Thread: I don't "get" shavettes...

I started with a shavette and the angle that I had to hold it was alot different than a straight, but it did help to teach me the pressure I needed to use when shaving and the strokes that I now use for get the shave I am looking for. Also how to hold it comfortably to accomplish everything that I needed to do. They are alot less forgiving than a straight. I paid $15 for the shavette, blades, cheap brush and soap so it was cheaper for me to try that first than to get a new razor and everything else and then find out I didn't like it. Needless to say it didn't take long for me to just get a straight. I still have almost 100 blades that are just sitting around.

Microsoft Flight Simulator was harder to fly than an actual airplane in my experience. It is, nonetheless, a great training aid. I see a shavette the same way. Less cost, fewer distractions and a high demand for precision.

I was with you in that thinking. I got the part about the potential learning and easier maintenance, but in the end, I was left with the same question, why not just go right to the real deal.

Well a couple of weeks ago, a buddy of mine expressed an interest in using a straight. To the point that he said he even had a dream about it. We talked, and the more he told me, the more I realized that he would never really be in a position currently to use a straight razor. He'd need two, need a strop, and the the necessary learning curve. He simply doesn't have the money, nor the time to do this.

I gave him my old Parker Shavette with all the Shark blades, he already had been using a brush and Proraso, so he was fine there, a link to this website and Lynn's video of the first straight shave, and he's following that and is perfectly happy with this setup. Cheaper than using his Mach's by far, and he gets the enjoyment from using a straight, all is good, and from his perspective, it's simply the best solution - keep it simple.

Originally Posted by Phrank

Cheaper than using his Mach's by far, and he gets the enjoyment from using a straight, all is good, and from his perspective, it's simply the best solution - keep it simple.

I was going to type my own reply but this sums it up so well.

When using a shavette I found the room for error was greater and even when you make a mistake the potential for damage is smaller as well. With a shavette only a certain amount of the blade is exposed so even with huge mistakes you wont go too deep.

Shavettes are lighter and the blade length is shorter as well which makes it much easier when learning to shave and hold a straight with your off hand. The shorter blade length also made it easier to navigate the random creases and dips you may have on the face and neck.

I do agree that the general angle of a shavette is different(approx 40 degrees) but not so much that it would throw off your ability to adjust to a straight. Hey, a 4/8 straight and a 7/8 straight will have a slightly different angle used.

This is just my opinion on the matter for what it is worth.

I started out that way and it is very useful. I did not need to wonder what "sharp" or "shave-ready" was. It still gets used quite a lot. My wife uses it for her legs and I will grab the Shavette from time to time for a quick touch up. On some days when I use a DE, the Shavette is useful for places the DE doesn't fit (under the nose). I will also take it as a travel straight. I do prefer my normal straights.

The shavette I own was a crossover to straights. DE shaver for years I wanted to try straights. The cost to me at that point seemed overwhelming. The maintenance also was a factor. So I bought a $20 shavette from dreadnaught. Great little razor. Was a good introduction to using a straight. Shortly after getting it I came across a good deal for a vintage straight. So I jumped in the deep end. The shavette is sadly drawer bound at that point. The shave with my straights to me is just better. Now if I want to use a DE blade it will be in one of my DE razors. Overall it was a cost effective way to try straights. But not my favorite way to shave. To each his own for sure.

I have shaved with both for years. I find them very similar except for size and weight. I use the same techniques for both. I am an everyday shaver though and just shave stubble so that may account for my impressions

I must be aberrant. Other than the common culture's desire for many bladed disposables if it has an edge that shaves then I want to shave with it, and enjoy the differences in technique needed to achieve a decent shave. I do have, and use, shavettes (including a 7 day set, re-honable blades), DE's, SE's, disposable Kamisori type shavettes and way too many straights. As Lynn says, "Have fun." Life is s**ty enough so why not enjoy the start of your day with a little adventure called scraping and bleeding to the sound of your favorite music, a strong cup of coffee and the daily paper (if you can stands the crap they report on).

I think you forgot to mention that Shavettes dont require honing and for some that is a big advantage.