbing that in the to be shaved area and doing a wet and then dry pass and putting some lotion on after this does it for my sensitive skin but the shaving cream just as well I guess

All of those blades would serve you well. Dry shaving is the harshest most abrasive way to shave so if creams were causing irritation I would have to suggest maybe it was one of the ingredients. Maybe try something with different bases eg lanolin and you may find no irritation. For me Aloe Vera is irritating which is in a lot of shaving stuff so have had issues in the past. What ever path you go good luck and any questions feel free to ask

Originally Posted by dngrspapercut

specifically, what do you look for when you go between different blades?

All are fine shavers and I use them in rotation. Beyond the completely subjective, I just like Thiers-Issard, like I just prefer Ford over Chevy. There are a few differences, at least with the samples, I have for the 3 companies products. The TIs have a more rounded and thiner shank which I find easier to strop without slapping the edge on the leather (the boker is the fattest and most difficult for me to manage), they have a shorter blade/edge which I find more manageable (I'm less likely to cut my ears), I find the steel harder and easier (at least for me) to maintain a shave ready edge, and they are easier to keep clean (more stain resistant with my water ...etc - I find them on par with a stainless blade). Lastly, I just like the way they feel in my hand and the shave I get a little better.

After years of shaving with double edge-, cartridge- and electric razors I finally came around to straights. End od skin irritation, bumps on my neck and razor burn. People here give great advice.

You'll need to learn to strop a razor if you go str8 and you'll probably need to change prep, lather, blade angle and pressure. You don't want those blood dots. I too have very sensitive skin and, with a straight, I get a great shave and zero redness let alone blood dots. Same is now true for regular shaving with a pair of very aggressive double edged safety razors and a Rolls Razor. Razor choices are personal; my straights are mostly inexpensive, all vintage, a couple of square points and more round. They range from 4/8 to 7/8 and are all a pleasure. Most folks suggest a 5/8 round point is a good place to start. Maybe practice stropping with a plastic- or butterknife for a while to learn the motion and figure out how to hold, flip and keep light pressure on a blade.

Good luck and better shaves!

Thanks, all. From the sound of it, Thiers Issard may be a good place to start. Want to buy from SRD, as I simply don't have time to think about honing for now. Thing is, their supply looks to be relatively limited now. Do any other sites sell truly shave ready razors? Also, does anyone know the difference between the Special Coiffeur and the Le Dandy? I haven't been able to find any sort of specs or comparisons.

Stove- Isn't the barber experience in Turkey something impressive? I love just about everything about that country, but if there's one thing they REALLY know, it's hair/shaving. A barber there once told a friend of mine that he could cure his alopecia on the spot, ha.

You may consider having a look at the classifieds section here. A second-hand, restored vintage straight is a great first investment for someone just getting started. For a price on-par with your budget you can acquire a very nice razor with some history behind it. An 'oldie' will shave every bit as well as a new razor if cared for and honed by a fellow member who has been at this for awhile (most have). Take a gander. You may find something that speaks to you. Good hunting!