First time with a Shavette

**Hollywood67** · 02-05-2013, 04:33 AM

So the postman came today, and he came bearing my Parker Shavette. I was very excited when I saw it and thought "wow, I can't wait to give this a try tonight." I intentionally took my beard down with the electric last night in hopes it would be the last time. Anyway, me being mr tough guy, it certainly took me quite a long time to build up the nerve to make the lather and take this to my face. I know it isn't as intimidating as a normal Str8 would be, but it was enough for someone whose never shaved like this. Anyway, I got the lather built up, and honestly only applied it to my right cheek. I thought if it wasn't going to go well, it wasn't going to go well fast. I was pleasantly surprised that it went surprisingly well.

Overall, I made two passes, one WTG and on XTG. Total problems were about 3 total abrasions, I wouldn't even call them cuts so much becuase they didn't bleed hard, just little dabs. And in the long run, some harsh razor burn on my neck. I of course missed some spots, but I thought it best to not push my luck this evening and just give it a go tomorrow again if necessary.

I learned a lot in this first step though. I will share what I learned. First would be how interesting of a feeling it is to shave with only 1 blade, 1 very sharp blade. There was some pulling here and there and I quickly realized why. I wanted to go slow and so I did, that is where the pulling came in for me. Second thing I learned because of that pulling is that while you don't want to rush, you cannot go too slow. I remembered reading that you take short but confident strokes. The confidence wasn't there until I realized I had to be or I was going to cut myself good. The third thing I learned once I got the angle of attack down is what a smooth pass should feel like. It was like the razor was on glass, simply amazing.

I have a feeling that I will keep learning things as I move along this hobby/lifestyle. And for the record, the reason for the shavette vs a normal Str8 and Strop at this point is simply a cost issue. I hope that soon enough I will be able to afford a quality blade and strop.

Thanks for stopping by!

**lakechuck** · 02-05-2013, 05:50 AM

I've got a parker, too, for the exact same reasons. It gives me better shaves than any other razor I've used before (disposable cartridge and DE). I do get some razor burn when I shave with it more than every 2-3 days, but this is actually a lot better than any other razor ive used before, too. I've experienced what your talking about with the pulling, I suspect and hope that the weight of a SR will make that better since there's more mass to help reduce stubble.

**gcbryan** · 02-05-2013, 09:19 AM

I think you'll find a traditional straight (when you get one) will be easier to use (not harder) than the shavette.

I've used a straight now for a while (several months) and just got a Parker shavette the other day just out of curiosity and I find it a little less forgiving than a traditional straight.

Enjoy!

**Hollywood67** · 02-05-2013, 04:22 PM

Thanks for the responses guys. I am glad to know it wasn't just me that was getting that pulling sensation. Let me rephrase, it is me and my technique for now I'm sure, because I noticed it frequently, but the folks who shave with it constantly don't seem to have as many problems.

@lakechuck, I think the same thing, it is probably more of a weight issue than anything else, time will certainly tell on that. Overall I did enjoy the experience immensly though.

**Mrnighthawkx** · 02-06-2013, 07:53 AM

hello hollywood67, I was the exact same way i had also purchased a Parker Shavette for my first straight razor shave and i had very small cuts, about 2-3 and i didn't think straight razor shaving was not for me, but i read some of the threads on this site and saw that the Parker Shavette was very unforgiving so i took the plunge and got myself a legit straight razor and i tell you it was the best shave of my life and no cuts or scratches of any kind, but the best advice i can give you for starting out is taking your time and get your Technic down.

PS youtube is your friend look up geofatboy here is a like to his channel PARKER SHAVETTE FOLDING RAZOR SHAVE: TOSS YOUR MULTI BLADE CARTRIDGE Go "OLD SKOOL" w/ Your Shaving! - YouTube

**Hollywood67** · 02-06-2013, 05:05 PM

Mrnighthawkx - Thanks for the encouragement with the true straight. I am hoping I can afford one soon enough here, which is why I went with the parker in the first place. Also, I am not embarrassed to say that I have already watched the video of geofatboy a few times as I was waiting for the razor to arrive and again before I tried my first shave with it. Mostly to see the types of angles etc. Again though, I do appreciate your help!

**mdarnton** · 02-06-2013, 05:19 PM

I initially chopped myself up a bit using one, but after a while you learn what not to do and it becomes a safer undertaking, comparable to a real straight, but with a greater opportunity for burn. I shave with a "real" straight now, but use the shavette for touch-up, dry with no lather, when I can really see what I missed. If you do it right away, while all is soft, it works. Wait three minutes, and it doesn't work at all.

**Hollywood67** · 02-06-2013, 08:20 PM

Well I must say, tonight will be my second undertaking with the shavette. I will hopefully take the lessons I learned from my first try and apply them tonight to possibly get a better shave. I will be sure to keep you guys posted as to how it goes. I appreciate the feedback thus far and I imagine it will get easier as time goes by, plus I am not one to quit easily, so here's hoping!

**Hollywood67** · 02-07-2013, 04:13 AM

Alright then, second round is done. Learned some more this evening and right before writing this I think I already figured out one of my problems. My neck got destroyed again this evening in terms of razor burn, but not my whole neck, just the lower left and right. It is almost like mirror image razor burn. The reason why popped into my mind as direction of hair growth (along with pressure of course). So when I go at it again this weekend I will most likely take that part of my neck at a different way for WTG. It may in fact be an XTG pass on those parts (at least for visual aid for the reader) but that motion would in fact be WTG on that part of my neck. We will see how that works out.

As for pressure, tonight I tried almost barely touching the razor to my face while shaving and I still had minor irritation on my chin. Is this a side-effect of my face getting use to shaving with one blade or do we think this is a side-effect of the shavette, or finally my technique? Thanks for your replies folks!

**Hollywood67** · 02-15-2013, 04:27 AM

I figured I would post a quick update this evening. I just finished shaving again and I have been shaving every other day with this since I started, after my last post, I suppose that is 4 more times for a total of 6? At any rate, I look forward to shaving now more than I ever did. I see that seems to be a common theme with new guys, even though I don't have a traditional Str8 just yet. To the results then, the alum block is a real nice tool of feedback. I have read, and experienced, that when you are doing something wrong in an area, the alum block will let you know with a burning sensation. Well tonight was a pleasant surprise as only one small spot burned, so small that it actually surprised me because while I was shaving I thought at one point I thought I was really going to be hurting in one area and nothing, interesting. Just figured I would give you guys the update. I am really enjoying being a part of this journey and this forum because of the wealth of knowledge on here!

Thanks for stopping by!

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