What shavette did you use today?

[Twelvefret]

I am excited about the recent interest in shavettes and AC blades. Once some proficiency is attained, these products can produce some of the more effective results available today. Maybe a tutorial along with shared experience/best practices, could help others discover this branch of traditional shaving. I do think the "daily double" concept can ease anyone into using a shavette.

There is an AC Feather labeled as "light" which, if I understand properly, does not extend as far as the others. Maybe start with guarded, proceed to light. then onto Super Pro.

Anyone compared the Jai Pink with AC Feather blades?

 

[Twelvefret]

Just posted a couple of videos on the "words of wisdom" thread for those deciding to use a straight razor. These helped me circa 2018 when I was learning.

 

[Estariol]

The one thing i'm sure of is:
don't start learning to use a shavette with a half DE blade type. Go for an AC type from the start. Even today when i'm profficient enough to have a perfect shave with a half DE shavette, it's still not as comfortable and is less kind to the skin then an AC blade shavette shave. More burn from the lotion, no matter what.

 

[Twelvefret]

The one thing i'm sure of is:
don't start learning to use a shavette with a half DE blade type. Go for an AC type from the start. Even today when i'm profficient enough to have a perfect shave with a half DE shavette, it's still not as comfortable and is less kind to the skin then an AC blade shavette shave. More burn from the lotion, no matter what.

I have never used the ones that hold the half DE blade, but what you say resonates and one reason I never tried those designs.

 

[chazt]

The one thing i'm sure of is:
don't start learning to use a shavette with a half DE blade type. Go for an AC type from the start. Even today when i'm profficient enough to have a perfect shave with a half DE shavette, it's still not as comfortable and is less kind to the skin then an AC blade shavette shave. More burn from the lotion, no matter what.

Agreed. I’m finding over the last many months now that my skin, especially in the neck area, finds the rigidity of GEM and injector blades easier and more forgiving than double edge blades. Maybe it’s due to aging skin. It never used to be this way. Nowadays DE blades leave my neck “hotter” than SE.

I have never used the ones that hold the half DE blade, but what you say resonates and one reason I never tried those designs.

@Estariol’s experience makes sense. Skinny little DE blades have less mass to begin with. Cut them in half yields half the mass, which would allow for more flex at the blade’s edge. I think it’s safe to say that would be the cause of increased irritation.

 

[Twelvefret]

If you think about how GEM instructed us to use the Micromatic, it resembles the same or similar angle we use for a straight or shavette.

My new Flyedge “twin SE” only allows a small area for the blade to extend probably leading to a better hold. The Jokmae using magnets is similar.

 

[Estariol]

Agreed. I’m finding over the last many months now that my skin, especially in the neck area, finds the rigidity of GEM and injector blades easier and more forgiving than double edge blades. Maybe it’s due to aging skin. It never used to be this way. Nowadays DE blades leave my neck “hotter” than SE.

@Estariol’s experience makes sense. Skinny little DE blades have less mass to begin with. Cut them in half yields half the mass, which would allow for more flex at the blade’s edge. I think it’s safe to say that would be the cause of increased irritation.

If the blade is too exposed, avoid. I learned the hard way, luckily no scars to remind me. The best half DE shavette i've used is an Irvig Barber Company (IBC) shavette clone from Aliexpress. The main difference (price aside) from the original is that it doesn't have magnets that hold the blade in place before the clamping screw is tightened, so it's quirky - but manageable - to insert a blade. The best things about it are that it accepts both half DE and AC blades, and that it clamps them as tightly as you tighten the screw, along the whole surface under the clamps, like a vise. I think i wrote earlier in the Yaqi IBC shavette clone thread that this is THE budget shavette i'd recommend to beginners, both the original and clone (if still manufactured).

 

[Twelvefret]

Razors

All razor are utility and design patented by Irving Barber Company. Our razor is truly one of a kind. It is the only razor that can secure three different disposable blade styles with zero adapter pieces! Its balanced and ergonomic design combined with its versatility leaves it incomparable to...

irvingbarberco.com

 

[chazt]

Anybody here ever tried one of these?

Shavette - Orange Plastic Handle with HD Leather Travel Case (Injector or Half-DE Blades)

Replaceable blade shavette offered in a variety of colors. Length = 5 7/8" Weight = 1.5oz Comes with HD leather travel case Uses DE half blades or Injector Blades (Injector blades work MUCH better!)

maggardrazors.com

 

[Twelvefret]

One thing I like about the Feather design it the long tang/ tail. I have a early 1900's Wade and Butcher, but this one is the one collectors love the DePew's Perfection with the "monkey tail" tang.

 

[chazt]

One thing I like about the Feather design it the long tang/ tail. I have a early 1900's Wade and Butcher, but this one is the one collectors love the DePew's Perfection with the "monkey tail" tang.

View attachment 182132

There must be way more variety of straight razors through history than just about anything. Perhaps the variety of brushes is comparable? But perhaps not