Thread: Steep learning curve sure, but downhill?

My first shave with a Dovo Shavette after a month of great results with a DE was not a very good shave, but I didn't tear my face up too badly. Then, after the shave, I realized:
"Hey, I just did it! I shaved with a Straight."

I anticipated getting up this morning and getting that second shave in. Now I'm less than excited about the third shave tomorrow. I came away from shave number two with a considerably closer shave, some good results from ATG passes, but some areas I just can't attack very well. I also have five nice nicks, one of which looks like a sub-epidermic embolism.

Beside just being a flat-out Newbie at straight shaving, my problem is that the Shavette has no weight. I was so used to the head of my HD doing the work that I am almost lost with this thing. Either I apply no pressure, which I am used to, and nothing happens, or I apply pressure sometimes with the wrong angle and lots of things happen.............all bad. The thing is so hard to manipulate on the chin area that I considered just cutting off my chin and being done with it. I'll try again tomorrow, but that Merkur HD is looking awful good right now!

Using pressure with a shavette is a surefire path to frustration, along with cuts and irritation. Remember, no pressure. If it seems to be cutting very little hair keep in mind the idea of beard reduction - don't try to take it all off in one pass. Using good prep and 2 or more passes you should be able to have a great shave without pressure and without irritation.

One the other hand, if you are not looking foward to your next shave you should put it off for a day or two, both to recover your confidence and (most importantly) to let your face heal. It will come with time and practice.

I had the same results from a shavette. Sure glad that I got a real straight!!!

I would second jeffegg's idea of getting a real straight, if you're at all thinking about sticking with this. Remember you've trained yourself to shave a certain way for a number of years, so it's going to take a while to relearn that skill with a new piece of equipment. You might as well get the best you can afford. There are plenty of very nice straights for sale on the Classifieds here at very reasonable prices. I got mine for $50. I've never used a Shavette, but I'm willing to bet that you'll find the results you get w/ a real str8 far more satisfying. I've only been at this about a month and I've seen my skills improve severalfold.

I was pretty sure a straight was definitely in my future until I ran face-first into this Shavette. I'm going to have to do a little better with the Shavette before I move on to a straight. I can afford a nice one, but if my experience with one isn't clearly better than with the Shavette, I'm not sure my face can handle it as well as my budget might.

Having said all that, I have spent the day watching and reading everything I've been able to find on straight shaving and the Shavette. I think I've been making the mistake of laying it too flat on my face (although that technique seems to be recommended for the somewhat similar Feather AC). So, tomorrow I'll give it another shot with more angle and no pressure. If you don't hear anymore from me, you'll know I went down slashing!

Originally Posted by ace

I was pretty sure a straight was definitely in my future until ran face-first into this Shavette. I'm going to have to do a little better with the Shavette before I move on to a straight. I can afford a nice one, but if my experience with one isn't clearly better than with the Shavette, I'm not sure my face can handle it as well as my budget might.

Dispite looking similar, shavettes and real straights shave differently, shavettes being known for being less forgiving.

I ditto the advise to go ahead and invest in a real straight razor. You can find one in the classifieds for very reasonable prices.

Shavettes are well known for being very unforgiving. After all, you are shaving with a razor blade. Those who use them as long term instruments like them and get good results. You just have get the practice or better yet just use the real thing.