Wow! What an experience. After reading through the forum posts and seeing one you tube video I have rolled up my sleeves to try this great Devette! First I spent more than half an hour contemplating whether to take the plunge or go with the regular Gillette razor. Finally I made up my mind and with great reverence took an Astra blade and loaded the razor. For preparation, as I was really scared, used double the amount of lather for additional safeguard. Started with the side burns (right) very slowly and with zero pressure and approximately 40 degree angle, made couple very small strokes and could feel this devette is giving a very clean shave. I repeated the same for the left side and was very nervous in my chin/neck area. As I took almost 15 minutes for the first pass, there were no cuts or weepers. As a matter of fact I had lot of cuts and bruises when I started with the SAFETY DE. But much to my surprise there was no blood or cuts with this Devette!! Looks like Devette is safer than a DE with guard or comb as mentioned by Gytis!I could see the shave was really very close in the first pass itself. Then I lathered up for the second pass and did ATG (shivering inside). The result was phenomenal! The skin is absolutely BBS. I have never had this level of close shave in my entire life! Without the forum members encouragement, I never would have even thought of using this Devette. Now I think this is the very best razor I have. I was really lucky to find this in the bay. Thanks MJ and Gytis!
Coming to the Ketchup episode, I used that to clean the razor as the metal was brass and copper. I saw in one of the you tube videos about cleaning the old brass/copper coins by giving the Ketchup treatment. The razor was very blackish green due to tarnished brass and copper. I just kept the razor in a cup with 2 teaspoons of Ketchup and left it for 15 minutes. Then I used some boiling water to sterilize before using scrubbing bubbles and dawn soap. After this the razor looked like new!
I think I can now try the straight razors soon!May be I will get 3 to 4 weeks of experience with Devette before attempting the straight razors!
thanks guys!
You welcome, my friend! I really am sure it is even more safe than regular DE. The reason is that it is in our blood not to harm ourselves and our own hands try to protect us unconsciously. The same works in all dangerous tasks we do. I have heard a story long time ago that says the highrise climbers usually use safety straps and other safety equipment. And they die because once in a time they just forget to fasten a belt or other kind of mistakes are made. There also are other akind of climbers that use nothing to protect themselves. And their death rate is much, much smaller. Because they are ALWAYS cautious as there is nothing behind them to save their lives....
Still your experience is somewhat sad, Venkart. I am sorry to dissapoint you, brother, but you will never find a better razor as this is the final, the best stop in razor journey. Straights are fine, and shavettes are fine too. But they are not anywhere as much ergonomic and flexible in use as devette is.
Wellcome to the club.
that my journey ended abruptly. The Muhle R41 is in the mail and I am expecting it by this week end. I have not even opened the box of Merkur 47C. I have a fat boy, slim boy and speed razor in my collection among couple of other open combs. Now I don't know what to do. May be I must concentrate on soaps shave oils etc.,
))
). I have planned a long journey in wet shaving. But unexpectedly this Devette has ended everything abruptly. Anyway, I encourage you to try at least once and post the results. Just a steady hand and 100% concentration on that steady hand will do the job with good prep work.
. I would appreciate if you could throw some light on the excalibur thing.
