Thread: Straight Razor Virgin

Originally Posted by salazch

I hear a lot about the dovo shavette. Is it a good razor? Is the shavette good? I heard you have to get an insert if you want to use a full size blade?

It's decent for what it is. I get mine with all 3 of the inserts for the different blades and it was (at the time) less than $5 extra. They aren't as forgiving on problem spots like blemishes, moles, scars so you need to watch out around any "imperfections" while shaving.

Hello, Driver:

I shave with a straight razor and have a modest collection.

At the same time, I keep a Feather straight razor with replaceable blades in the rack at home, an Edwin Jagger "barley" double edge also in the rack, a Gillette Super Speed "Red Tip" in my gym bag dopp kit, and a Merkur double edge travel razor in my travel dopp kit.

These are all for emergencies, mostly for use if I am squeezed for time. None, however, comes anywhere near the pleasure I receive from my regular straight razors. After all, the straight razor is a completely different world.

Use the Shavette as long as you feel you need to and then move on to the straight razor. There is something ethereal in the silky sheen of a well honed straight razor.

Regards,

Obie

I'm sorry to report that my first shave with the Shavette did not go well. It's OK at first using 1/2 a DE blade, but what I failed to consider was the corner of the blade closest to the handle.... One slight lateral movement and it layed me open! (Hopefully it won't leave a scar.)
Razor-burn big-time even using quality soap.
I can't say my experiment is working too well. :-(

Originally Posted by Driver

I'm sorry to report that my first shave with the Shavette did not go well. It's OK at first using 1/2 a DE blade, but what I failed to consider was the corner of the blade closest to the handle.... One slight lateral movement and it layed me open! (Hopefully it won't leave a scar.)
Razor-burn big-time even using quality soap.
I can't say my experiment is working too well. :-(

Hello, Driver:

I am sorry to hear of your ordeal with the Shavette. That razor has been a challenge for many shavers, although some do like it. Having used it once or twice in the past — borrowed from a friend — I found it sharp but mean as a drunk and unforgiving as a jilted lover. It reminds me of a rough wine that makes one grimace.

All right, then. If I may suggest, it is time to think of a genuine straight razor. If you are going to do it, make your decision and proceed. There are many starter kits offered at reasonable prices by vendors posted here at SRP. There is also mounds of information in the Wiki. Add to that the wisdom and expertise of some SRP members and you will have a good start.

Straight razor shaving takes patience and discipline. Of course, there is a learning curve, which you will manage as long as the desire is there. Start with small parts of your face at a time, keep the pressure light, watch your angle, and move step by step. You will get there before you know it. Good luck.

Regards,

Obie

I'll admit that I am a bit discouraged, but that may be because I was expecting too much, and got a bit carried away. At first it wasn't too bad, and I got a little too confident and didn't proper place the shaver on my face. When it dragged I just pulled it without thinking and got bit.
One of the drawbacks that I've heard others mention and I agree with is that it's too light. I would prefer a little more heft to it.

I'm not giving-up just yet. I'm considering purchasing the long blades that are made for it instead of the broken DE blades. We'll see.

(Luckily my job doesn't require me to be clean shaven because it will be a few days before I attempt to shave again, and then it will probably be with my trusty Gillette Tech.)