Thread: Dont want to strop, just want to buy replaceable blades. Where to get shave ready?

hello, a couple friends mentioned they straight razor shaved and how much better it is so i want to start. I read a good bit on this and noticed there are two routes i can go. Use a razor and sharpen it all the time or just buy a shave ready one and keep buying replaceable blades. Is this true?

Is there anywhere local in pittsburgh i can buy hand sharpened shave ready razors (wal-mart etc.)? if not, where do i buy online and can you recomend one?

Once i buy the initial razor, do i just have to keep buying the replacement blades that are shave ready and where do i get them?

Hi there... Let's see if this helps.

"shave ready" is a term generally used to describe a straight razor (non disposable) that is sharp enough to give a comfortable shave. A shave ready razor will eventually require re-honing.

A disposable blade razor is completely different. When we say straight razor on this site, we are referring to non disposable razors that will need maintenance over the users life. And we always recommend that new guys buy one that is already shave ready.... Already

Generally, replacable blades are available at the drug store. I've never used one but my barber has used double edge blades that he breaks in half and inserts into the holder. Peronally, I don't see the point of using disposables. You're still buying blades, you're still throwing them away and you still have the learning curve that all novice straight razor shavers are faced with. All the inconveniences of a disposable without the true benefits of a straight. My advice would be go ahead and try the disposable and if you find this way of shaving agrees with you, buy a straight razor and make the commitment. Good luck with your decision.

can disposable straight razors be good to use if i buy the right kind? my friend does that and he says he gets a smooth shave. do disposable ones come shave ready (as in as shave ready as much as the hand sharpened non disposable ones come)?

@JimmyHad

Those DOVO no sharpen straight razors you linked to say nothing about 'replaceable' blades. how do those ones work. whats does single or double edge mean?

Originally Posted by mikej411

@JimmyHad

Those DOVO no sharpen straight razors you linked to say nothing about 'replaceable' blades. how do those ones work. whats does single or double edge mean?

I haven't used them but guys who have say they are alright. Of the three blade options listed the "green" would be the one to go with. Breaking DE blades in half is not a shave that I would want to do.

For the top of the line disposable the Feather here is probably your best bet but I only use sure enough straight razors that need sharpening so I am only going by what others have posted. They are more expensive than the Dovo shavette. If there are other alternatives I'm not familiar with them but someone will be along who is.

does walmart or local stores sell these replaceable blades? the good ones like DOVO

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Breaking DE blades in half is not a shave that I would want to do.

Nor would I.

Originally Posted by mikej411

hello, a couple friends mentioned they straight razor shaved and how much better it is so i want to start. I read a good bit on this and noticed there are two routes i can go. Use a razor and sharpen it all the time or just buy a shave ready one and keep buying replaceable blades. Is this true?

Is there anywhere local in pittsburgh i can buy hand sharpened shave ready razors (wal-mart etc.)? if not, where do i buy online and can you recomend one?

Once i buy the initial razor, do i just have to keep buying the replacement blades that are shave ready and where do i get them?

Hey there, you can find a Dovo Shavette that matches the description of what you are looking for and you can find them at your local Art of Shaving stores around your area or malls if you have them or you can even purchase them cheaper at numerous websites online. They use half of any DE disposable blade. It will help you shave the way you would a straight razor without needing to hone and strop your blade. The downside is just that to most guys. You wouldn't yet learn to strop or hone and you still have to buy blades and the feel of any disposable DE straight razor isn't the same as a heavy real straight razor. But it is a great way to learn how to angle and shave.
Hope this helps!

I'll just throw this in because I haven't seen it mentioned yet.

The disposable razors have a much sharper angle than the straight razors. I've never used a shavette, but from what I've read this has contributed to greater irritation for some people. Just keept that in mind, so if you do find yourself liking the shavette, but are still getting irritation, then the razor you are using may be the culprit.