straight is a slab of steel with edge, a shavette uses disposable 1/2 DE style blade set like a straight.. your barber probably uses a shavette.
+1. My barber now uses a shavette because of sanitary reasons. Plus, it is easier to just pop in a fresh blade than to strop when you have 5 men waiting for shaves. He is in his late 80's, and still has quite a steady hand - always good when shaving someone!