Thread: Suggestions on a Shavette?

I shave with most anything edged. I agree with the idea of starting with a DE or GEM and quality blades if you are new to wet shaving. To start straight shaving long ago I bought a shavette and some blades to break in half. I did not ruin my face and was soon buying straights and renewing them for use.
For an inexpensive Shavette, folding or not folding, I did a trade for one of these:CJB Straight Kamisori Razor (Similar to Feather Artist Club)
Not the only eBay Dealer, others' prices are similar to this
With a good longer blade like the "Feather Pro Guard" it is as good as any razor I have ever enjoyed.
Granted, it is not a straight, nor a DE or SE. It is a good way to start straight razor shaving with a quality edge and that edge will last about a week to two weeks.
straightrazorplace.com/shaving-straight-razor/101612-shaving-kamisori-cjb
I have seen articles that say the blade is drilled and can be scaled like a regular folding straight razor.
~Richard

Originally Posted by Phooey

I would like your opinion whether I should go straight to shaving with a Shavette or start with a D/E (safety razor) first and then Shavette and then straight razor, because some of you have said to start with D/E first and some say to just go with Shavette.

OK. I was one that told you you can start with a Shavette off the bat, which is true. If I were you though and a "bloody" beginner to bladeshaving, I would go with the major advice here and get a Shavette and a DE Safety Razor. I would then begin either to only shave my cheeks with the Shavette to get the feel of it and shave the rest with the DE or begin with the DE for the whole shave until you and your face are used to handling a sharp blade. That way you can soon dump your electric and use the space in your cabinet for soaps and aftershave. Once you're fixed you will be tempted to buy years worth of supplies......

I repeat my advice concerning pre shave oil. You can first try if oil is for you by first using some kitchen oil, like olive oil. Only apply enough to give your face a light sheen, about 10 small drops should be enough. You can then even face lather on it and it still will hold a couple of passes.

Advice was given to start with a Feather blade. Feathers are known to be the sharpest around. I haven't used them myself because I'm happy with my Derbys, but I believe they would make things harder for you as a beginner, so get something else.

About 30 years ago I had a Straight but soon put it away because I didn't know how to maintain it. We had no internet then and noone used Straights in the 80s. At the moment a Straight is too much work and material to maintain a sharp edge. Maybe later.....

I don't know what else to tell you but to get started now. You will easily hop out of bed in the morning being anxious to shave once you're fixed to wet shaving.

I wish you a good start,
OldSalt

I used a shavette for a few months and now use a straight.

As with everything - "what's your why?"

Are you looking to save money? Do you like the idea of the old school shave? Are you a particular person who likes a challenge?

Whatever your answer wet shaving is a commitment of time and money. It will take longer to shave, your results will likely be poorer than your electric to start and you will have spent a bunch of money for the privilege. This is where the why comes into it!

A shavette is a good stepping stone to the style of shaving because the action is similar to a straight, but do you want to end up with a straight?

I loved the idea of using an old school straight. It takes me longer, I've spent a bunch of money on stuff, but I love it as a hobby and have ended up with a straight and the gear.

1) A DE is a good introduction to wet shaving and the closest to cartridge shaving. The action is similar

2) A shavette is a better stepping stone to a straight - it doesn't need the blade maintenance so there are fewer variables. Be warned though they are very light and very sharp.

3) A straight is very nice to have. It's the most work and the steepest learning curve but the most rewarding. As mentioned a sight unseen straight and poor mans strop kit from Whipped dog won't cost any more than a shavette and a few blades. A straight can be more forgiving than a shavette with a brand new blade.

This post probably doesn't help at all! Except for you to think about what you really want to get out of wet shaving before you start.

Like they say "if you don't know where your going, every path will lead you there"

Read up and watch the demo videos on this site and you'll get a fair idea what it's about.

i would agree with some of the guys here that if your relativly new to wet shaving in general then maybe a DE razor to start with to get your skin used to a blade. i myself have always wet shaved and going from carts to a shavette is a big shock to your skin as you perfect your technique.
i use my bluebeards revenge shavette which can be picked up for around £10
i like the weight and feel of it in my hand, im using derby half blades as i found they get on better with my face as my facial hair is rather coarse so quite tough. all in all if you do the right amount of snooping around you can pick up a really good shavette quite cheap but at the end of the day everybody is different and only you will know what your hands/face get on with
hope this has been handy.
Happy shaving

If you have only used an electric, I would recommend starting with a DE. This will help you learn proper lathering, beard mapping, and get your face used to a blade. Whatever you decide, just remember to take your time and no pressure. I have a Merkur 23c and find it very forgiving if you choose the DE, the EJ89 also gets a lot of praise. Good luck

Originally Posted by Phooey

So I've been reading all your feedbacks and appreciate them greatly. I would like your opinion whether I should go straight to shaving with a Shavette or start with a D/E (safety razor) first and then Shavette and then straight razor, because some of you have said to start with D/E first and some say to just go with Shavette.

I think it would depend upon your personality. I went from a Mach 3, skipped the DE and went right to a straight and never looked back. However I tend to be rather "ready, FIRE, aim" rather than do things in the proper order. If you want to just get your feet wet, I don't think you can go wrong with a DE. However, if you want to learn to swim by jumping off the high dive then get a straight.

I have just purchased a shavette myself, a parker on amazon. I have been using straights but don't have the money and especially the time for honing. I rarely get to practice and, with three kids, rarely have enough peace and quiet to develop honing skills. I figure a shavette might be a nice change of pace.