Thread: New . . . damn I'm new

So new I don't even have my avatar set up yet.
My first time straight shaving was this morning. Still wet behind the ears.
I decided to start the learning curve using a DOVD Shavette. Price was right, a good way to focus on the shave for starters.
Seems like its a little light and unbalanced. I found it hung up a bit on my whiskers. I think it'll take a while to get the angle consistently right, but I'm also wondering about the sharpness of the disposable blades and how much they might be flexing. Any thoughts?

I'm happy with how it went. I'm in it for the long haul, so I didn't exactly expect to be a changed man. But, I'm really pleased.

Great site, I'm glad I found you'all. Thank you all for all the stuff I picked up just lurking around the site.

Todd

Todd,

Welcome! Ask all the questions you have and you will get lots of good advice.

When you're ready, I would get a nice sharp razor from one of the people here who can hone the razor for you so you can get a feel for what a good sharp razor feels like. I've never tried the shavette, but I do have a Feather Artist club that takes its own disposable blade. That gives a great shave as well, but not nearly as fun as the real straight razor.

Thanks Chris, I feel welcome. And, I think I'll follow your advice to the letter. It just may take some time. Because, you see, I am an idiot.
My boy's turning four, my little girl is turning seven months, my puppy is turning 12 weeks, my wife is turning grey with all I put her through, my humidor is nearly empty, my bottle of Glenfiddich is nothing but fumes, and my job (thank God) keeps me busy.
I look over all these things and decide that I need another hobby/addiction.

what a dope.

Welcome to the obsession You're in good company!

Those shavettes never looked good enough to me so I never went with one. It was straight to straight for me. I believe that most guys find the blade is too thin and sharp for a shave as comfortable and satisfying as a regular cut throat, but I don't want to discourage you. We all have our own path to walk.

Once again, welcome. Be sure to read them Help Files and don't hesitate to ask for clarification on anything. People here are glad to help.

X

Welcome Todd,

You will find this really habit forming we are all members of RA (Razors Anonymous). It is alot of fun though. Never thought I wouyld say that about shaving.

It is great that you use the Shavette to learn the ropes with the straight razor shaving. I find it the best way to start. The blade is always sharp, and nothing to worry about (honing, stroping, cleaning) except your technique. Stick with it for a month or two, change the blade every couple of shaves, and when you think you got it right, find your self a man's tool. DOVO, TI, and you can't go wrong. When in doubt, ask the questions.

have fun
Nenad

As the others have said... Welcome!

I've never used a shavette either, based mostly on the things I've read - essentially, as you mentioned, it's too light. But, it's a good way to learn the technique.

Some people (presumably) use the Feather razors exclusively. This is almost a "super-shavette" with the latest and greatest in single-blade technology, almost too sharp to shave with the first time. They're as pricey as a good straight razor, though.

So, enjoy it, and then move up in the world! We're glad to have you.

Originally Posted by JerseyLawyer

As the others have said... Welcome!

I've never used a shavette either, based mostly on the things I've read - essentially, as you mentioned, it's too light. But, it's a good way to learn the technique.

Some people (presumably) use the Feather razors exclusively. This is almost a "super-shavette" with the latest and greatest in single-blade technology, almost too sharp to shave with the first time. They're as pricey as a good straight razor, though.

So, enjoy it, and then move up in the world! We're glad to have you.

Yeah, the thing I like about the Feather is the weight. It's nice and hefty, which to me allows for a smoother shave. The shavette seems too light, although I've not tried one, but like you read about it. But some like a nice light weight razor and others prefer something with more weight to it.

It's all good....

Chris. I wanted to see if stropping a Feather was possible. I tried forty passes on an old, wide belt (I won't use Tony's strop for the Feather; for conventionals only). I find that it does prolong the life of the blade and more importantly, allows for a more comfortable shave too. I admit that the blades at first are almost too sharp and very unforgiving. It looks great under the microscope too - very keen.

Give it a try.

-Rob