Is this any good to get an idea about SE/straight shaving?

Vetinari

Vetinari

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I'm intrigued by the idea of using a shavette or cutthroat but don't want to spend a lot on something I may not get on with.

Is one of these suitable for 'giving it a go'? or do you need to spend more to get a fair idea?
 
antdad said:
It'll give you an idea just not a fair one, it's much easier to use a genuine straight razor than a shavette.
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I'm simply not prepared to spend the amount of money even a half decent straight edge would cost until I've determined whether I can actually use one.

What I want to know is whether or not this example of a shavette is 'pukka' as it seems remarkably cheap. On the other hand, since it's just the blade that's touching your face, does what's holding it make much difference (assuming it's at least rigid enough)?
 
I have used a barber blades shavette a few times now, and I'm really starting to get the hang of it. Only cost £3.50.

I believe there is, or was, a pass around with the shavette you're looking at. Have a look in the lending area.
 
In general: the cheaper the harder to use (but with determination and will everything's possible - some barbers in poorer countries are excellent barbers with pure crap shavettes). The Ebay razor looks to be of a cheapo model and I never tried it, but it doesn't look like the cheapest/worst models.
 
I threw my shavette away I found it so difficult to come to terms with. The only davantage it did give me was that when I started to teach myself with a straight it seemed so much easier & safer. For me the techniques for a shavette & a straight were very different.
Having said that, in fairness, there are members on here who have got on well with shavettes, so it may well just be a case of whether or not your technique adapts well.

JohnnyO. \:icon_razz:
 
Vetinari said:
antdad said:
It'll give you an idea just not a fair one, it's much easier to use a genuine straight razor than a shavette.
Click to expand...

I'm simply not prepared to spend the amount of money even a half decent straight edge would cost until I've determined whether I can actually use one.

What I want to know is whether or not this example of a shavette is 'pukka' as it seems remarkably cheap. On the other hand, since it's just the blade that's touching your face, does what's holding it make much difference (assuming it's at least rigid enough)?
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I've used neither. However, I have read several posts asking something similar. The response from those who have the experience is: shavettes are harder to use and the techniques / skills don't translate well.

Why not get a 2nd hand straight from the BST section? If you don't get on with it then sell it on.
 
I ordered one of these and should have it soon.

Whatever the differences between this and a true straight it must give you some idea of what it's like to shave with what is effectively a 'bare' blade where you do not have the protection of a 'safety' holder.

This is what I want to determine - do I have the skill necessary to use a bare blade. And, if what people are saying here is correct then it would seem if you can handle a shavette you should be able to handle a straight.

It is odd, though, that coming to the 'single edge' forum for advice on a single edge everybody seem to be focusing on how poor they are.
 
Vetinari said:
It is odd, though, that coming to the 'single edge' forum for advice on a single edge everybody seem to be focusing on how poor they are.
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Well, I think that tells you something about how shavettes are viewed. My only comment is that compared to a straight - or Feather type razor - there will be a noticeable difference if balance and how the razors are held. With a straight, the bottom of the tang rests on the thumb with the fingers on top , either side of the scales. This allows for a good degree of control. A shavette will probably not have a wide enough tang to do this, therefore you need to grip the sides - this results in a subtly different shaving angle compared to the straight.
 
UKRob said:
Vetinari said:
It is odd, though, that coming to the 'single edge' forum for advice on a single edge everybody seem to be focusing on how poor they are.
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Well, I think that tells you something about how shavettes are viewed. My only comment is that compared to a straight - or Feather type razor - there will be a noticeable difference if balance and how the razors are held. With a straight, the bottom of the tang rests on the thumb with the fingers on top , either side of the scales. This allows for a good degree of control. A shavette will probably not have a wide enough tang to do this, therefore you need to grip the sides - this results in a subtly different shaving angle compared to the straight.
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OK, but I still feel it will give me some clue about the dexterity required to handle a non-safety device.

I wouldn't consider myself the most dexterous of people but I've managed to convert from cartridge to DE without a single nick or cut so we will see what we will see.
 
It may misslead and discourage you though. Furthermore you will always have the doudt in our mind if you could have done better shave with a proper straight but i guess you have to start somewhere.
 
I've not tried a shavette but I believe the main difference is that the blades are much sharper and unforgiving than a straight, this could well put you off when shaving with a straight might suit you. I don't know if Mikael's straight pass around is still going or there are cheaper alternatives to the Feather AC that you could use their pro-guard blades with.
 
