Thread: Do real straight razors get as sharp as a shavette?

Hi all. This is my first post but have been browsing for a long time. Great info. I have been shaving with a shavette on and off for years. Just recently got my hands on a real straight razor seems to be sharp. Honed it on a carborundum 101a barber hone and stropped. Not an uncomfortable shave but not as smooth and as close as my shavette. Was wonder if they are just that different or does my blade still need work. Thanks got any info.

First, no offense intended but I can almost guarantee that your honing job was not as good as it could be. It would be a miracle if a newcomer happened to nail it on the first try. I'd suggest that you get a second straight and have one of them honed by a trusted pro to use as a "reference edge" to give you something to shoot at with your own efforts. It's not that hard but it does require a bit of experience and proper technique. Proper stropping is much easier to learn but does require a bit of practice as well.

Opinion is divided as to the relative "sharpness" of shavette vs razor. Most agree that we can get a more comfortable, smoother shave with the razor. Personally, I find the shavette shave a bit harsh compared to a straight shave but again, opinions differ. The fact that most find that they cut themselves less often with the razor would argue that it's sharper than the shavette but that could be just the differences in geometry. There are many other variables at play when comparing shaves as well - angles, prep, soap, skin condition that particular day, phase of the moon , etc. Sometimes everything just seems to come together and we get a great shave and other times it's just the opposite.

Welcome aboard.



rs,
Tack

Welcome! I have used both, and a straight razor will take a better edge if honed by a pro. (Not me lol)
What type of straight razor do you have?

Do real straight razors get as sharp as a shavette?

Some do, some don't but you won't have to discard the ones that do after a couple of shaves


You're talking about the differernce between sub micron edges tho, when really there are other problems facing you.

if you are changing from a shavette you have to use a different angle for shaving & as has been suggested, odds are your honing skills haven't reached a peak yet.

I have used both and I think the shavette blade is going to FEEL sharper even if it isnt actually sharper. The reason is that when I used a shavette I could feel more of the blade on my skin and because of that if felt sharper and harsher than a straight. I am sure it is YMMV as some will disagree with me and that is fine as this is just my opinion!

I've used shavettes, Feather and the variants and conventional straights - both modern and vintage.

Getting and maintaining the edge on a Straight is (IMHO) worth the time and effort that it requires - and by a "comfortable" margin.

I still travel with the Feather system but have no urge to pick up a Feather DX when there are shave ready razors at hand.

Smooth Shaving...

Yes…

I too, feel a feather edge is too harsh, I can get an edge too sharp, to be uncomfortable, but why?

Don’t know how one would test that and why, but you sure could get, as good a shave with much more comfort than a Feather.

You are a long way from maxing out the potential of your straight razor edge.

If you are going to attempt honing, start with the first 3 threads, in the honing forum.

Welcome and enjoy.

I can get an edge quite sharp. But sharp is not uncomfortable. A polished edge is a comfortable edge. An unpolished edge is not. Now I will say this, a very sharp edge is unforgiving to angle and pressure. If I don't watch my technique it could make for a bay rum inferno. But smooth it will be. yMMV.

I can get a straight to shave more comfortable and closer than a DE. The first shave with a DE usually gives me a few weepers, I don't get them with a fresh-from-the-hone straight. So is a DE sharper? Dunno, but it can be more uncomfortable. Moreover, stropping keeps the edge of a straight going much longer. My 2 cts.

I'm not aware of anything disposable that can make a combination of sharp but forgiving like a vintage linen and good leather on a straight razor.

Carborundum barber hones are to be used to keep a bevel thin, but the razor shouldn't be honed to the edge with them. Silicon carbide, even fine silicon carbide, leaves a jagged edge.