Thread: Italian "Daune" fantastic transition razor from safety to straight

Hello, shavers...

I have finally bought a "freehand" razor that I've been curious about for a while, and after testing it I am extremely satisfied. This is the Italian-made Daune razor, with a straight shape and safety head that takes regular double-edge blades.


I've seen it only once on SRP, on a shave of the day pic--but no comments. I've been shaving with it for a few weeks now, and I must say it's fantastic for many reasons, including the fact that that it gives you the grip and angles of a straight while being very forgiving thanks to its safety design.

To me, it would therefore be the perfect transition razor for those moving from a safety (or even a disposable) to a Feather or straight. Amazingly, balance is also quite similar to a regular straight. Using it definitely feels like a top-notch wet-shave ritual.

Anyway, I wanted to see if anyone else knew about this particular brand and design. Comments or ideas? (PS: I posted to the SR forum because, although not quite a straight, I see it as a "training-wheel" towards one.)

Thanks

Tom

I've never seen that before. I guess it works for you though. I think that most people here haven't seen one of those either and have just transitioned from a safety razor to a straight. I'm thinking that it looks like it is made of a plastic type of material and would feel too light for me.


Mike

I've seen that razor used on you tube. One gent mentioned it was popular with Italian Barbers. It definitely looks cool but I'm curious how it shaves. Seems like it would feel closer to a DE than a Straight. Look forward to how you find it after you try a straight also.

I have never seen that razor, either. It seems that it would be light in weight. How is the weight compared to a normal straight razor?

It is not noticeably lighter, especially not much lighter than a 6/8 hollow ground. To me the most important assets of the Daune are that 1) it is balanced right, 2) it encourages using the correct angle while shaving, 3) it is forgiving and 4) it can be used to bridge the gap with confidence between disposable or safety to straight. Oh, and in a pinch, there is the other edge of the blade that may be used...

I have one.They are great fun,easy to use.But they are easier to use on some one else.To me it is something to use for a quick shave.Great conversation starter.I have the black one.

Yes, I've seen it it many Italian barber shop youtube vids. I was thinking of adding one to my arsenal, perhaps just for travel use. They are not very expensive, relatively speaking. I do however have quite a few straight razors and am comfortable using them but they are not the best for travel, post 9/11

Originally Posted by stove

I've seen that razor used on you tube. One gent mentioned it was popular with Italian Barbers. It definitely looks cool but I'm curious how it shaves. Seems like it would feel closer to a DE than a Straight. Look forward to how you find it after you try a straight also.

Daune is an italian classic.
Head geometry from a DE razor.
Handle from a straight razor.
Full plastic with brass knob.

Mine is a full white replica, and I love it.

Just one thing is not of my likings, the weight.
Really light, but totally manageable.

So I grab the newer model, from the same italian family wich originally made Daune.

Razorine

Razorine is a DE Kamisori.
Full made of brass.
Weight is great, and balance is nice.
But I prefer classic western handle.

Today I've found on FB a perfect option for me.

Schiavarelli Daune Plus

Full size: https://imgur.com/1Bt2GM4

Full brass, 100% handmade in Italy.
Handle in three different woods available:
• olive
• mahogany
• wenge
Some details are very nice.
Like the finger rest space in the part preferred by the user.
Or the flush machining of the locking screw.
The three-pin handle with reinforcement.
And in general the possibility of having an interaction with the craftsman.

Not very attractive, is it?

Except for saving some money on the first try before committing to a straight razor, I don't see much point in this type of shavette.
Many of them were designed as hair sharpeners and adopted as razors by wet-shavers looking for a low-cost alternative to a traditional straight razor.

Even though they may be easier to find; for me using DE blades removes one of the main attractions of a classic straight razor - the long edge - and shavette weight and balance are all different.
I did try the DOVO shavette that can take longer blades, but even that did not appeal to me despite getting reasonably good shaves.


What works well for me is the Feather AC system, but that comes at a price that one can buy a decent straight razor for - hence any money aspect disappears and only the convenience of a (travel) straight razor that doesn't need stropping or honing remains.

My apologies for raining in on the parade; this is only my opinion and I wish everyone well who truly likes shavettes.



B.

Don't worry, Beluga, you're not raining. :-) I have had a Feather long before the Daune. I like and get EXCELLENT shaves with both, although the Daune is forgiving even if I get a little hurried and distracted. It's not an either-or proposition to me, I have most razor styles (except for contemporary-style straights and, curiously, double-edged safety). I use and rotate most of them, and the Daune with a good blade is as good as any other. Sure, not the feel of fancy wood and naked steel, but it shaves darned well and has been around for decades--probably for that reason. :-)