Just asking..
- Thread starter Manumik
- Start date
specialist539
Well-known member
There are pros and cons going for both of them. For me, I started with a shavette because the start up cost was low. A person can pick up a shavette for as low as $5.00 and DE blades that are just as inexpensive. But my favorite shavette is a Feather Artist Club SS Kamisori with a Feather Super of a KAI Pink blade. I have just started using straight razors on a regular basis here lately and there is quite a bit of difference in the shave feel. Both are very much an art form that I enjoy learning. I am not sure that the two would be considered on the same level but perhaps related.
drmoss_ca
Is there a Doctor in the house ?
Shavettes seem like a cheap and easy way in, but they tend to be cheaply made and very prone to cutting. A new DE blade used without any comb or safety bar will keep you on your toes. When the Feather AC razors came out (guessing it was ~2006), I used them for a while, and found I liked the slightly wider and thicker blades, though I forget whether they were the Professional or the Professional Super. What became obvious after a while was that regular shaves with that razor were thinning my skin until it became a little tender and sore, so I went back to conventional straights. The remaining blades have been kept, and occasionally I'll use one in a brass General from colonialrazors.com. I did also use a Cobra, but didn't care too much for it.
The upshot is this: cheaper to buy, no hones or honing, BUT, you have to more careful and deft in the shaves, and you might get sore as I did.
The upshot is this: cheaper to buy, no hones or honing, BUT, you have to more careful and deft in the shaves, and you might get sore as I did.
Longhaultanker
Member
Oh cool dude. Shavettes are like so modern, so chic, so techno, so rad. That traditional stuff is like so boarish, so barbaric. Like no one wants all that grandpa stuff.
Except those of us who do! The problem with shavettes is they are not straight razors. They are the antithesis of what the history and tradition of straight razor shaving is about.
IMO.
Except those of us who do! The problem with shavettes is they are not straight razors. They are the antithesis of what the history and tradition of straight razor shaving is about.
IMO.
RHensley
Resident Hand Model
I used the Double edge from about 1960 until about 67 when I got my first straight razor. A kissing crane. like an idiot I shaved with the factory edge a mostly scrapped my face kind of like you would a hog. In 69 I went into the USAF and used the Double edge for the first couple of years then a off base barber introduced me to a changeable blade razor. He also kind of showed me what angle to use it and to my surprise it wasn't that bad. I still use the double edge unless I had an inspection or open ranks inspection then I used the changeable blade razor. I can't remember what it's name was .. I had one problem. The blade would move in it while I shaved. So back to the Double edge. My enlistment was up and I went home and found my kissing crane and started over again. After a while I got a couple more straights. After a while with work and not having enough time to use a straight plus they pulled quite a bit I stopped using them. Several years ago I found the razors again and started back on this quest. and have enjoyed it a lot.
The shavettes have served there purpose. When they came out with all these blood diseases the folks that rule over the barber shops said no straights or they had to be sanitized a certain way. I think that's when the shavettes came into there own. A barber could use one then change the blade and he was set for another costumer . I really believe if it were not for them there wouldn't be us. After all they are the modern straight razor. It was just us old timers (but young at heart ) and the younger generation that watch us and think how cool the old straight razor really are.
When asked why you use a straight razor what do you say. That I enjoy it. That it cost less (which we all know is a lie) That it's satisfying. Yes we can say all that . Me I say Because I can.
I tend to ramble and get off point some times. sorry about that.
The shavettes have served there purpose. When they came out with all these blood diseases the folks that rule over the barber shops said no straights or they had to be sanitized a certain way. I think that's when the shavettes came into there own. A barber could use one then change the blade and he was set for another costumer . I really believe if it were not for them there wouldn't be us. After all they are the modern straight razor. It was just us old timers (but young at heart ) and the younger generation that watch us and think how cool the old straight razor really are.
When asked why you use a straight razor what do you say. That I enjoy it. That it cost less (which we all know is a lie) That it's satisfying. Yes we can say all that . Me I say Because I can.
I tend to ramble and get off point some times. sorry about that.
Longhaultanker
Member
You won’t believe it, but I had this very conversation this morning. Due to late load time I had a lazy morning. I was at the TA truck stop in Florence Kentucky and went to the public restroom to shave. From the jump some guy noticed me setting up, brush, soap, my towels I carry. Out came my razors (I always carry in 2), and he says “I knew you were going to use a straight.” He said he’s been wanting to start, but just hasn’t yet. We talked for about 30 minutes while I lathered and shaved. We went over the different elements. I normally take a private shower but I was not at my preferred truck stop. I’m just glad I didn’t cut myself.
Except those of us who do! Feather razors to me are harsher feeling. Honestly I think the require a little more skill to prevent nicks.
Now having said that they do have distinct advantages and disadvantages.
A disadvantage is cost. While you will probably pay less initially, the replacement blade cost will add up over time.
A decent (not great) SR can be purchased shave ready for as little as $50, maybe less. If cared for that one blade will last you a lifetime.
I have some ugly razors I picked up in antique shops for $8 that just needed honing and have turned out to be great shavers. I have also spent over $1000 for a single SR.
My super expensive razors do shave very well, but are not necessarily better shavers than a good old Wade and Butcher, or Thiers Issard.
The advantage of a Feather is that you really can't break it. if you drop your feather, and the blade chips you just put a new one in. If you drop a 200 year old Wade Butcher for Barbers use only and chip the blade you will probably cry, you will make half of the members here cry, and the rest will experience a sudden severe wave of nausea followed by 3 days of mourning.
My thoughts on Shavettes or replaceable blade razors is that they develop the same skill set as a regular SR, they won't break the bank short term, and they won't break your heart if you damage the edge. Learn with a razor that you are comfortable with, and make your mistakes with a razor that won't cause you heartache if you do some damage. When you are comfortable with a shavette, I recommend looking at a nice (reasonably priced) vintage or a new Thiers Issard. TI's rust easily if you neglect them, but they also give the smoothest shave of all the "new" SRs on the market.