Thread: Pretty good shave today

I used my Parker PTW with a Astra Superior Platinum blade that already had five shaves on it. That was my last use off that blade as it started tugging at the end. I used some Noxzema as a pre-shave and put a little Cremo on face, then lathered up some Van Der Hagen Deluxe and used that as a top cushion layer. Sunday shaves are a special thing for me.
The shave overall was very smooth. The old blade just glided through the whiskers and not one single nick, cut, or weeper. As I am still new to this type of shaving, straight or shavette, not wet shaving; the shave wasn't as close as I can get with my DE razor but really enjoyable. Quite a bit of the work week stress went down the drain with all the razor stubble. I finished off with some Canoe AS and all was good.
I am ready for the next work week now. I hope y'all had just as good of a shave this morning. Happy Sunday.
John

P.S. It's been an hour since I shaved and I still feel the slickness of the Cremo on my hands. I hope my wife doesn't try that stuff because she will take it over. Yes, I'm

If you like the shavette, I would encourage you to look at the Feather system. My feather blades get GOOD after 3-4 shaves and last at least 10. I have a Parker shavette, and it's not even close to the Feather.

Thank you but all I'm trying to accomplish with this 20 dollar razor is technique. My goal is a straight but didn't want the higher cost in case this wasn't for me. I'm sure those are nice razors but their is something about being 100 percent responsible for the shave that interests me.
John

Originally Posted by jsuiters

Thank you but all I'm trying to accomplish with this 20 dollar razor is technique. My goal is a straight but didn't want the higher cost in case this wasn't for me. I'm sure those are nice razors but their is something about being 100 percent responsible for the shave that interests me.
John

I get what you're saying about being "100 percent responsible", for the shave, but getting a better shave from a better tool isn't somehow cheating yourself out of the techniques you would have otherwise used with a less capable tool. Same goes for high-end traditional straights, better doesn't mean it does the work for you. But if you don't want one for cost reasons, that I can understand...

Originally Posted by jsuiters

Thank you but all I'm trying to accomplish with this 20 dollar razor is technique. My goal is a straight but didn't want the higher cost in case this wasn't for me. I'm sure those are nice razors but their is something about being 100 percent responsible for the shave that interests me.
John

Shavettes aren't necessarily a "learning" razor for going into a straight. I find them much more difficult to shave with than my straights as the blades are very unforgiving.

John, like I said before, once you master the shavette, any shavette, the transition to a traditional straight will be surprisingly easy, you'll cut yourself less and have very satisfying close shaves.

Originally Posted by jsuiters

Thank you but all I'm trying to accomplish with this 20 dollar razor is technique. My goal is a straight but didn't want the higher cost in case this wasn't for me. I'm sure those are nice razors but their is something about being 100 percent responsible for the shave that interests me. John

Hey, JS. There's part of this approach that will bear fruit all over. Certainly your technique will improve w/ the str8. What may not come to mind is that by learning the technique of the str8 - every razor you use will give you better shaves. The technique of the str8 is just sound technique for any shaving. DE, shavette, (gag) cartridge - you'll get better shaves because you really learned how to shave. Should you go further into the regular str8, I hope you have some friendly members in your area that will let you try their gear - so you don't have to buy & sell alot to discover what you like best. Should your travels bring you near Portland, hollar. 'Come try some of mine. Keep going - you're on a very productive path.

Originally Posted by MajorEthanolic

Shavettes aren't necessarily a "learning" razor for going into a straight. I find them much more difficult to shave with than my straights as the blades are very unforgiving.

I can't really comment on straight part because I have not used one yet. From what I've read the shavette can be used at higher angles than a straight without some of the damage. Please don't think that I'm not appreciative of the help and advice, because I truly am.
I have never even had a shave at a Barber Shop so like I've said I'm really new to this.
am also really cheep also. Yes if you buy quality and sell it for even 90 percent of its value it would still be less of a hit since I only paid about 15 for my Parker.
I am a real old school type too . It could be like I said before of being in control of everything or it may be that I enjoy old time feel. It is probably both I would suspect.
I will close for now; 4:30 am comes to early at my age. I would not rule out that a feather would be in my future, just not right now.
Enjoyed the conversation,
John

IMHO: Shavettes are a great learning tool. They're unforgiving and have capability to do great damage. They teach you all the proper techniques for handling a traditional straight and let you know, very quickly, when you've messed up.

You're absolutely right about the shavette being used at higher angles. I use mine around 40-ish deg while the straight is definitely under 30deg.

If your objective is to learn the shavette as a stepping stone: the good news is that all your skills are transferrable. The bad news is that the blade edge doesn't feel the same so you'll, likely, feel disappointed at first (as the DE blades feel far sharper) but you'll be a half-step ahead and not have any fear (though, keep in mind, the traditional straight blade is much longer - so watch your ear).

Originally Posted by SpikedLemon

IMHO: Shavettes are a great learning tool.

Let me clarify. I'm not talking down to shavettes or the users. I have one and still pull it out. It's a very capable shaving tool and one that I could see myself happily using indefinitely if I had not jumped over to traditional straights or if I did not want to have the hassle of honing/stropping.