Cut the hell out of my face. My straights are equally as sharp....but man was this thing touchy!
tim
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Cut the hell out of my face. My straights are equally as sharp....but man was this thing touchy!
tim
More likely, your straights are not as sharp...
May I ask what shavette and blades you are using?
Best,
Alan
They can be vicious the mating of a surgically sharp blade to a user defined shaving angle can make for a great deal of discomfort.
Weather Shavette straight or De they all have a learning curve.
And can take a month to re learn jumping from one to the other.
It is a cheapo enzo shavette that came with 20 Derby blades.
OWTCH!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Boxertim
Get CJB or other pro shavette.
~Richard
I started with Wilkinson Sword blades and got on well enough but then switched to Shark blades and cannot believe I didn't try changing blades before - such a difference!
They're very cheap, it might be worth trying a different type of blade - it did make a lot of difference to myself.
Were you just going with the grain, or also across/against the grain? It takes quite a while to acquire the muscle memory for shaving with a shavette or straight razor, perhaps it's a good thing to take a step back.
I usually focus on these three things:
- Never make a slicing motion
- Keep the lightest touch possible, imagine you're just wiping off lather
- Play with the angle until you find one that feels right, which will be different for different parts of your face and for WTG/XTG/ATG
Good luck!
Shavettes feel more rigid and less forgiving, and for me a true straight is easier to use in comparison.
+1 I started with the Parker Shavette, I don't get cut anymore with it and get a very good shave from it. I use it for travelling. It is different from a straight and is much more aggressive in my opinion. I prefer to use a straight at home, however if I lose it its not much to lose.Quote:
Originally Posted by Laurens
Laurens is right technique is important, especially with a shavette, its not as forgiving as a straight.
+1 !!! Nothing can beat a good straight for me....:-)Quote:
Originally Posted by CaliforniaCajun
I've heard shavettes are less forgiving. I've used a Parker SRW everyday for a little over a month now and don't own a straight razor so i'm not sure. My first straight razor should be here in the mail tomorrow along with a strop and some CrOx on a balsa slab so I'll find out. I look forward to my first straight, though I hear shavettes give a closer shave, it will be nice to try a true 'old fashion' razor.
I started like you with a shavette and by the end of the first month i really liked it, in fact I could get some very good shaves from it. I was happy, but then my straight arrived. I cut myself a few times because the technique is slightly different but by shave two I was flying. The parker had stood me in good stead and on the second day I had the smoothest most comfortable shave ever. I had a couple of patches on my neck (which were a problem for a while) but apart from that a DFS.Quote:
Originally Posted by Zenoth
Since my first straight razor which was great I have discovered two more which are even smother and the Parker feels like a scratch rather than a shave by comparison.
I won't part with my Parker as it's what I learned to "straight" shave on and its good for travel, but it is a different beast for sure.
You love the new straight for sure.
Gotta love them neck pockets under the jaw line ^^. Those Parkers are great to keep around for touch up and travel, I know mine will be a long time friend, even after my new friend comes in the mail (hoping it shows up today)Quote:
Originally Posted by kevinred
I started with a shavette and still use a dovo shavette just now. When I started I had a face full of cuts but I changed blades to the WS blades and that made a big difference though I have always thought a conventional Straight would maybe be slightly better or more forgiving. I have yet to try one but will do soon enough.
Practice with a ballon and shaving cream. I know it sounds stupid but it will teach you pressure and angle. PS. Make sure you do it either out side of bath tub. My wife is still crying about the couch! LOL.
______________________Quote:
Originally Posted by Boxertim
Sounds like you have a speed and pressure issue. Slow down and lighten up. Treat yourself to a 1 hour shave. Slow down.
Gentlemen,
The traditional straight razor, the straight razor with replaceable blades and the double edge safety razor share many characteristics, notably in technique and shaving speed: all require specific shaving angles, low pressure and easy shaving speed.
Yet, each razor demands certain considerations from the shaver: yes, the straight razor with replaceable blades is less forgiving than the traditional straight razor, and that is an important fact to keep in mind when using it. That's why I take each razor for what it is and treat it accordingly.
You also notice I choose not to use the term "shavette" when referring to straight razors with replaceable blades, because the term denotes a light and flimsy razor to me, and since I use the Feather, an exceptionally well made and quality razor, putting it in the same class with the others is an injustice.
Usually when someone decides to use a particular type of razor regularly, he'll get one of the best and learn to master it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Obie
Shavettes are the most inexpensive way to try straight shaving, without having to buy the necessary accessories a true straight requires. I tell people that if they like the shavette they'll get their money's worth either with the Feather or true straight.
I am slowly getting to grips with the replacable blade straight. The first time my face looked like a badly butchered side of beef. and now I have learnt ther slowly slowly lightly lightly i only ever get a nick if i distract myself. They are a smooth shave but very unforgiving if your not paying attention
They definitely require a lighter touch. I find that I don't need as many passes and I get a closer shave than with a traditional straight. I have good quality straights that I haven't used in a while....
Best, Alan
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by cigar460
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
Attachment 156123
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.
Thats pretty interesting. Which feather blades are you using?Quote:
Originally Posted by ace
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 ^^Quote:
Originally Posted by Steel
.......+1......... And Amen. Lol.Quote:
Originally Posted by Zenoth
My Parker SRW with a fresh blade is as sharp as my straights. The difference is the smoothness level. My straights are much smoother and give a more forgiving and comfortable shave for the most part. To match the comfort level with my parker I have to go real light with a wet lather and take my time. I still use my parker a couple times a week it just takes a bit more concentration is all.
When you compare a shavette with a straight you should be aware that the shavette holds the blade in a rigid holder and the blade is thicker then a straight. If you are using a straight with a hollow or extra hollow grind then the blade is much thinner with more flex. That makes the straight more forgiving.
