Thread: Newbie Questions

Hi,

So after recently stumbling upon the new Gillette Fusion 5 blade POS with outrageously priced replacement cartridges, I have decided it's time for a change. I am fairly young, 22, and am looking for a closer shave that's a little friendlier on the wallet, after initial investment of course. I just had a few questions.

In searching the forums here, I have found many differing opinions on disposible straight edges. Would anybody absolutely not recommend one for a newbie. I am not against the whole learning to strop/hone, but I am a college student and the whole sharing a bathroom down the hall thing doesn't really make it practical for me. Also, taking cost into consideration, I feel that might be a little bit too pricey for my very limited budget.

At this point, I'm more interested in the Feather over the Shavette just from what i've read about them. Any suggestions? Would anybody recommend the Shavette over the Feather? If you'd recommend the Feather, which one would you recommend?

I have read a lot of comments/complaints about nicks/cuts, and shaving with little, no, or negative pressure. I'm not really concerned about these issues too much as I'm willing to spend time mastering the use of the razor.

Basically, any suggestions/advice/recommendations would be a great help, and I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,

Ben

A few guys swear by the Feather. I will not recommend it to you. I find them expensive and nick prone. I would first suggest you check with your school. Walking around the dorms with such a tool is usually grounds for suspension. Once you get past that point I would suggest any Feather you are drawn to that takes regular blades, they sell two kinds which I like to call, too sharp and really too sharp. I might suggest a shavette from Dovo first with green handles and the appropriate blade. Check Classicshaving for both. If you like the shavette and the money comes rolling it get a Feather. They are actually pretty popular. I think it only takes about a week to learn how to use one, and experience with a regular straight is negative learning to transitition to a Feather (cuz they are so different)

Also, there are some regular looking straights that take disposable blades for under 30, you can find them if you go to SMF.com (shavemyface.com) and search for "shavette"

It may take you a little over $100 to get started with a straight. But like you said if you are sharing a bathroom it may not be practical. But also Tony has some fine paddle strops instead of a hanging strop. May take a little longer to strop before a shave but hey. The other issue would be the razor. Don't want anybody cutting themselves on your razor(but maybe you, little nicks and such)if you can say you want that. With the shavette you can use more than one size blade length acording to the holder you have in place. The feather I believe only has one size blade and style according to the one you get.

I personally like the Shavette as a starter razor except for it's lightness. It is the most economial start into this and once you progress to a real straight you still have a handy travel razor in the Shavette.

It is also the most dissapointing razor I think <g>. I sold quite a few of these as complete sets around Xmas and had nearly half returned un-opened because the recipient of the gift wanted a "real" straight. Good meaning wives and girlfriends jumped at them hoping their beau would be thrilled, but most found a 'thanks, but no thanks" response.

I use one occasionally and find it shaves very well for a minimal investment. I use the green inserts that take Fromm hair shaper blades. Despite those that don't like them I still stand by them as a good introduction to straights.

Tony

I say skip the feather or shavette and go straight to the straight. Keep the strop in your own room and time your shaves for when there are fewest people needing the washroom. You can also get products like Lush Ambrosia shaving cream which require no brush or mug for post modern convenience. The shave will feel smoother with a straight and besides, the disposable blade straights have a reputation for nicking, which is unpleasant.

X

Ben,

Just a thought. If you buy the Feather, you've got the expense of blades, and the good Feathers start out at about $100 bucks. Tony Miller's starter kit is not much more than that. As far shaving in the dorms, buy a medium size bowl and fill it with hot water, and shave in your dorm room. Use a towel to wipe of the razor between strokes. Or shave at 2am! But also, as was previously mentioned, verify this type of "weaponry" is acceptable in your dorm.

RT

Originally Posted by rtaylor61

Ben,

Just a thought. If you buy the Feather, you've got the expense of blades, and the good Feathers start out at about $100 bucks. Tony Miller's starter kit is not much more than that. As far shaving in the dorms, buy a medium size bowl and fill it with hot water, and shave in your dorm room. Use a towel to wipe of the razor between strokes. Or shave at 2am! But also, as was previously mentioned, verify this type of "weaponry" is acceptable in your dorm.

RT

I agree with Randy. Get a starter set from Tony you will be much happier in the long run

Thanks for all the replies,

Maybe I will stay away from the disposible straight. A "real" straight will require a little more effort, but may just be worth it. I'm not really worried about the allowance of a straight razor because there is never anybody of any importance in the bathroom.

I just checked out the starter sets offered by Tony. They look pretty good. Would you recommend the TIMOR "Hamburg Ring" 6/8 Carbon Steel razor that comes with it, or would you recommend the Dovo Special 5/8 Tortoise Handle Razor upgrade for an extra $30? Money is tight, but I'd rather pinch elsewhere and invest into a decent setup from the get go.

Thanks again,

Ben

Ben,

It's a matter of preferrence I like bigger razors but I have the Dovo 5/8 and I am very happy with it also.

I love my 6/8 Wade and Butcher, but I'd say I slightly prefer a 5/8 size for comfort and manoeuvrability, but then I've got a lighter beard. If you're carving through dense brush, it makes sense to think of the heavier steel.

X