Vetinari said:
OK, but I still feel it will give me some clue about the dexterity required to handle a non-safety device.

I wouldn't consider myself the most dexterous of people but I've managed to convert from cartridge to DE without a single nick or cut so we will see what we will see.
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Erm...so you're not the most experienced or dextrous of people yet you think the conversion will be similar somehow? Good like with that...you've had enough good advice which you've chosen to ignore.
 
antdad said:
Erm...so you're not the most experienced or dextrous of people yet you think the conversion will be similar somehow?
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I may not be particularly dexterous but I can think things through, and as virtually everyone else seems to manage to cut themselves with a safety razor and I've been able to convert to DE without doing that once (so far), it seems that I do have some clue about how to use sharp things.

Good like with that..
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Thanks.

you've had enough good advice which you've chosen to ignore.
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Nobody has actually advised me not to try a shavette. They have simply pointed out certain things of which one should be aware, and that advice is both noted and appreciated.
 
Disposable blade straight razors are excellent tools. Sadly, many folks who have never even used one seem to be willing to offer you up advice. I use straight razors, DE razors, and DBSRs and I actually prefer DBSRs. Here is the advice that I gave to another person wondering about purchasing a similar razor:

I absolutely love Disposable Blade Straight Razors (DBSRs)! I have done a huge amount of research into the subject and have found that there is disturbingly little information out there. Most of the usable info about DBSRs is spread far and wide and involves an unfortunate amount of bashing. I have not been using DBSRs for very long, but I have yet to nick myself even once, I have yet to cause myself any irritation with one, and I get shaves equal to that of a straight razor in half the time.

Are DBSRs right for everyone? No, but neither are straight razors. Both DBSRs and straight razors require an investment of time that not everyone is willing to make. How many threads are out there with new straight users complaining about getting "the worst shaves of their lives" using a straight? Tons. How many people tell them, "Stick with it, your technique will improve, it takes a good 100 shaves to get it right,"? Tons and tons. So, why should it be any different with a DBSR (Disposable Blade Straight Razor)? I use DEs, straights, and DBSRs (maybe that'll catch on :) ), and I actually prefer the DBSRs. It's astonishing to me that there is so much hate thrown at them. The DBSR is the red headed step child of the wet shaving world, which is unfortunate because it is an excellent tool with a lot going for it. DBSRs are not fake straight razors or straight razor trainers, they are a unique type of razor with unique abilities and properties. I currently own 7 DEs, 6 straights, and 3 DBSRs and I can get good shaves from all of them, but I prefer the DBSRs. DBSRs have the style and close shaving ability of a straight, but with the ease of maintenance, lower cost, and blade variety of a DE.

Here is my assessment:
If you have never used a straight razor then it will mostly likely take a while to master the DBSR. Holding a straight razor/DBSR is a totally alien feel for a person used to a DE and it takes a while to figure it out. A DBSR is lighter and sharper than a straight, but is otherwise fairly similar. If you use a feather light touch and take the same advice that people give to straight razor users (take your time, start off doing just wtg, keep your angle tight, and stretch your skin) and apply it to a DBSR, then you will be fine. The DBSR allows you to customize your experience with multiple types of blades, disposes with the uncertainty of whether or not the blade is properly honed, eliminates the time consuming process of stropping and oiling, and will let you get into it without spending a ton of money. Unfortunately DBSRs are usually on the low end of the quality spectrum. Parker and Sanguine have some well made ones, but their quality control is a bit hit and miss. Feather and Kai make high quality DBSRs, but they are absurdly expensive. No one, with the possible exception of CJB, really makes good middle of the road DBSRs yet.

Keep in mind that it will take a little while to master, but if you're patient and cautious then you'll do fine. Try it out for a month, if you do not like it then pass it along to someone else.

I hope that helps.
 
I can see where you are coming from, thinking that using a shavette gives you some idea of shaving with an open blade. I started with a shavette and got on well with it from day one. When I moved on to my first straight,although a different technique was needed, I felt that the shavette experience helped in giving confidence to approach my face with this lethal looking weapon. This let me experiment with different angles etc. whereas I would have been reluctant to do so if I hadn't tried the shavette. Enjoy it when it arrives.
 
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