New to Shavette (not to straights)

Since I am going on a trip soon, and didn't care to A) pack all the shaving paraphernalia needed with a straight, and B) Didn't want the cruise line stealing my $100 straight because it is "a prohibited item", I bought a "Magic" shavette from Sally's. I used it this morning, being very careful since it is a bit different than a straight. After a 2-pass shave (and only one gouge in my right cheek) I have come to a conclusion: I really need to sharpen my straights properly. What has been taking a three pass with the straight, I did better (and a bit quicker overall) with a two pass on the shavette. Whether I convert fully, or just part time, who knows -- but for a cheap piece of razor, the Magic worked well.

I too take a Shavette or a feather clone on vacation. Unless I'm using the feather ProGuard, I find that because of the configuration and the sharpness of the blade in the Shavette I have to be way more careful shaving than with a str8. Yes, it take fewer passes but it's less relaxing.

I started with a shavette and was really happy with it. I got some seriously good shaves after the initial learning curve. I did like the smaller blade length particularly on the neck beside the adams apple. I have had to learn to scythe stroke with my straight but my old Parker just shaved that area well.

I think the main thing I notice with the shavette is that it is more aggressive, and with a new blade its too sharp then the next day its great, then its blunt and you get nicked more. Also my skin suffers more over a week or so.

The straight is a better tool for the job. I find it more comfortable in use as I can maintain the edge at a point of sharpness I like. Better for my skin in the long term I feel.

However my Parker Shavette is a good tool and at $25 its great for travelling away from home. Take a shave stick and Wee Scot and the Parker and your good to go. Takes up less space then a 5 blade and a can of "scraping" foam.

Its always good picking up your straight when you get home too, you realise what you have been missing.