Thread: Newbie With A Comparison Question

Hello All

I'm the proud owner of a Dovo Gentleman (bought from SRD) and have now had a couple of shaves with it. Thing is, I don't think it seems quite as smooth as the shaves with the Parker SR1 that got me into straight blade shaving.
I strop with care and don't have the 'edge only' issue, but it just doesn't seem to be as smooth.
Is it a technique thing that's a little different from the SR1 or am I missing something? I use AoS beard prep, cream and balm with a badger hair brush (frankly, the lather isn't as creamy as I thought it would be and the lather dries out seemingly too quickly)

Any tips at all?
Thanks in advance

Neil

There is a difference in how you use each. Don't change anything but your technique and you'll get it. Now I strictly use straights but have dabbled in the other and it seems like angle is the key. I am sure those that bounce back and forth more often will chime in soon.

Yes, your shavette has you holding on to the same angles, you need to adjust for mist straights razors if there is anything different,, I use a different angle from a 7/8--5/8 and so forth, my feather needs a different angle and pressure than a regular straight also,, when you get my re experience you will become good at adjusting, just need more time. Tc

Hello and welcome!
As the others said, the shaving angle on a shavette is typically a bit different than a straight razor. It will take some getting used to, but you'll get the hang of it. I had the same problems when I made the switch from shavette to straight.

Welcome to the forum. There are some differences and they are subtle. I have not used the same razor you have but do on occasion use a disposable blade razor. My disposable blade razor require a moldy higher angle, but note that it is quite a small difference. It does not take a lot of difference in technique to change a shave from good to wow. I am not familiar with your soap either but in general if your soap dries too quickly, you need more water in the mix. Some soaps are very fussy, those soaps are shower soap. There are a ton of really great soaps that are beautiful in their slickness and smell, they lather and have like a dream so do not be afraid to back bench a soap or kick it to the shower. Great soap need not be expensive either.

Welcome to the forum.

Hi and welcome. The angle by most accounts is slightly different and maintenance will affect as well. If your stropping isnt effective then that is going to effect your shaves. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

Thanks for all the replies and words of encouragement! It's exactly what I was hoping for. I'll keep persevering and update the forum as I go.
Thanks again!!
Neil

Also, something I never really bothered with until recently looking for a bit closer shave. Skin stretching is pretty key. I didn't do it much with my shavette, just looked upwards when getting the neck area. Now that I am shooting for a more BBS shave, I realize how important it truly is.

One thing I noticed that was NOT mentioned: in what way the angle is different. That is, shavettes require a more steep shaving angle. So when you use an actual straight razor, the spine needs to be a bit closer to your skin.

If you look up Lynn Abrams' videos for beginners on YouTube, he makes a great point of what angle to use when shaving. I suggest watching in "full screen" to better see the angle he holds it when he shaves.

The last tip I have, is one I often dole out to those starting out, because it takes longer toshave. When you have lather that is drying out prematurely, lather & shave in sections! Goatee and chin is one section, sideburn and cheek is one (each side is a different section), and each side of the neck & under the jaw is another. Doing this, you won't need to change anything else about your lather/soap/cream. The fewer variables, the better when it comes to the use of such precision instruments .

It also doesn't hurt to make practice lather. Read my forum signature, and you'll understand why I can only shave once or twice a week. Still, no real harm in making a lather before bed to wash your face with. Gives ya a chance to experiment & play mad scientist, adding a drop of vitamin E & a few drops of glycerin .

I hope this was helpful!