I think the time has come for me to try straight razor shaving...but based on what I have seen and read I think I will start with a shavette first. There are so many models from which to choose...can you recommend a good model?
Vintage Weck Sextoblade, use modern Personna shaper blades in it (not the mini shaper blades). They originally came with blade guards, though that is not necessary to have, it might be something you want, so pick carefully. Modern copies/versions are made, though the quality is not equal to that of the old Wecks.
I'm planning to get this equinox shavette. It supposedly is heavy for a shavette, which should make it easier to learn on, plus it uses regular DE blades. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MKQEJH2?tag=thshde-20&creativeASIN=B00MKQEJH2
Ive heard that the Kai and the Feather Artist Clubs act most like a true Straight. I will be picking one of these up in a couple months
I too am considering trying a straight. The Feather Artist Club DX is a really nice razor. It comes in a teakwood; nice but pricy. I expect I will go with a true straight, as stropping is something I'm interested in learning.
See, I am a bit opposite because I like the idea of a straight. But I am not, at the moment, interested in stropping/honing a razor so the investment for the feather DX may be the right move for me. What do you think?
The Feather SS models are much more "beginner friendly", due to the contoured edge, giving some protection from the blade. Once you're used to it, the next step up would be the DX models with Pro Super blades.
I've never owned a straight or shavette so I'm going by what I'm reading and watching on YouTube. @Keithmax advised me it's easier to learn to strop than it is to shave with a shavette. I'm thinking if I going to shave traditionally I want to learn all aspects of it.
As much as I want to try SR shaving...I am not interested in spending a lot up front. Hence my decision to try an inexpensive shavette. After doing some reading...and watching lots of Youtube I have ordered a Parker SR1 and a Bluebeards Revenge Shavette. Both in the price range I am willing to pay. I was looking for a razor with a good blade lock system and one that didn't require the outlay of new special sized blades. The ones I have ordered can use split DE blades. If I am successful and if SR shaving plucks my heart strings, I may invest in a "proper" SR razor, strop, etc.,etc. Its always nice to find a new rabbit hole to fall into...
I should have done this. I spent quite a bit of money getting a straight razor and strop. To me it was difficult because my stropping technique is still novice at best, so my razor doesn't shave the best. I eventually got tired of it and got the Parker sr1 and haven't looked back. I enjoy ordering razor blade sample packs and trying all the different brands out. I even created a spreadsheet so I can keep track and rank them as I go. Now I find myself shopping for different shavettes like MD Barber or Samurai. I may go back to the "real deal" eventually, but I get a BBS shave with the Parker and minimal irritation, and that's the kicker for me.
I'm still on the fence but experiences like yours are making me learn toward a shavette of some sort.
