Suggestions on a Shavette?

I have only shaved using an electric shaver before and decided to buy a straight razor. I have read a couple forums and looked for some Shavette razors because that is what most people recommend I should start with. I'm just wondering:

1. Are there any particular, relatively cheap Shavette razors that are good for beginners? I've seen some dovo for less than $50.
2. I also read that 5/8 inch width razor is good for starting, but looking at Shavette they don't specify width.
3. For the replaceable cartridges I keep seeing Derby razor blades. Would you recommend them or any better razor blades?
4. Using Shavette should i follow the pre-shaving, shaving, and post-shaving techniques besides stropping and honing?

Please add more information that you think will help me because I'm sure they certainly will. Thank you for taking your time and responding to my questions!

Hi,

1. Look for a Parker shavette for example, a lot cheaper than a Dovo and works perfectly.
2. Due to the replacable DE blades used in shavette's, there is no such thing as blade width with shavette's.
3. I personally Don't like Derby blades, but that could be different for you. There are blade sample packs available at a lot of vendors.
4. Sure, I would recommend a good pre and post shave treatment, good soap/cream and brush to everyone, no matter what kind of razor.

Good luck.

Hi
1. Any shavette would be ok they all seem to be about the same to me.
2. Blade width is irrelevant to a shavette as you use half a double edge blade in the business end. This clips in in a variety of ways depending on the type of Shavette.
3. They can contain something like a cartridge but most just have half a double edge blade slotted in, the shavette should come with instructions. As for blades each make is different and I would suggest that you get as large a sample of different blades as possible. the reason for this is that different people find that different types of blade suit them, so a recommendation of blade type is very subjective.
4. Yes follow the techniques but eventually you'll find what suits you best, you may not need the preshaves. The most important points are use no pressure when shaving make sure your prep is good, wash face nice lather etc. Make sure you shave with the grain to start off with and first of all I'd leave it at that. when your confident move on to Across the grain and finally try against the grain when you are fully competent. Also watch the angle of the blade at all times, when starting out put the blade flat against your face and then lift gradually as you bring the razor down/across your face until it starts to cut the beard. Try from the outset to use both hands this will give you more options.
Anything else we can help with just ask, enjoy the moment!

HI,

If you've only used an electric up to now, I would suggest buying a modest DE razor first. This would be a more gradual introduction to wet shaving in general, and using a blade to shave, in particular. There is a WORLD of difference between any type of wet shaving and an electric, and using a shavette straight away is a set-up for failure, in my humble opinion.

Best, Alan

Hi,
I use a turkish "Sedef" Shavette. It is the cheapest on the market. Derby Blades are great. Just pull the blade through your fingers twice before you put it in the razor. That will make the first shave with it smoother.
You can buy a little box of 100 half Derby blades for a few Dollars. The Sedef is the closest thing to a SR, besides the weight. The Sedef is very light, hence it doesn't tear your face open if you make a mistake. Don't worry about all the junk you hear about how difficult a blade change is with the Sedef. Just do as the instruction says. For pushing the blade in or out, I use a key. The blade can remain in the shavette until it is dull, it won't rust in there as it does in the DOVO.

The Parker is pretty heavy. It mows through the beard better but does mow into your skin just as easy. The weight resembles a real SR more.

The DOVO, which I started out with, is very nice too, but the blade part is alittle short. It is fairly expensive. If you want one anyway, get one with the red insert for half a standard blade.

It is possible to start off with a shavette. I have. Keep your electric though in case your face needs some rest. You will cut yourself the first weeks. Don't daydream while you're at it, but concentrate. Just act like barely scraping off the cream without pressure. The blade does the work. Get something to stop the bleeding and read here what prep is to do. By the way, if you master the shavette, a SR won't be a problem. A shavette is sharper than a SR and usually not as smooth.

I'm into to shavettes for about 3 months now and believe to have made it. It takes time. When I need relief or am in a hurry, I use a Muehle Safety Razor with - guess - a Derby blade.

Get pre shave oil. That makes things easier on the skin. Apply it to your face after washing. Then apply the lather.

I guess thats enough to encourage you and get you started.

Best wishes,
OldSalt

Since Whipped dog will get you set up for under $50 with a proper straight razor I would bare this in mind.

With this said, if you chose yo go with a shavette first-as I also did-bare in mind that they are not easy to use and very slight errors will cause extreme exfoliation/evisceration.

Have to agree with Cigar460 - I'd start with a DE if you've never used a real blade before. DE's (safety razors), would be a good place to start to learn how your face responds to a real blade, learn how your skin reacts as well, and for you to develop the ability to make lather and get a routine going.

That way, you'll always have a DE available to you.

I would also recommend a straight razor shave ready starter kit from Whipped Dog, it will get you started nicely and allow you decide if this is for you.

Good luck!

Based on feed back from my nephew who has used a shavette for a year & converted to the pure straight in the last 4 months after I gave him a few sizes & grinds to try out from my rotation.
He opted for & prefered a 5/8" straight, half to full hollow as it has a similar feel to a shavette (but the full hollow has more feed back, like the dry toast sound LOL) although slightly heavier but fully maintainable.
If you must go a Shavette try the Whal or Parker etc or any that takes the standard halve a DE blade & try the Feather or Astra blades as an option they work well
but for under $100 you can get a shave ready blade, basic strop & brush to get you started if you wanted.

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 started with a shavette style and still use one on occasion, but now I have a DE and 6 straights (started straights in October). I wish I would have just started with straights.

Goods- another way to shave and angles don't matter as much.

Bad- SUPER UNFORGIVING and it is harder on my face.

Good luck in whatever route you take.

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

Quote:

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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.

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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

:gwh:

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

Quote:

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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.

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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.