I think you have to use a shavette regularly to get the results without any drama. I don't use one often enough. Where I get into trouble is the cross the grain pass. If I just go with the grain and against the grain I have fewer mishaps.
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I started wet shaving with a Universal shavette: when you learn to respect the blade I think it is the sharpest and smoothest shave you can feel.
The XTG and ATG passes comes with some tecnique, but it's worth to improve every day, you'll be satisfied soon...
"Respect the blade"...indeed, that is the key.
Which one is the Universal? Do you have a pic or link?
Grazie, Alan
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The ivory handled is the UNniversal. A great shavette, as heavy as a straight, stainless steel, available for half or entire blade.
You can't forget your first love...
I decided two weeks ago to start a "post-graduate" program in shaving technique even though I've been straight shaving for three years. I decided to use only my Feather SS with Feather blades until I felt that I had perfected my technique. Two weeks later, I'm still using the same blade, the shaves are great, and I haven't gotten even a weeper in a week. I recommend this idea to anyone who has doubts about or wants to improve his technique. I'm going to stick with it until the techniques I've learned are a natural part of my repertoire.
I have a Parker SRB with feather blades. Have used that for quite some time and feel that it helped me perfect my technique before transitioning to straights. I got BBS shaves on a consistent basis and loved my Parker (still do). I have noticed two things between my straight and shavette. First is that I get better shaves with my straight razor. Easier and smoother in less passes with less irritation. Of course I keep my straights very sharp! I also noticed I value my straights a bit more since I invest much more into them such as sitting down to sharpen/strop, cleaning up the blades, researching the history of different ones I own, ect.
Having used DE blades of all brands from dorco dollar stores to Japanese feather blades and also having sharpened my own straights I find it interesting that some doubt how sharp a straight can get. I can only speak from experience but if you get better shaves from a DE blade like a shark or Dorco than you do from your straight then IMO you're missing out. Again just IME my straights shave sharper and better.
Both are nice looking razors. The Coolcut has a smaller head, which I like. It's one reason I like the Dovo Shavette as well.
What blades are you using? My favorite so far is the Permasharp from Turkey (although I think the blades are made in Russia).
Best, Alan
Over all I do find my replaceable blade straight to be sharper, as the blades come all nice and factory sharp, but that being said I do find a smoother closer shave from my gold monkey. Though...after it's been hit with the CrOx I find it as sharp as a feather blade on steroids ^^