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Hello Friends,
So, I am no stranger to using Shavettes, and mainly shave cheeks and neck to leave a shaped beard.
Now, I want to invest in a 'Proper' gentleman's razor kit. So if you will, please could any aficionados give some advice.
- Is one type of razor sharper than the other - Shavette with blades vs 'traditional' straight razor?
- Does it take long to sharpen the traditional type?
- What are the best brands I should be looking at? (I don't mind paying premium prices)
Thank you,
Intr00d
Welcome....Perhaps here to begin?
Beginner's guide to straight razor shaving - Shave Library
I believe shavette are usually sharper but depending on hone you can get razor sharper but shave feeling is different depending on razor finish. Honing tradition type doesn't take long if you buy shave ready and a touch up hone. Brands that are new that most people look at are Dovo or theirs issard. I however would recommend a Brian Brown razor or a PRC razor, I don't really have experience with dovo and theirs though. I would suggest SRD strop since you will be able to replace leather and a 12k naniwa for touching up razor only (you will need something to flatten hone, sandpaper on flat surface or a diamond plate are usual options)
Another great option for a new razor is a Ralf Aust razor.
So comparison between shavette, and straight. IMO this is not apples to apples. A straight is every bit as sharp as a shavette, just in a slightly different manor.
The angle to which each is applied is different as is the weight. There are differences between the 2 but not large enough that you can't figure it out.
Welcome to SRP, the best straight razor info in the world.
As Sharptonn mentioned the SRP library is a wealth of knowledge and will set you on good course.
1.To me DE blades are sharper but with experience you can get a very close and comfortable shave with a straight.
2. Learning to use and maintain a straight can take a while but once youve mastered the basics refreshing a shave ready razor doesn't take long at all.
3. Being in Blighty theres not too many vendors to choose from. For new manufactured razors https://www.theinvisibleedge.co.uk stocks Thiers Issard and Dovo and come inspected and honed.
For new razors id recommend Ralph Aust or Revisor, both have great reviews and can be brought direct.
Personally id recommend looking in the SRP Buy/Sell/Trade where a shave ready vintage razor can be had for a great price.
Then we have new old stock( NOS) these are vintage razors that have never been used. These come at a premium price.
Enjoy the ride.
Hi and welcome. Any difference is sharpness is immaterial. Both will provide a great close shave. Every one is different and people have there own preferences.
As said start shave ready and if just maintaining the edge would be as quick as a few laps a week on something like the Naniwa 12k. Spending x dollars won't get a razor that will shave better than a cheaper one. As long as its a good quality razor with a truly shave ready edge you will be fine.
Most of the difference is in being proficient with your blade and that comes with time and practice. Good luck
Sharpness varies from DE brand to DE brand. It also varies from straight razor to straight razor. If you use feather blades you might be hard pressed to match sharpness with a straight razor. If you use Derby blades, I've seen new honers that approximate their first good edges to that brand. So it all depends. I've also found that sharper is not necessarily better. I could strop my razors down to .1 micron FeOx (equivalent to a 150K hone) and give Feather blades a run for their money. But then I have trouble keeping the blade above skin level and it's very easy to get a case of razor burn.Quote:
Originally Posted by intr00d
How long it takes to hone depends. If I'm doing a full restore on a new vintage blade it could take an hour or more. If I'm fixing a ding from a dropped razor I can expect to invest a solid half hour. Intentionally dulling the edge so I can practice honing takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Touching up a blade that is just a tiny bit off? 5 to 10 strokes on a barber hone, high grit synthetic stone, or pasted strop and the razor is back in fighting form. Seriously less than 30 seconds.
I think brands is already pretty well covered.
I think you have gotten some great info there. Read the library here at SRP. It will help a lot. Remember that it takes many shaves before you master the straight razor and get comfortable shaves every time. Shave the lather not the face is a biggie that helps folks to understand the pressure. Enjoy this trip you are about to take and welcome to SRP.