Is it really that big a jump?

**custommartini** · 01-27-2007, 01:15 AM

Hey all,

I was reading the thread "Please Help. Terrible Shaving Experience" and started thinking. I've been using a shavette for a few weeks now (chucked the mach 3 in the garbage as it were

) and am awaiting a razor by mail. My question is this, is it really that big a jump from a shavette to a proper straight? I know that there is more to do as far as maintaining the edge, I'm asking about technique.

any input would be appreciated.

**Wildtim** · 01-27-2007, 01:23 AM

All that maintaining an edge stuff you mentioned in half a sentence is really the art with the traditional straight razor. Improper stroping can ruin your shave faster than poor technique. A bad honing job and it isn't even a shave at all. Get it right its pure luxury.

That said there are several important differences between your shavette and a real straight. I used a shavette to break into straights myself, and will still use it for travel but till vacation time it just languishes in my drawer as it just isn't as fun to shave with. With a real straight you will use a little more pressure on your face and I find that a shallower angle than was comfortable with the shavette is helpful too. The shavette is also less comfortable to slide across your skin you just don't get as nice a shave with it. I'm not saying a shavette is bad, especially compared to a cartridge razor but it isn't quite a straight.

**xman** · 01-27-2007, 01:47 AM

Originally Posted by Wildtim

All that maintaining an edge stuff you mentioned in half a sentence is really the art with the traditional straight razor. Improper stroping can ruin your shave faster than poor technique. A bad honing job and it isn't even a shave at all. Get it right its pure luxury.

That's a big 10-4.

X

**custommartini** · 01-27-2007, 08:50 AM

hey guys,

thanks for the reply and info. I know that honing and stropping is a big part of the art (I've been staying up til 5 am-iah every morning reading all the threads in the forums and absorbing all I can)
I also plan to keep the shavette for travel. I originally bought the shavette as a christmas gift, but opted to give something else instead. So it sat there...staring at me...calling me.
So you are saying that the proper straight uses a steeper angle?

**Bruno** · 01-27-2007, 11:44 AM

A proper straight should be held about 30 degrees from the skin.
That's the rule of thum anyway. You 'll experiment a bit in the beginning.

For me, it is 20-30 degrees on the pass with the grain, and almost flat against the skin on the pass against the grain.

A staright is also more forgiving that a shavette. normally you should nick yourself less.

**Wildtim** · 01-27-2007, 01:47 PM

In my experience a shavette is less forgiving in the sense that it is easier to cut yourself. I did find myself using too steep an angle when I switched to a real straight though. The shavette was so sharp that it still cut well at an improper angle and it really didn't make any improvement in the comfort level to lower it any (I have since confirmed this). With my real straights the higher angle cut OK but not great and the comfort level shot through the roof when I improved my technique. You'll have to try them side by side sometime and figure out what works best for you.

I agree with Bruno about the proper angles to use one at though. It was his suggestion that got me to try the almost against the face against the grain stroke and it really helps.

actually the biggest difference you will notice right away is the weight difference. When you handle your real straight it will make your shavette feel like a toy in your hands. Exactly like the difference between an Airsoft pistol and a real gun.

**custommartini** · 01-27-2007, 02:04 PM

once again, thank you for your input gentleman.

I know what you mean about the weight, I've held a real straight before (yeah, airsoft)
I ordered Lynn's DVD, so hopefully I'll learn proper technique from it. This is probably a stupid question, but since I'm a newbie...
I was driving home feeling a few spots that I have a hard time shaving and was wondering, what are your thoughts on direction to stretch the skin? Is there a particular way that you stretch it? Or does it not matter as long as the skin is taunt?
On a side note to wildtim, that is a beautiful dog you have posted as your avatar.

**Wildtim** · 01-27-2007, 02:17 PM