shave 3...

So I bought a shavette. I am using pre shave oil, before my lather.
My first shave was smooth, but bloody. 2nd shave was better, but still bloody.
third shave I put a new blade in the shavette. only 1 little cut, but shave was not as smooth as the first one. I also noticed that the razor did not travel smoothly over my face, their was more friction than the first 2 shaves.
so here are my questions.
1. why the friction?
2. Ive read many posts here where guys are saying that the shavette is a problem, and a true straight razor helps with some of my issues. thoughts on this?

Thanks for the help!!!

A shavette is less forgiving to bad technique which is why folks say a straight might be easier. As to the friction the only thing I can think of is you were pressing too hard or your face was dry with not enough lube or maybe you didn't realize you changed the angle.

I have a shavette and use it from time to time.
I've found that I get 3 shaves per blade out of it.
When you bled a lot I'm guessing you used too much pressure and/or too high an angle.
I'm guessing that for this go round you've lessened the pressure but either kept the angle too high or limp wristed it and now the blade jumps around.
If it's the Dovo it's got training wheels . Just lay it flat against your skin. Keep your grip firm but don't push against your face.
Once you have that down you'll be more able to experiment with raising the spine.

And the shavette is a great learning tool. It's not the same as a regular straight but it's a demanding teacher.

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Originally Posted by bharner

I have a shavette and use it from time to time.
I've found that I get 3 shaves per blade out of it.
When you bled a lot I'm guessing you used too much pressure and/or too high an angle.
I'm guessing that for this go round you've lessened the pressure but either kept the angle too high or limp wristed it and now the blade jumps around.
If it's the Dovo it's got training wheels . Just lay it flat against your skin. Keep your grip firm but don't push against your face.
Once you have that down you'll be more able to experiment with raising the spine.

And the shavette is a great learning tool. It's not the same as a regular straight but it's a demanding teacher.

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Good to know about the dovo, I'll try laying it flat next time

Thanks

The Shavette is only less forgiving because it tells you very quickly when you make a mistake. With the Dovo Shavette mistakes equal blood. That makes it a great starter razor with which to learn your technique. You can also start cheaply with it and find out whether straight shaving is for you. If it is, then the transition to a proper straight razor will be a piece of cake.

As for the friction, if it happened after a blade change I'd check what the blade was and use another brand or at least another new one. Beyond that, it's always angle and pressure. If you have the correct angle (low with a Shavette) and pressure (as close to none as you can get) then it's hard to cut yourself unless you make a bad stroke. Good luck!

Oh, one more thing...
I don't know what blades you are using but I found the personna blades at Sally beauty supply to be the best locally available blades.
The Wilkinson Sword blades that wallymart sells aren't bad and are, in fact, super sharp. However, they are not remotely smooth so you will feel any pressure you use.

It was a dovo blade

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Originally Posted by Steveorocks

It was a dovo blade

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Nothing wrong with them but there are definitely better blades out there.

Also bear in mind that you're only three shaves in, consistency will be all over the place, it's not your fault, just part of the learning process. As has been said before, the straight razor shave is a skill to learn, and to your credit your seeing the issues shave by shave and trying to figure out why.

As someone who started on a shavette, i think you should move up to the real deal, shavettes are fine for barbers etc and a cheap way to practie the skills, but nothing is like a real straight.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bharner

Nothing wrong with them but there are definitely better blades out there.

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What would you suggest?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bharner

Nothing wrong with them but there are definitely better blades out there.

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I am not sure I quite agree with this claim.

A well honed Dovo is a superb shaver, new or old.
I just shaved the other day with my Bergischer Löwe from Dovo, and the result was just
as good as with other more renowned classics like Puma's Engels's or Deutsch:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Steveorocks

What would you suggest?

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I like the personna blades and the Gillette 7 o clock blades. The Wilkinson sword blades are Sharp but irritate my face. A lot of the vendors sell sample packs of blades. I recommend going that way.

Oh, and Birnardo, he's using Dovo DE blades, not a Dovo straight. While I've not yet shaved with a Dovo straight, I've heard nothing but praise for them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Birnando

I am not sure I quite agree with this claim.

A well honed Dovo is a superb shaver, new or old.
I just shaved the other day with my Bergischer Löwe from Dovo, and the result was just
as good as with other more renowned classics like Puma's Engels's or Deutsch:)

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I think he was talking about the Dovo brand disposable blades.

To the OP:
I would suggest finding a vintage blade vendor and getting a beginner set-up if you want to step up to a straight. All you really need to get started is a shave-ready razor and a strop. That will keep you going for a while.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bharner

Oh, and Birnardo, he's using Dovo DE blades, not a Dovo straight. While I've not yet shaved with a Dovo straight, I've heard nothing but praise for them.

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My bad buddy. Sorry for the confusion:)

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Originally Posted by Birnando

My bad buddy. Sorry for the confusion:)

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It's all good. But if you want to send me a Puma and a Dovo to compare, I won't complain ;).

To the op, try a blade sample pack and find something you like. Then, when you've got more money, grab a regular straight. I used my Dovo exclusively for two or so months then bought a vintage razor and poor man's strop from whippeddog and one from holli4pirating. Two razors and a strop for under 90 bucks when all was said and done.
Now, 9 months into it I've got 4 straights that are shave ready and another 4 that aren't. I've also got a set of hones and an enjoyable hobby that I can enjoy without having to hire a babysitter.

+1 on the blade sample pack...
I like feathers then Gillette 7-o-clock Yellow

It sounds like I should just go but a true straight blade. The dovo flowing looks nice and my birthday is next month. :-)

I have spent the past hour watching you tube videos on how to build a proper lather, I so was not doing it right, so for shave 4 tomorrow morning I hope to have a proper lather and much better results.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Steveorocks

It sounds like I should just go but a true straight blade. The dovo flowing looks nice and my birthday is next month. :-)

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I have a Dovo Flowing, it is very nice.

I shaved on a Dovo shavette for 6 months and I got pretty damn good at it. No nicks or gashes. It takes a few shaves in to get the hang of it and I believe it is good for moving into straight down the road. I made the transition from shavette to straight pretty easily but I was reading the forums on here and learned that way. Good luck no matter what choice you make, the blood will stop at some point. Also, a straight is an excellent shave and investment so when you are ready take the plunge.

SHAVE #4
Okay, So after watching lots of you tube videos, I changed a few things.
#1 my lather, I used a mug this time and really got a better lather that the first 3 times, not perfect, but 1000% better.
#2 The pastors videos are great, and I tried holding the razor the way he does and it worked well for me.

NO BLOOD this time!!!!!
and This is the closest and best shave yet!

Thanks to everyone for their input and suggestions!

Glad to hear it's getting better. There is definitely a learning curve to this. And each blade is a bit different. As long as you get the fundamentals of lather and pressure and strokes down you'll be able to handle anything.