Shavette?

AJP

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766
Would this be a good step into the world of Straight razors? (Clearly it is relatively inexpensive) but does it do as good a job as a "proper" straight?

I am happy with my foray into DE and will continue to use them, but for the odd weekend shave etc, i was wondering about straights.

Cheers guys,
 
I've used one and a straight and they are chalk and cheese.

Shavette is more lightweight and feels a bit flimsy compared to a straight and DE blades are much sharper than straights, and therefore less forgiving than a straight.

BUT.

They will still give you a close, comfortable shave.
 
I bought one just after my first straight, about a year ago. I think it was about £3 on ebay. For the money it's worth a shot, if you like it then I reckon you'll like straight shaving but if you don't like it don't let it put you off trying a real straight either. I find them far less forgiving than a straight and a bit more awkward to use but on the other hand it eliminates a lot of the effort needed for straights - you don't have to worry about stropping or if the blade is sharp enough.

edit: x post - what Joe said.
 
I've only come across them in the context of having the back of my neck scraped at the barbers, but what Joe says is exactly what I'd expect, for reasons which are gone into at great length here:
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The too long; didn't read version is that a DE blade combines a greatly reduced cutting angle and a comparatively rough edge, making it a very efficient shaving tool, but also potentially a harsh one which may well bite you. I find the idea a bit scary, frankly.
 
I'm learning to use a shavette at the moment and as I posted on this forum somewhere else :oops: , these things are unforgiving and bite back, but hey I like a challenge and will learn to shave with one and then get my straights honed :shave .
 
I have used a Dovo shavette a couple of times now, and if I am honest, I prefer the EJ DE86. The shavette did give me a closer shave, but there wasnt much in it, and I was irritated after for some time with the shavette ( down to technique I suspect).

I am loving the EJ so much at present its hard to think about changing, but I will give the shavette another go...eventually.
 
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