Thread: Newbie Help - Same Question, Different Day

I know that this question has probably been asked a thousand times over (please forgive me for that,) but I hope you gentleman will indulge me.

I am the kind of guy that over-analyzes everything - I have changed my "decision" 15 different tiems. So, even though I have read most of the 'beginner' section of the forum I am still faced with a slight conundrum:

1. Should I even bother with the Shavette? A buddy recommended this to me, but I have read so many mixed reviews that I don't know what to think. I don't want to start too ambitious, maybe use this as a "practice tool," but I also don't want to hinder myself by using an inferior product.
2. Used, really? I am a little nervous about shaving with something that another man has shaved with - blood and sweat and all that jazz. Should I just get over it?
3. Buying new. On Straight Razor Designs, The Finest In Gentlemens Shaving And Grooming Needs there are some sweet deals (from what I can tell.) All I think I would need is a razor and strop, and there are some kits well within my price range (I already use soap, brush and mug with my Bic.)
3a. I wouldn't need to buy a stone yet since my razor will be shave ready and I can send it to a professional a few times a year, right?

Sorry for the novel, but I would love some insight straight from the freshly-shaved horses mouth.

Welcome to SRP!

1. I wouldn't go with a shavette
2. Personal decision. If you're not comfortable with the idea, don't do it
3. I would recommend this highly
3a. You might consider a sprayed felt paddle or hanging strop for touch ups. If you go this route you shouldn't need to re hone anytime soon. I'm not sure if SRD is still offering a free re-honing with a new razor, but they may be. Check their site for details.

Thanks, Bill! I saw the post about free honing for life here, but there is no mention of it on the SRD website, I guess I missed it by a few days...

Welcome aboard-

1. No. While shavettes may utilize the same type of system as a real SR, they're not like actually shaving w/ one.

2. By used, we're not referring to one that someone was using just last week. Typically this is one that's been found in an antique shop, etc, restored, honed and made shave ready. This is what I'm using and I purchased it through the Classifieds here @SRP. Cost me $50. This is a good idea, because you don't want to spend $200+ on a SR only to find out it's not really your cup of tea.

3. Kind of covered that above. You should wait to find out if this is going to be someting you're going to get into before spending the $$

3A. Correct. As long as your SR arrives shave ready, there's no immediate need for a hone, as long as you properly strop your razor before each use.

Welcome to your new obsession!!

I'm 14 shaves into a Shavette and can recommend it. I believe it is actually more difficult to shave with than a proper straight and less forgiving as well. You will have a lousy time and lousy shaves with it for the first two or three shaves, but that would be the case with a straight as well. There's no point in starting with a real straight and making all the newbie shaving and sharpening (or should I say "dulling") mistakes that we read of here. Get the Shavette, cut the crap out of your face for a week to learn how to shave with it, and by shave ten you'll be able to maneuver it fairly well. The Shavette will also give you a nice lesson on the value of Styptic pencils and how well they work. I'm feeling a tad suicidal so I might even put a Feather blade in mine tonight for my shave tomorrow. If you never hear from me again, you'll know what happened.

Thanks Ace! But just out of curiosity, do you have a regular SR also, or do you only use the Shavette? From what I am reading they would make a great travel razor.

I have used the Dovo Shavette for about two months now. I wanted to start shaving with it to get used to using a single blade before I invested a lot of money in a true straight. I have gotten to the point were I think I have got really nice shaves from it.
I am currently looking for a true straight razor for everyday shaves. But I think I will keep my Shavette for traveling purposes.

From my "recently-minted" perch:

1. Should I even bother with the Shavette?

I started with a straight razor, and I'm still alive and un-scarred. I don't see any advantage of a Shavette except low initial cost.

2. Used, really? I am a little nervous about shaving with something that another man has shaved with - blood and sweat and all that jazz. Should I just get over it?

Yes, get over it. Barbers used the same razor for dozens (hundreds?) of men. Disinfect with alcohol or Barbisol before your first use.

3. Buying new. On Straight Razor Designs, The Finest In Gentlemens Shaving And Grooming Needs there are some sweet deals (from what I can tell.) . . .

If you have the money, a new "kit" from SRD is a good deal. If you don't, there are less-expensive paths to follow.

3a. I wouldn't need to buy a stone yet since my razor will be shave ready and I can send it to a professional a few times a year, right?

Right. A Norton 4K/8K is roughly the cost of a new Dovo razor, but you don't need one. You might want to get a fine-grit barber hone, and/or a pasted strop, for "touch-ups". With gentle use of a barber hone, and pasted strop, you may avoid professional honings for a long time.

Charles

Originally Posted by Zts2004

Thanks Ace! But just out of curiosity, do you have a regular SR also, or do you only use the Shavette? From what I am reading they would make a great travel razor.

Yes, I do have some straights, but have yet to use one. I don't plan now on moving over to the real straights until I am proficient at shaving with the Shavette and with stropping and honing. I don't do much airline travel so that is not much of an issue for me. I think I am getting close to doing well with the Shavette, but I still need to get some practice in with it. Today was my 14th shave with it. The first three were lousy, the next seven or so bearable, and things started becoming presentable, and relatively blood-free, by the 12th shave. I plan on sticking with the Shavette for a while even though I am not a particularly big fan of it.

Thanks guys...but I am still overcome with indecision.

Going back to used SR, specifically the ones listed here - Is a used SR in the 30 - 50 dollar range worth it? Will it get the job done? I guess I just feel like I should be spending a little more in this....