Anyone play with Shavettes?

[Zepher]

My understanding of a shavette is it uses half a DE blade to shave.

Traditional barbers I find use them for shaving the back of the neck below the hairline after a haircut.

But what about the face? Anyone here use a shavette to actually shave with? Are they any better than a traditional DE razor?

[hornm]

I used one for the first 9+ months of straight shaving. I pretty much got a wild hair up my rump after talking to my sister about my Great Grandfather (who was a retired barber). Checked out some straights on line but wasn't willing to pay out the cash up front (in case I found out it wasn't something I wanted to continue with). I haven't been wet shaving for long, 11months now, so be patient with some of my odd ball explanations. They can give a good shave but the blades, even though super sharp, don't seem to be as smooth as a hand honed str8. I've run into issues with the blade wanting to "skip" occasionally ending up in knicks. Also the whole rig is so lightweight that you tend to put pressure on your face while you shave...razorburn :angry: Also I've found, and I've read others as well, that the disposable blades have a "sweet spot", generally your second or third shave. Kind of depends for me as to how much I've put the blade through with each shave but generally (for me anyway) it's around the 3rd. After the 4th though I chuck the blade as it's beginning to dull. All in all I'd have to go with the general consensus and say get a real str8 that's pro honed.

Hope this helps,
Michael

[Leche]

They are ok and very cheap so why not. 1/2 DE blade ones are under 10 bucks at barber supply shops or a place like Sally's Beauty. They are more unforgiving than a straight IMO which I believe is because of the short blade. There are a few that accept longer blades such as the Dovo and Feathers but these are more pricey.

[kryptik]

I use DE to shave, but I use a shavette to trim around my goatee. It is very precise for trimming...

[michiganlover]

General consensus seems to be they are way less forgiving than a real straight.

I bought a Dovo Shavette about three weeks ago with the idea of "playing around" with it. I have no intention of leaving my DE/SE razors, but thought it would be something new/ exciting to play around with.

I tried it twice, giving myself major nicks both times, the last time getting a nick that sliced pretty deeply into my cheek. I have had to shave around that nick for the last two weeks, and it is just about close to healed. :scared::scared:

If your results are anything like mine, I would say they are not worth "playing around" with. It's quite embarrassing to report for work as a professional with your face hacked to pieces!! When you work among the public, your personal appearance matters!! :blush::blushing:

My honest opinion, is that you shouldn't bother. :thumbdown

[Zepher]

That's great information everyone. Thanks so much!

[closer]

I've used a Dovo shavette a few times in the last few weeks, primarily on weekends. I've got to the point where I can get an acceptable shave with 2 WTG passes, but still sometimes switch to a DE for a final XTG pass. My primary reason was to see how a really sharp straight felt, because I think I've rounded my first straight razor by stropping incorrectly.

I think it has been a worthwhile exercise to play with the shavette, but I also now understand why many here recommend not to bother with it and get a real straight. Basically, the shavette is very light, feels almost flimsy, and has a very different feel because it has no heft - which is immediately apparent the moment I switch to my Merkur barberpole to finish up the shave. As well, a DE blade is very sharp, and you have to be careful otherwise the light razor *will* move and nick you. On the plus side, I now understand how to hold a straight, maneuver it around my face (WTG), control the angle/pressure, execute a confident stroke, and am even learning to use my non-dominant hand. So for me, I think its been a useful exercise, although I'm not back to my real straight yet!