Thread: Shaving with disposables

I'm starting out with a disposable (aka shavette) blade straight razor myself and I will purchase my first straight razor. My biggest problem with the shavette is that the blades I use are DE's cut in half and when placed in the holder, the corners of the blade protrude and I need to be more careful during shaving so the corner does not catch my skin and cause a nick. Nevertheless, it's an inexpensive way to see if you like straight razor shaving. I have good days with the shavette and bad days........well today is a bad one, four nicks - comes with the learning curve and territory. I use the Personna blades because that's what I can find locally here in my area. I didn't want to spend too much money starting out. I'm ready to upgrade to a standard straight razor.

I'm sure there are other members who can provide you better information than me since I am new to straight razor shaving myself.

The two issues I have come across with these disposables is one, that they are so friggin sharp that if I even lightly touch my face with the blade at the wrong angle, I can slice my face! I have three of these lines on my face because of this. Secondly, since the razor fits into the slot, my whiskers can get caught between the blade and teh slot or the corner of the slot and it pulls the whiskers.

I just ordered a real straight razor and I am hoping these issues will not persist with it.

I started off with something like a Shavette, only much cheaper--I think the holder and the packet of Wilkinson blades for it cost me less than $20 at Sally Beauty Supply. Yes, it was VERY unforgiving, and the first time I shaved with it I gave myself the worst cut I've ever had from shaving. But the second shave was much better, and in 2 weeks I was ready to buy my first straight, a vintage Bengall that I bought from the classifieds here. So it was a good low-cost way for me to test the waters. You can't go wrong with a razor from one of the members on SRP. Good luck!

Right now I am using a shavette (half blade of a DE) and my experience is that with the kind I am using, the end of the blade sharp edge has a tight radius on the end that if I am not careful, I will nick myself. I just ordered the DOVO Best Quality and the end of it has a radius that is more rounded. I chose that straight for that reason.

As for which is better, only you can make that call. In my opinion, the geography of everyone's face is different and people's razor handling and touch are major variables play a factor in shave results. For instance, let's take that DOVO Best Quality I ordered, it is going to shave differently for me than you because of what I mentioned previously, the variables. Someone responded to you suggesting you look at purchasing a fixed blade straight and hopefully at an affordable price and give it a go. Now you may sort of have to have a learning period but just like the shaver you're using now, you'll get used to it.
Best of luck! Keep us posted about your decision and progress!
Patrick

Durhampiper, your post sounds like mine when I started using the shavette. I bet we have the same model from Sally's, it's made in Italy, costs something like $9 if my memory serves me correct it's the Spillo Magic Razor. You sure described my experience as well as yours. I hated using a fresh blade because yeah, one light touch and it's either styptic or band-aid time. I have gotten deft with it, but it was time to "graduate" so I ordered a DOVO Best Quality from Straight Razor Designs. Just like you, after 2 weeks, it was time for me to buy my first straight!! I originally bought the shavette to trim above my beard in the tight areas on my cheeks where I would mess up with a disposable multi-blade and looked into straight razor shaving.

Originally Posted by pmburk

I bet we have the same model from Sally's, it's made in Italy, costs something like $9 if my memory serves me correct it's the Spillo Magic Razor.

Yep, that's the one.

You know, a year into this, I really don't understand how or really why shaving with straights fell out of favor. Oh, sure, I get that men were sold on the idea of not having to maintain a razor--just buy these blades and toss 'em when they get dull. And from there we went to to being able to throw the whole razor away. But IME those micro-sharp disposable blades are way more dangerous than a straight, and I think we've all experienced the vastly better quality of a shave with a straight over a cartridge. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, just because it's new doesn't mean it's better, and if it doesn't tangibly improve your quality of life, job, or experience, it ain't progress.

I agree with you 100%.
To add to your comment about straights falling out of favor, I think the other reason is in today's world, people are more in a hurry. At work there have been some shaving discussions and my coworkers all say the same thing, they just want to hurry up and get the shave over with. I like the fact it takes skill and patience to shave with a straight razor and it's something not everyone does. I look forward to my morning shaves now. Okay, it makes me feel good about myself. My wife thinks it's awesome.

I started out with one and it was a great help, after much blood and a couple new scars from carelessness, I bought a cheap one off amazon that cost maybe $20 with like 200 Derby blades. I now have about a dozen straights but for travel and now field training and deployment, pictures to come hopefully, my cheapo disposable has been called to action and is providing me an enjoyable shaving experience even if my living conditions are not. For me its more then just the shave, though they are awesome, but its the whole experience, from the soaps and brush, to the shave, to the feeling after and if I can the after treatments. Do what your budget and comfort level. Welcome to the world of great shaves.

I started with a vintage Wadsworth BOSS that was handed down to me. I had it sent out to one of the honemeisters listed in the classifieds here. I also bought my own norton 4000/8000 stone and a 1200 grit bevel setting stone and made a strop from some good quality leather. After shaving with my straight for a couple of weeks I bought some more vintage razors and I maintain them myself now. I couldn't be happier. be sure to buy German, English or American razors.

Jim

Many members here use both Str8 and DE razors. I travel with a DE and also use one when pressed for time. I will tell you that there is a difference in the shave between a properly hones, stropped str8 and a DE. I don't know why, but there is. My issue is that is you start with a DE edge razor, you will have to learn to shave with a Str8 once you switch.
You get a good shave with a DE or DE blade, but it seems to me to be different than the quality of a good Str8 Shave.

Either way, Enjoy. If you live near Northern NJ, I'd be happy to lend you a proper str8 to start off with.