First shave with the
non-safety DE-Vette Safety Razor. An elite edge forward shaving device.
While taking my shave photo it occurred to me that in a manufacturing environment, the safety committee would have no part of this tool. Extra precautions were observed.
While I totally subscribed to the
@Primotenore theory that the use of a safety bar is not required on most razors when attempting to achieve lowest shaving angle, I recall my first impression was that this tool is a stunt shaver. Later, I decided to jump in on the pass around to put some of my very own skills that I learned here at The Shave Den to the test.
Proraso menthol pre-shave.
I used Stirling Unscented Sheep soap, not because of the unglorious base animalistic stank it provided but because I've never found a better shave lube than this mutton tallow soap. In the past, I was successful at hiding the sheep funk with Piacenza EdT, but the Tuscany I used today fell short.
Learning to wet shave I found cold water seemed to reduce irritation, less so after I took up straights, So I used hot.
Gillette Silver Blue is my favorite shavette blade, so it got the call here. GSB's have more rounded corners than some and I did not think muting them was necessary. The blade is secured firmly in place with a small amount of fiddling, then held flat unlike most DE's which impart a blade curve.
For sure this ain't no popsicle stick razor stunt shaver. True to Tom's
@twhite nature the device is very well thought out and meticulously made. I don't think I have ever seen such a lean and secure blade holding setup.
Using the 'ride the cap' method is a bit difficult due to the very low geometric shaving angle, which is lower than the shavettes I have and most of my straights. I'm gonna guess around 15 degrees,
@twhite Tom? I also experienced some 'sticktion' riding a flat cap. The best approach for me was riding the edge, with an intense concentration on the shave angle. I'm sure some muscle memory can be acquired in time.
There are a few areas that a DE vs. a straight handling design bring an advantage for me, due to limits of my dexterity. It is far more challenging to maintain a consistent angle since the handle needs to be almost 90 degrees from the shaving plane. Maneuvering the shave angle on a stroke downward over the jawline on a straight is a matter of rolling the fingers or tipping the wrist, here it is a more complex feat since punishment can be easily had.
In the end.... Great satisfaction. Close. Zero alum alert (even though I thought I might've got myself.) Great comfort. Great finish with the unisex Tuscany scent (Hint... Deliver a great shave with the DE-Vette and you can wear any glorious stank you want!).
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