Thread: Straight Razor vs. Shavette vs. Safety Razor

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forums and just looking to really get into shaving as an art and hobby as opposed to a choir. I'm a pretty young college guy*19* that is really looking for some advice about how to move into the world of more traditional shaving after using cheap disposable razors for years.

I have been doing some research on the topic of different types of razors and I'm sort of hoping I could get some guidance on which to go with. I would like to some day eventually use a straight razor however I don't know if that is the best place for me to start. I am a bit unsure about the stropping and honing and whatnot and therefore think it might be worth trying out a Shavette or Safety Razor like one from Classic Shaving.com before I progress into straight razors. Unfortunately right now money is a bit of an issue which makes the shavette and safety razor option seem a bit more appealing.

What do you guys think would be a good option or choice for a newbie?

By the way, here are some of the safety razors/shavette I have been considering:
Safety Razors & Blades
Safety Razors & Blades
Safety Razors & Blades
Safety Razors & Blades
DOVO Straight Razors

Thanks in advance for any help or advice!

If you want to eventually use a straight razor, i would start with one.

You dont need to worry about honing if you buy a shave ready razor( at least not for awhile)

Maybe just get a brush and nice soap or cream for now to start?

Shave prep is an important part of shaving w/ a straight.

Originally Posted by SolidSnake3

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forums and just looking to really get into shaving as an art and hobby as opposed to a choir. I'm a pretty young college guy*19* that is really looking for some advice about how to move into the world of more traditional shaving after using cheap disposable razors for years.

I have been doing some research on the topic of different types of razors and I'm sort of hoping I could get some guidance on which to go with. I would like to some day eventually use a straight razor however I don't know if that is the best place for me to start. I am a bit unsure about the stropping and honing and whatnot and therefore think it might be worth trying out a Shavette or Safety Razor like one from Classic Shaving.com before I progress into straight razors. Unfortunately right now money is a bit of an issue which makes the shavette and safety razor option seem a bit more appealing.

What do you guys think would be a good option or choice for a newbie?

By the way, here are some of the safety razors/shavette I have been considering:
Safety Razors & Blades
Safety Razors & Blades
Safety Razors & Blades
Safety Razors & Blades
DOVO Straight Razors

Thanks in advance for any help or advice!

I just started straight razor shaving a few months ago with a disposable straight edge razor made by parker. I have no regrets, I've never had a closer, better feeling shave in my life. My razor also came with 100 blades that break into two, so I'll be set for a while. The total package cost me about $25. I bought a cheap brush and just stuck my shaving soap in an old coffee mug! If you're not sure about stropping/honing you could go the route I did. I'm already thinking about getting a real straight razor, and using the disposable as back up.

Welcome!

I think it also depends on how much time, effort, and money you want to put into the hobby. If you are primarily concerned with getting a good traditional shave, the DE is a great option. You can move to the straight when your life is a little more settled - yes, you only need one razor and can strop on a belt and hone on sandpaper, etc., but let's be real. From what I've seen here, most men want the good stuff once they've had a taste. On the other hand, if you want to jump in with both feet, and have the time and patience to do the straight thing now - go for it.

I've never used a shavette, but I would imagine it's not the same as a traditional straight. Not saying one is better or worse, but different.

Jordan

I won't suggest which way to go, because only you know the limits of your budget, but, I will say that I'd vote for the straight razor as if you get into the other systems, in the long run, you'll end up spending more money anyway. Like one of the other fellows said, use an old coffee mug for your soap...as far as the shaving soaps go, I've found the Walgreen cakes are a very good soap...makes a rich lather that lasts longer than some of the more expensive soaps I've used...I think you can nail those for about $2.00. I think they have an okay boar bristle brush...

Pass the word to friends, girl friend(s), mom and dad about what you want for Christmas, birthdays, (strops, additional razor, better brush, etc.)

If you can't line it up now, build it up.

Good luck on the shave and in school

its not much more to get a straight and a strop
that is if its that you want
http://ruprazor.com got a cheap starter set if you need it to be new
or you can get some great deals here Main Index - Straight Razor Place Classifieds