Thread: Loading a Sedef Turkish shavette

Thanks for the replies. I did find a video, similar to the ones above, but what bothered me was that they pressed against the edge of the blade to even out the exposure. It seems counterintuitive to have anything press on the edge of a cutting blade, especially one as delicate as a razor blade. When it was demonstrated to me, he was able to get the blade to go in straight and only pressed the end of the blade against a hard surface, not the edge.

anybody using these on a regular basis?? I have two other new ones...unused, and I would gladly change them for another type of shavette.

Thanks,
Alan

Now, don't give up on the Sedef so easy......

Like with almost everything in shaving, a blade change with the Sedef must be practised. I use the spine of a key to push and press the blade in or out. You can snip off the ends with sturdy scissors. I have never got near to cutting myself. When you need to press the blade in place, press only the corners of the edge. That won't hurt the overall sharpness of the edge.

Best wishes,
OldSalt

Hi Oldsalt,

I like the Sedef as well, they were really cheap in Istanbul, maybe $3 each, but still have some trouble loading. I will try what you suggest. If you have the ability to make a video, it would be of great service to all. I'm using the Permasharp blades that I bought at the same time.

Best, Alan

Hi Alan,
I couldn't show anything else in a Video besides what is shown in the Video above. I was afraid to break off the corners of the blade by bending them at first but just tried it and it worked without a problem. It is better to break them off while the blade is wrapped in its paper, like shown. Shove the blade in the Shavette with your fingers as far as you can. Press the rest in with a key or use a hard surface like a tile in the bathroom. Adjust the blade setting with a key. No problem. To make the first shave smoother with a new blade I pull the Edge between my fingers twice before I put it in the shavette. Some draw the edge over a cork twice, which is called "corking the blade". I find it less complicated to just flatly pull the blade between my fingers.
Good Luck!

I appreciate all your suggestions. I guess I'm a little worried about damaging the edge while aligning the blade but I'll try it a few more times.
Thanks.

Like I said and it is demonstrated in the video above, just push the corners of the blade. That won't hurt a thing. If you look close, the guy in the video uses huge scissors to align the blade but only touches the corners. I find a key to be handier. To push the blade out, just push against the corner of the blade as if you were sharpening a stick with a knife by a camp fire (I hope I expressed myself correctly....). The blade can then be pulled out easily. People tend to have great respect for a razor blade, which is correct, but held or gripped flatly between your fingers it can't harm you.
Good Luck!