from those Str8 users that have used a quality shavette i.e. the Feather AC or a Kai as compared to a cut throat razor. I own and have used a Magic shavette and do not care for the flimsy half DE blade that is used. It really makes for a very challenging blood free shave. I also used a Gold Dollar cut throat which was much more comfortable to use as far as the blade not flexing as much. Only problem was the blade was not shave ready, so I didn't really get the full advantage of feeling a good shave. The main reason I am contemplating a quality shavette is due to the fact that I can take a sharp knife blade and make it as sharp as a butter knife in no time flat. I have zero honing skills. I am very interested in Str8 shaving, but am cost conscious at the same time. I don't want to spend money for a set of hones and a good strop if I can't get a grasp on the right way to do it. And if I send off a cut throat to a honemeister I am without my str8 for as long as it takes to send it, have it sharpened and get it back. I'm thinking eventually to get a cut throat after I get a shavette. That way, I can get the technique down B4 I spend the money on a good cut throat razor. And, I will have a str8 to use while the cut throat is out being honed. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
To me, the Feather feels the most like a straight razor. I like the professional Feather blades personally with this set up. It has some heft and is actually a really nice shaver. The only problem for me, is that these blades are quite unforgiving. The first shave is always a little harsh and the second through fifth are much more comfortable. I have this one scar however, under my chin and I cannot use one of these without it getting nicked............every time.......no matter how little pressure I use. Don't know why, but this rarely happens with a real straight razor. Have fun, Lynn
Technique between a shavette and a true straight is similar but not quite exact. If you have a good razor professionally honed before getting it and you take care to learn stropping well, you shouldn't have to send it out for rehoning more than 2x per year. To save some money, you could get a decent 2 sided paddle strop with one side dedicated to diamond spray or paste. This would help keep the razor sharper longer and stretch out time between honings. Also, you don't NEED a whole set of honing stones. I get very satisfactory results using the good old Norton combination stone in 4k/8k. Find Glen's (gssixgun) honing instruction and you'll get all you need to succeed.
I could be off base here, but the cost of a Feather shavette is going to be up there around $120.00 for the base model? You could get started for a little less than that and have two shave ready straights with a strop and there are places that you can get your razors honed for less than $20.00 per razor with three or four day turn around.
Thank you Gents for the advice. I suppose I should just man up and set my goal to learning how to hone. I have watched numerous vids on honing and Glen's seems most informative. I am of the mind that a good quality shavette would be good to have as back up. The several times that I did achieve a str8 shave, whether with the shavette or the Gold Dollar, it was more satisfying as far as a sense of accomplishment goes. The first two shaves with the shavette was a bit messy, due to minor nicks, but those were due to carelessness. I did have a few complete (two pass) shaves with it, however. Thanks again for your input!
There is no shame in sending them out for honing. I could learn, but I don't want to and it helps someone out on the other end by making a few bucks to hone them for me. Kind of like changing oil; I can do it, but I pay someone else to do it. It is quicker, cleaner, and I can focus on other stuff while helping to push the economy along a little.
And Dad, you are also using a hone for knives too, not str8s. Also, you have watched (or at least have the ability to watch) honing videos now. So all of your knife dulling experiences don't really compare, you use the spine of the razor to keep your bevel right unlike with a knife where there is variation with each pull without using a guide. Its very do-able with the info we have access to these days which you didn't have before.
Well, after a 4 month hiatus from Str8 shaving, I blew the dust off of the Magic shavette, lathered up and did a 3 pass shave. Success! No blood loss and an OK shave. Jawline is still a bit scratchy, but I wasn't about to tempt fate and left it alone. Tomorrow is another day. Very satisfied! :happy023
