Thread: Shavette vs straight razor shaving angles.

So while my straight is out for honing, I've been using my shavette. I must say, getting much better results now that when I first started with a shavette. A question that I've been having - do you increase or decrease the angle with a shavette vs straight? Logic (for me) would say to decrease because it's VERY sharp. However, I seem to be getting better results (although a few more knicks) when I increase the angle. Thoughts?

Most here will advise to decrease the angle. I have found that when I switch back to my Feather SS (Shavette) from a regular straight that I can maintain the same angle if I reduce the pressure used in shaving. Even very sharp edges require pressure to cut you.

ace.... interesting... I wasn't getting a good shave with the same angle and could only get BBS by reducing angle. But I appreciate the input.

Major,

I keep my angle low with the Feather AC DX, about 20 degrees, about the same as that used for my traditional straight razor. A higher angle on both irritates my skin. For me, a comfortable shave is more important than a perfect shave.

Obie.. thanks for the input. I'll need to play with this. I keep a 20-30 or so degree angle with my straight, but was wanting to go larger with the shavette - which knicked as you can imagine. I was getting toward 90 degrees around the nose/mouth.

Major,

Around the nose and the mouth, the angle has to increase, of course, but by using a a scooping motion, you will reduce the angle by the time you get to the lip. Around the chin and the mouth, you have to use various angles, many steep, but at first opportunity, lower them.

Originally Posted by ace

Most here will advise to decrease the angle. I have found that when I switch back to my Feather SS (Shavette) from a regular straight that I can maintain the same angle if I reduce the pressure used in shaving. Even very sharp edges require pressure to cut you.

Similar observation; EXCEPT that with a new blade in my Feather AC, when I put the Feather SS onto my skin for the from the ear forward pass, I need to be very careful how I put the razor onto my skin and use a shallower angle than on my straights for the initial contact.

In a nutshell, my rule for the Feather SS is to use a shallower angle when first contacting the skin and afterwards shave pretty much with the same angle than on my straight.

Reduced pressure is essential however.


After a while it becomes second nature.


This applies to Feather AC razors; I can't comment on other, lightweight shavettes with DE blades.

beluga - I've been doing something similar. I was finding that most cuts came from "bumping" the shavette into my face when putting it down to do a pass. I also started dropping the angle to avoid the full edge bumping into the skin.

Originally Posted by ace

Most here will advise to decrease the angle. I have found that when I switch back to my Feather SS (Shavette) from a regular straight that I can maintain the same angle if I reduce the pressure used in shaving. Even very sharp edges require pressure to cut you.

+1. I also find I use the same angle.

I use a very high angle with my shavette. When I started: it was much easier with a flatter angle but as I got better at it I got better shaves higher and higher. I'm around 45deg w/ the SR1 and a sharp DE blade.

On my straight: it's far flatter. Maybe 20-30deg.