Thread: Disposable blade Sraight Razors

It seems like a lot of people criticize straight razors with disposable blades, but can someone explian what is bad about them? I am just starting out so i think I'd like to get one of those so I dont have to worry about stropping/honing until I have the shaving down.

Also is there a difference in quality amongst different ones, or is it all about the blade you use? I see ones for $10 and I also see Dovo Shavvetes in the high 20's. Is there a difference? Is it worth going for the better one?

Lastly, I see on http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...940/286100.htm that there are a few different blade holders that can be used. Which of these blades are available from traditional drug stores (like longs)? I think the red are, but Im not sure abuot black or green. Also is the green holder the best one to learn on since it closest resembles a straight razor blade? From where are the green and black blades readily available? I just want to get a blade that is going to be easy to get replace, without having to wait for an order online every time I need a new blade.

Thanks for you input,
Jordan

Good point. I just received a disposable blade razor I ordered from my local barber. Look for JT2 on http://www.jaguar-solingen.com/en/pr...siermesser.php. Too bad it has those short blades and although it is a nice shaver, the shaving process would be a lot faster with longer blades. It's good for finishing moustaches and other tricky spots, though.

But can't understand why I just didn't order that Dovo shavette from classicshaving...

I know the small blades are readily available since i used to use them in my gilette (very old one, not one of the newer ones). Do you know if a store like Longs Drugs or Rite-Aid would sell the large ones (the straight razor size ones) or the medium ones?

Thanks, Jordan

I started wth str8s first and then got a Feather Artist Club for the reason you said. It was luck because it took me a long time to get the honing down. I wouldn't have been shaving. I also have a few Shavettes and an old Dorko razor blade str8. The Feather is best and it has the heft and feel of a str8.

The only real crticism I've heard is that the Fether is less forgiving than a str8. That's a matter of opinion. If you hear criticism think about whether the person has used it or made a sufficient effort to learn ro use it right. I still use my Feather along with many str8s, an it's one of my favorites. No str8 is as sharp, shaves smoother or has less pull. Every str8 requires ore pressure and has more pull than a Feather.

The raors other than the Feather mostly take different size blades.. Some take half of a regular DE blade.

I think you've got the right idea if you're only interested in the shave.

I also tried the Feather and it is really cool, I did not though take the time to learn how to use it. I think the all steel shavette is your best choice with the long blades from Fromm. Ray says on his website those are the best for shaving. I would buy all my blades from Ray at classicshaving.com. I MIGHT also buy the shorter holder for a regular DE blade, but a regular DE blade in my opinion doesn't have the same "grooves" to be cut in half as the ones that appear to be on the website. I may be completely wrong (I haven't used a disposable shavette) but I would caution you against trying to cut normal DE blades in half, to me it sound a little dangerous. I think the longer Fromm blade would be my first choice and would consider the other blades from classicshaving.com. I would probably prefer the longer blade. Its not exactly as available as a drugstore buy you won't need to buy that often.

They are criticized mostly by people who think they are a substitute for a real straight, and they just have a different feel, balance, and cutting property. I think some might say they are a little too sharp compared to a straight. If you keep in mind that a real straight is different I think you'll be ok. They might be nice for travel as well.

I'm not sure anyone here owns one, but wait a little and someone else may chime in.

I have been using a shavette on and off for about two months now and I have both the red holder (much too small so I don't use) and the black holder, I find the black works real well in comparison of a Str8 in length. As for shaving quality the shavette is really unforgiving, bad form is punished IMMEDIATELY using one unless you Slooowwww down. I change the blade exactly as recommended on the package, seven shaves and I replace.

Negatives: shavette has very little mass and you will have to resist the urge to push to cut (a habit I had from those disposables razors). You must really prepare your face to get a good shave. You should make sure you have a lot of time to complete your first few shaves before you adapt your technique to acheive a complete quality shave( My first shavette shave was on a Friday night, I cut myself so much I looked like Edward Scissorhands; LOL !! I chose friday night knowing I would need the entire weekend to heal up but Sunday night I was back shaving again and it was a much better experience. Hence now I only shave after work to make sure I don't have to shave in a hurry)

Positives: Because shavette has no mass when I change to my str8 I find the mass from the str8 does all the work I just guide it (thats when the razor is sharp). My technique has gotten better for use with a str8 especially since I now place more emphasis on shaving preparation. The time I have used to slow down and really shave is paying off. I have a more developed understanding of blade angle and the implications of poor technique (Ouch IS a four letter word. one I particularly do not like to use) and I can really enjoy just being in the moment shaving (a Zen quality Someone wrote about on another post). If you must purchase a Shavette definately get the stainless steel version (has more mass) and absolutely purchase a stypic pen. If you purchase through Classicshaving get the extra pack of blades each blade is scored down the center and breaks into two blades to double your value. Sorry for the rant yet it's one experiment I learned a TON from.

I have a stainless steel Shavette with the red holder (next time I order from Ray I'm going to get a black one). I also have a Wade & Butcher 5/8 straight that a nice guy from the other Straight Razor Place gave to me. It stays in the drawer and I use the Shavette. The reason for this is because I have never been able to get the WB sharp enough for a good shave. I bought two top quality strops from Ray, one a hanging strop and one a paddle, along with all the pastes, diamond compounds, etc. I didn't buy a Norton hone because frankly I was tired of spending a lot of money on something that wasn't working very well. I even sent it off to Lynn, but it still pulled when I got it back. The Shavette gives a very close shave with very little maintenance. It is VERY sharp and you have to be careful with it, but if you are it gives great results. I wish now I would have stayed with it all along instead of trying to go the standard straight route. Oh well, live and learn...

Smokey