Thread: Parker shavette question?

Originally Posted by Natz

I started out with a Parker and did just fine. I don't think that telling everyone who is a beginner to steer clear of shavettes is the world's best advice.

Some people really aren't that interested in the maintenance aspect of shaving, and to those people, I say go for it. Get a shavette. As is the case with everything, there's a learning curve...the blades are sharper than a straight. In the beginning, you most likely get cut. As you learn your angles, you'll get better and won't cut yourself as often or at all.

My first shavette was a Dovo and it made me look like a Hollywood Halloween creation. Much later I got a Parker and it was so much easier to use without the carnage. The Dovo is too small and light and the Parker has more of the weight and feel of a straight. I can use either one now, but as a beginner that wasn't the case.

I agree with those who say a true straight is easier to use because that was my experience as a beginner. But it's a shame to have to buy a razor, strop, and sharpening stones before knowing if it is something you really have a desire to pursue. For that reason I'd recommend a Parker shavette with a regular old razor blade split in two for starters.

I bought a cheap shavette while I was waiting for my striaght to arrive and to start myself on the learning process. The problem I'm having, is that it doesn't seem to cut my stubble at all. I even changed blades and still got the same result. Any ideas?

I would guess that you have to experiment with angle, pressure, and beard prep.

I'm going to keep at it, it just gets frustrating.

Originally Posted by One2mny

I'm going to keep at it, it just gets frustrating.

One option hasn't been mentioned. This very good shavette holds a blade very firmly, and you can make it STICK OUT the way you like more. I insert and fasten a blade so that it protrudes about 5 - 7 millimeters outwards. And I have fantastic shaves because such shavette imitates a broad straight razor with a flexible edge. The shavette starts to make a very pleasant crunching sound while shaving. If you insert a blade like the instructions say, it will be total crap (for me, for example). Good luck!

here you go friend let gravity do its job and push the top peice away from the blade.

IMG 1849 1) - YouTube