Thread: Disposable razor Blades (Feather Straight Razors?)

Hi

I'm 22 years old and already fed up of paying over the top for disposable cartridge razors that don't do the job. I have decided to switch to the old fashion way of a straight razor.

I have bought a cheap straight razor that has disposable blades. (As mentioned in your 'Not to buy' list

1) I wasn't sure if I'd get on with the real thing
2) I need to get the hang of it
3) I couldn't warrant spending £100 on something to only risk damaging it.

I have a few cuts in my face but I was expecting this. I've gradually got the hang of it over the last couple of days but I was wondering just why do I keep making my blood vessels visible after shaving.

Sometimes I can shave my throat (I'm surprised as this is the place I was crapping my self) dead smooth but my side burns and jaw line is awful. I can't really shave my chin because I cut my self and the hair is thcik and stub burn.

I was wondering if its the razor (being so cheap) or my technique. Why do people opt for a solid blade rather then a disposable blade that would be easier to keep sharp.

Thanks
Dan

Welcome to SRP, Dan.

The easy answer to your question is a solid (aka traditional straight) razor will provide exceptional shaves - smooth and comfortable - when enough time has been invested to master the art. This is opposed to disposable straights, which many deem to be harsh and unforgiving of poor technique. Nostalgia can also play a part. This is a hobby for people that like to take time for themselves. If a quick and easy shave is all we wanted we'd still be slaves to Gillette

I'm not sure where Feather brand razors come into your question. They have a good reputation among disposable razors, but are quite expensive, especially if you are trying to save a few bucks (or quid, in your case )

I've used a Sanguine razor myself, and although I found it too light, I was able to get very nice shaves after a couple of weeks of daily use, without any major damage. By the time I tried it I was confident in my lather having been using a DE for about 8 months beforehand. What's your pre-shave prep Dan? What kind of soap/cream are you using?

These razors are functional although harsh until you dial in the techniques required. There are some videos on youtube if you search shavette shaving I think. I watched some before my first shavette shaves.

Dannyboy - I am a big fan of going "all-in." In other words, buying a straight, strop and all those things you think you might need to get into shaving with a straight right away. Learning to use a straight isn't something that will happen overnight - it takes a while. I swore I would shave with nothing but a straight for a year so that I would "master" it. Not sure I have mastered it yet - and its been over a year lol. I do know what I am doing though . I think...

That said - you can really do it on the cheap - well under 100 pounds - well under.

If that appeals to you - start a thread or better yet, do a search on how to get into it on the cheap. It's been asked a few times.

I'll say this after reading them a few times if you are interested - these are usually the top three answers:

- buy from the classified her on SRP
- buy a Dovo "Best"
- whippeddog.com

Of course - make sure it's honed - especially if you go the Dovo route - it's not sharp enough out of the box.

Me personally - I would go the Dovo Best way. I would and I did (at one time I thought new was the way to go).

Good luck.

P.S. I am not a fan of the shavette YMMV.

Originally Posted by dannyboy2005

Hi

I've gradually got the hang of it over the last couple of days but I was wondering just why do I keep making my blood vessels visible after shaving.

<snip>

I was wondering if its the razor (being so cheap) or my technique. Why do people opt for a solid blade rather then a disposable blade that would be easier to keep sharp.

Thanks
Dan

You've gotten a lot of really good advice already but I thought I'd answer the two questions you posed directly.

1. You're making your blood vessels visible because you're shaving at too acute (sharp) an angle. Remember, you're cutting your whiskers off, not scraping them off. A shavette is incredibly sharp and unforgiving. If the angle is too steep it'll happily take skin along with the beard.
2. Both the razor being cheap and your technique. In a much more expensive alternative (Feather) the part of the razor that holds the blade is angled more like a traditional straight so it is a little more forgiving of poor technique.

Hope this helps and I'd suggest you follow the excellent advice you've already been given. You can get started with a very nice straight razor and everything else you'll need to get you going for under 100 quid.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by earcutter

- buy from the classified her on SRP
- buy a Dovo "Best"
- whippeddog.com

Thanks for the reply guys.

Instead of making a new thread and becoming unpopular I will ask a few questions in this one.

1) Why do people make their own shaving cream and use a badger brush? Isn't Gilette good enough?

2) With my 'shavette' I have no problems shaving my neck (which I'm still utterly amazed due to the fact I was scared of doing this) and I can get a clean smooth shave after just 2 passes and that's with the grain but I struggle to get my Jaw line and side burns perfectly smooth after several passes. I end up going against the grain to get a super smooth shave then that's when It leaves my face quite sore. Is this because its a poor razor or my technique is wrong? I'm guessing it would be a lot more easier with a more traditional Dovo razor with a better quality?

3) Are all Dovo ones the same quality (from new). Price's seem to fluctuate a awful lot.

Thanks
Dan

Canned goo you buy in the stores is made for cartridge type razors not straights. I found that out early on myself.

If you use a classic soap or cream you need something to make the lather and a brush is the classic way to do that. Badger is considered the top but folks use boar and horse too.

To the best of my knowledge all
Dovo razors are of excellent quality.

The difference in prices is due to
things like scale material. Some
( best quality ) have plastic while
others have "exotic wood" or even
horn scales. Also the latter two often
have gold wash.

But blade quality is the same.

Terry

PS... You owe it to yourself to try a good
soap or cream. A boar brush will work just
fine.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Canned goo you buy in the stores is made for cartridge type razors not straights. I found that out early on myself.

What is it about the goo that makes it designed for cartridges? I have used a soap and brush for years but I don't understand what truly makes the goo suitable for cartridges but not straights.

I've used canned shaving cream with my straights just to see if it would work. It did. I prefer shaving soap and a cream and brush, but the so-called "Canned Goo" will do the job fine for me if I want to use it. I can also shave quite nicely with hand soap lathered up and applied with my hands, but I prefer the brush for the fun of it.