Thread: Shavettes

Hi all

I am soon to start SR shaving, unfortunately money is on the tight side and after looking at the prices for decent recommended
razors, strops, honing stones etc my wife and i decided that a Shavette was the best cost effective option to see if i liked and enjoyed the experience. Now i have noticed on this site that i am not the first to go down this route. I am wondering how different the process actually is between a SR and a shavette.
How long should i use the shavette for before looking at getting my own SR?
Would it be sensible to start using a SR and a shavette at the same time?
Or should i just bite the bullet hide some funds from the wife and go ahead and purchase the requisite items?

Any thoughts would be very welcome.

Kindest Regards.

Ritchie

I started with a shavette, and it was a good learning experience, I have now went with a SR but I still use the shavette off an on...in fact it is a good way to see how sharp your SR is :-) nice comparison . However I am still a novice but I would recommend it is a good start money wise..

I started with a Shavette, but I really don't like them. IMHO they are just too unforgiving and I find them a harsh shave.

I don't really think it's the low "Cost" alternative, since you can get everything you need to start SR shaving (Razor, strop and pasted balsa for touch ups ) for 54 bucks from Whipped dog, where as a Shavette can cost between 30 and 250 (depending on model) plus blades etc..

Whichever you choose, good luck and keep posting how you are doing

Shavettes are capable of giving a good shave, and can approximate using a straight razor. Note I say "approximate". There is a slight, but perceptible difference, in my experience. Also, shavettes are very useful for travel, since you don't need to carry a strop, and no TSA employee is liable to conclude that your shavette is a weapon.

I would recommend getting a "sight unseen deal" from Larry at Whipped Dog, for just a few dollars more than a shavette will cost. The edge that it arrives with should be sufficient for at least a month's worth of shaves without having to resort to using a hone, so you'll be able to decide whether a straight is for you without spending money on a hone. And, it's probably a bit easier to sell a straight, should you find it's not for you.

Whipped Dog

Rick

I agree with the above... I tried the shavette and found it about on par with a double edge safety razor. Pretty close, but seems harsh to the skin and easy to nick. Even a freshly honed razor I find a little harsh, and only after a few shaves and stropping will it seem so smooth out.

Best of luck!
Jeff.

Thanks guys for the replies.
I have just found at that she who must be obeyed has ordered me a nice little shavette starter kit, so i will start on that.
Have been to the whipped dog site (thanks for the steer as i had not found that one) and may well look at getting one of his kits at the end of the month.
The anticipation is already building and i can't wait to start, needless to say i will let you all know how i get on.

Thanks for all the advice.

Kindest regards.