DE-Vette Pass-a-round thread...

I sure learned my lesson way back when, but maybe for old time’s sake...

 

Here it is! Absolutely stunning! The pictures do not do it justice. I’ll give it a cleaning and do my first shave tomorrow.

 

My first shave with the DE-Vette is in the books and what a shave it was!

I’m not sure where to begin, but I’ll start with the design. This razor is beautiful! I love the design and, being made from brass, this razor jumps! It’s a elegant and has a real streamlined look. The weight and balance just feels perfect and no problems at all with gripping the handle. Loading the blade took me a minute, but I’ll get the hang of it.

Moving on to the shave... Ride the cap! As there is no safety bar, this razor should be handled much like a straight razor. Start with the cap flat to your face and tilt it ever so slightly until you feel the blade cutting the whiskers. The blade should be at maybe a 20 degree angle to your face. No pressure is needed with the DE-Vette. Easy does it! Skin stretching is a must with this razor, just as it is with a straight. Did I say Ride The Cap?

My first pass took off most of my 1 day’s growth, so I repeated the process with a second pass. Similar to using a straight, going under the chin and under my nose were my challenges. However, unlike a straight, the second pass going against the grain with the DE-Vette took care of it! Due to paying extra attention and going slowly, this shave took me twice as long as a shave with one of my DEs with a safety bar. When it was all over, I had an easy DFS that was smooth and comfortable. Oh, and NO nicks or cuts at all!

My initial impression of this razor is quite favorable. This razor really scores in looks and performance. As there is no safety bar, the razor is infinitely adjustable, and will provide a shave from mild to wild. With a safety bar, the manufacturer determines the aggressiveness level, but the DE-Vette lets you determine aggressiveness. Very cool!

 

Great post, Jim. You took to this razor like a fish to water. Enjoy.
Regarding blade loading. Make sure you feel the "click" when the top and bottom caps come together. You'll know it when you feel it.

 

Shave 2 with the DE-Vette. This razor is appropriately named as it reminds me of one of my favorite automobiles.

My second shave with the DE-Vette was better than the first. It was a two pass shave that was smooth and close. I have a wonderful DFS and got there with no weeper, nicks or cuts! It was a very nice shave.

Once you get the hang of finding the proper angles, this razor is easy enough to use. If you want a close shave, increase the angle. Want a mild shave, just decrease the angle. Key is to ride the cap. Everything falls in place after that.

I’m using a Personna lab blue in the razor right now and will switch over to a Gillette silver blue later on. I feel that in a razor such as this, blades make a big difference in shave quality. I’ll soon find out.

 

Joseph, I tried loading and unloading the blade a few times as you suggested, and I think I have the hang of it now. Thanks!

 

Whelp, I guess that one person whose shave gear we won't be fighting over. /sigh

 

Wow a straight razor type of shave in de forum way cool . after all the testing are going to start making them to sell?

 

No plans on it at this point.

 

Shave #3 with the DE-Vette is done and it was another fine shave!

As I get used to this razor, my shave time has decreased. I’m still not as fast as with a regular DE, but that’s fine as I’m very much enjoying this razor. The few extra minutes have been sheer joy!

I found the sweet spot to be using it at a 30 degree angle. That angle seems to provide the best shave, with a combination of best efficiency closest shave.

I tried the grooveless handle this morning and found the grip to be sufficient for me. However, the grooved handle certainly provides the reassurance that you’re not going to drop this baby.

Tom, I think you have a winner!

 

What blade are you using?

 

I’m still using a Personna lab blue in the razor. The blade has really smoothed out now. I’m thinking of switching over to Gillette SB once the Personna is done. I would also like to try an Astra SP in it before I send it on.

 

Isn't that considered a personal question these days? LOL

 

Great shave Jim. I'm interested in you finding on blade choices. For a DE shavette my 'go to' is the GSB.

 

Joseph, I figured Out my main reason for the problem with loading a blade in the DE-Vette.

I just swapped the Personna blade with a Gillette SB and the Gillette just dropped right in over the bar. The center openings on the Personna are narrower than the Gillette and has to be worked into place. Even though the Gillette blade has wider tolerances, it still centers perfectly in the head.

 

Blades I would have considered smooth and mild in my DE razors exhibited some real differences in the DE-Vette.

 

Now you guys have me interested in going through my blade collection in this razor.

The Personna lab blue is a smooth operator in the DE-Vette and I’ll try out the Gillette SB over the next few days. I’ll also try the Astra and the Gillette 7 o’clock black in it. Maybe even a Feather.