Thread: New guy and first couple of shaves...

Hi all, my name is Matt. I've been researching SR shaving for a few months now. I like to be well informed before jumping into touching my face with razor sharp things!

First of all, I love this site. Thank you to everyone who contributes and offers great advice. I've been lurking for weeks now, and here I am.

A few weeks ago I bought a collection of things from Art of Shaving (Fine Badger brush, Preshave oil, Cream and Aftershave lotion) and shaved with my Fusion M4. I immediately noticed a difference in my quality of shave from either canned goo or just water. (I'll admit, I don't shave every day, just when I need to or when I start to irritate my wife...)

In my research I decided I couldn't decide on a real razor. This all started when my dad told me he had his fathers straight AND his grandfather's straight! I've been bugging him for weeks now to pull them out. Turns out he has no idea where they are. So I decided the right thing to do was to get the Dovo Shavette (disposable blades) and see if I could even get into it.

My first shave with it was last week. I tried to do it before work, before my 10 month old woke up and before I had to deal with getting out the door. I knew it was a mistake, so I took it very slow. For a first shave, it went very well. I did easily 75% of my face, then re-lathered and finished with my M4. Today is a nice lazy Saturday and we're snowed in, so while the baby napped, I took a shower, put on some music and had a second go. I got it so much better the second time. I did probably 85-90% of my face, two passes with a lather in between and then once more with the M4 just to clean up hard to reach places. I definitely get it now.

And I see what characteristics I'll be looking for when I get ready to invest in a real razor. This Shavette is so lightweight, its tough to use. I like the rounded tip, so I'll certainly go for that. The disposable blade holder is super annoying and tough to get clean in between passes, so virtually any blade thickness will be an improvement. But I'm confident in my decision to start with this unit because I know its sharp, and my technique can't get ruined by using a blade thats not truly shave ready. As soon as I get my hands on my grandfather and great grandfather's blades, I'll send them out to get professionally honed. And if they're not worth using, it will at least be nice to have them in the collection.

Wow, this was a long and rambling introduction. Nice to meet you all. Have a great weekend!

Welcome! Pretty nice you will get to use family heirlooms! If they lasted those men chances are they are worthy enough razors to restore as long as there are nit big chips or other problems. Good luck and let us know if you have questions.

Welcome to SRP Matt,

I totally understand what you mean about the Shavette. I finally got my new Dovo BQ 5/8" Full Hollow and I have to tell you that for me it made the shaving experience even that more wonderful and totally made me understand why some members say that a Shavette is not a good idea.

Hopefully you will be able to use the other razors and enjoy them for a long time!

Welcome!!

PS: I noticed you mentioned snow, it might be a good idea if you update your profile with your location, there might be other members around your area.

Originally Posted by MrShatters

And I see what characteristics I'll be looking for when I get ready to invest in a real razor. This Shavette is so lightweight, its tough to use. I like the rounded tip, so I'll certainly go for that. The disposable blade holder is super annoying and tough to get clean in between passes, so virtually any blade thickness will be an improvement. But I'm confident in my decision to start with this unit because I know its sharp, and my technique can't get ruined by using a blade thats not truly shave ready. As soon as I get my hands on my grandfather and great grandfather's blades, I'll send them out to get professionally honed. And if they're not worth using, it will at least be nice to have them in the collection.