Switching to a Straight Razor using a Shavette or Disposable

Hi Guys,

This is a topic that comes up frequently, so I thought I would share a few thoughts on it.

The Shavette's or disposable razors are a very nice way to get into using a straight razor. Some people stay using them forever and don't even make the transition because they enjoy them so much. It's all personal preference in the world of wetshaving which is what it's all about in any case, so never feel bad about this and enjoy this wonderful art form using the methods that suit you best.

The nice thing about a Shavette is that you can actually shave with one without worrying about the 30 degree or less angle that you need for most straight razors to shave comfortably. Because of the small machined and very sharp blade, it will shave at a less vertical angle but it will still be uncomfortable and scrape or pull when you get to as much as a 90 degree angle.

So, when you switch from a Shavette to a straight razor you really have to pay attention to the angle of the razor and consciously keep in mind that the razor needs to be more vertical for a nice comfortable shave. 30 degrees or less. Most of us whether new or experienced in using a straight razor have a tendency for our wrists to bend back with the straight razor in them causing the angle to open up, particularly when shaving the mustache and chin areas, so it is always something to pay attention to this.

Like anything else in this sport, a little practice and patience (Easier said than done) goes a long way. For most people, it only takes a few shaves to start improving your technique to where you enjoy the shaves more.

Hope this helps.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Just the way I came to straight razor shaving, I still use the disposable straight razor in my overnight bag.

I found the Shavette a fine way to start my journey. I read enough in the Wiki to realize how much work and equipment was involved in straight shaving and chose the Shavette because of the minimal initial outlay of funds. Once I confirmed that I was really interested in straight shaving, I moved on to real straights. When I did make the transition, I found that the skills that the Shavette helped me develop served me very well.

I had my couple first "straight" shaves with a Parker shavette and it worked well enough to confirm that i wanted to try real straights.
Now the Parker is quite unforgiving(when you are brand new) and I sure leaned to respect a open blade tro my face, but moving on to a real straight was a pleasure, even if it took me a while to get the technique down.
Now a Feather Artist Club SS is in my regular rotation and and I enjoy it just as much as any of my other straights.
The poor old Parker dosn't see much use these days, but it works as a good travel solution. Hmm, maybe I should try it again, it's been months now. :)

I did it the other way around, started with straights and then the Feather razors, for me personally I can't get a good shave if I keep the Feather blade almost flat on my face like most people do, I have to keep the angle the same as a straight, except when I shave my head, there I'm doing ok holding it at a lesser angle. The feather is a razor that I like very much but I like to mix it up with straights, depends on the mood.

Thats the same way I got started.I dont know what a Feather is,my disposable is a Personna by Magic.I think I paid $7 for it?It works well,better than my Dovo at this point(still learning stropping).I'm just tired of everything nowadays being disposable.Shavers,blade refills,...plates,silverware...heck,who woulda ever thought that one day there would be such a thing as a disposable camera!?!? Tired of throwing away what i buy,time to go straight!

As many others I started with a Feather Artist Club.
It is a fine way to learn the straight way.
Somewhat unforgiving perhaps, but it really forces the user to focus on prep and pressure.
Used properly though, it will give as close a shave as any other method out there. IMHO

Thanks Lynn. For twenty years I used a barbershop "L & A Razor", one designed to hold injector razor blades to trim around my moustache. It was a gift from my father, who also used one. After a while I found that more and more I was using it to do the rest of the shave. Just as you describe it rewarded the use of good technique.

Then a few years ago I found the Yahoo SRP forum... :)

Those machined blades are so damn unforgiving. I'd much rathe learn on a real straight.

I just purchased a Feather Artist Club RG with a package of ProGuard blades from SRD and used it for the first time this morning. I have to say that I really liked the razor a lot. I am new a new straight razor user and have been having trouble with my technique. At first, I thought I had dulled my blade tinkering with it before my first shave, but I have come to the conclusion I just don't know how to use a straight yet and need to practice, practice, practice.

Anyway, after reading this thread, I decided to try a shavette thinking it might act as somewhat of a transition razor from my DE's to the straight. The Feather performed very well for me on my first try and I am looking forward to using it again. I will also keep practicing with the traditional straight in hopes of improving my technique.