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

Ok, I understand what they are and i understand you can pretend it's a SR, and don't need a strop but...

They require or tolerate (as I understand it) completely different angles than SR, so they're not really good training for using a SR; and
They use blades equal to or the same as DEs...

So, if you want to wet shave, why not just use a DE or go straight to a Straight razor (pun not intended). You can buy a good shaving SR from Whipped Dog or through the classifieds, strops don't (necessarily) cost a bunch and you'd be learning the real deal.

I'm not criticizing, just asking.

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.

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

I never attempted any use of these as I went from a few months with a DE and now going on 7 years with traditional straights. To each his own, and many Gents do enjoy them say nothing but great things about them. Not my bag in the least. Give me a traditional straight razor with a buttery smooth edge and I am very happy. Never enjoyed the extreme sharpness and harsh results of a factory stamped DE blade.

I have 3, never tried 1. It was a step I could afford to jump over. I did try to save some money and wasted it on a cheap 40 bucks for everything kit. A shavette is a much better way to go then that.

Hoosier, you lost your avatar. Did it show up on "America's most Wanted" again ?

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Hoosier, you lost your avatar. Did it show up on "America's most Wanted" again ?

Need to update it...haven't decided on one....It won't be me using a Shavette however

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.