Thread: Second guessing after second shave...

Hey everyone,

I purchased a Dovo Shavette with the interchangeable blades a few days ago to try out straight razor shaving. Although I do enjoy this hobby very much, I am thinking that I should have just went with a real straight razor. After doing some reading, it seems like most have an easier time and less irritation shaving with a real straight razor. I know that I am just a beginner and have a lot to learn, but I just wanted some opinions on whether I should toss the shavette and get the real thing to learn with? If so, what are some recommendations on a good starting straight razor at a decent price (under $100). What else do I need to purchase to maintain the sharpness of the razor?

I started with a replacement blade and then moved to a dovo silver steel and it was like a new world the dovo was alot easier and smoother to shave with. The only thing that you will need extra to use a regular straight is a strop at first. I have read that alot of people like the sight unseen sets at whippeddog they or around fifty and the have a shave ready razor and strop with them. Then all you will need is a hone which you can buy at a later time or just get a couple of razors and send the razors of to be honed at different times until you get a hone and become good at it there is several members in the members service forum that offer honing service.

Get a straight razor for sure. Shavettes aren't going to be that enjoyable from what I've gathered here on the boards. If you want a nice Dovo, SRD has their ebony silver steel 5/8 for $111. Honed free of charge and comes with a certificate for a 2nd free hone.

A great value if you ask me. Oh, yeah, I just bought one myself but won't know how it shaves till I receive the razor.

Shavettes are okay, but not great. You need to give yourself some transition time. A Shavette is as sharp as the blade you put into the effort. A straight razor is as sharp as the effort you put into the blade.

Thanks guys for all the help. It seems like I might try a dovo straight razor to start out.

Most guys who use the shavette like them because there is zero maint and no stropping. Everything has trade-offs.

Yes, stropping. Be careful and seek advice prior to ruining the edge of your first straight razor. You may very well guess how I came to learn this lesson.

You weren't really clear about what it is with the shavette that has you second guessing your decision. Are the shaves uncomfortable? Do you get cuts and irritation?

If the answer is no and you are still enjoying yourself then what's the hurry. You might even be able to save some money that way, too . I certainly don't want to dissuade you from buying a real straight, that is not my intention...

BTW - you could always buy a low cost shave ready blade from the classifeds, which would leave plenty of money for a quality strop and perhaps an extra or two. Just a thought.

Originally Posted by Ryan82

You weren't really clear about what it is with the shavette that has you second guessing your decision. Are the shaves uncomfortable? Do you get cuts and irritation?

If the answer is no and you are still enjoying yourself then what's the hurry. You might even be able to save some money that way, too . I certainly don't want to dissuade you from buying a real straight, that is not my intention...

BTW - you could always buy a low cost shave ready blade from the classifeds, which would leave plenty of money for a quality strop and perhaps an extra or two. Just a thought.

All of the above. I have tons of irritation and the shave feels uncomfortable. I know this is common with beginners, but I just think a straight razor would be better in the long run. The shavette just doesn't feel like a well built razor.

Just purchased the Dovo "silver steel" straight razor and strop set from Straight Razor Desigs. I hope this will last me a long time! Now I just have to read up on using the strop.Thanks guys for the help.