Shavette Help/Advice

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41
Location
Bristol, UK
Does anyone have experience of using the shavette's that take half a DE blade AND a shavette that takes the longer style blade (eg Dovo)?

If so what are the pro's and con's of each? Is one type easier to use for beginners that the other? For those who have used both types, do you have a preference?

I currently am using a Parker SRX and struggling somewhat to achieve even a basic level of shave. I don't get irritation particularly but certainly struggle with closeness. If I were to do any more than 2 passes I'd have a real problem with razor burn and I have tried various levels of blade sharpness and different manufacturer of blade.
 
It can take a while to get good with a shavette. You need reasonably good prep (some folks prefer a wetter, almost dripping lather). Watch your angle - hold the blade almost flat against your skin. You might have to do some skin stretching.

I like the Chinese long blades (same size as the Dovo longs). They're cheap and sharp. Have a look for a long shavette on Aliexpress if you want to give those a try.

You could also get into Feather Artist Club type of shavettes on the cheap here. I mean, it's a shame to spend a lot of money on a razor and then have trouble with the shaves.

To be honest, I'd maybe practice with the Parker SRX a bit more. What blades are you using? Personally I find that most DE blades feel the same in a shavette, even the crappy blades that are usually shunned.
 
Half blade shavettes are not really suitable for shaving.

Your best bet is to get a razor that takes the Feather AC type blades.

Look out for a CJB Kamisori on ebay. They should be around £30 and are well worth buying.

The Kai Captains will come up quite cheap every now and then.

They are the closest thing to straight razor shaving you can get.
 
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I have been using my Dovo shavette with half DE-blades all summer. When you get the hang of it shave is close and smooth but there is a learning curve. How many shaves with the shavette have you done so far? And when you struggle with closeness? too close? not close enough?
 
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Tested the long blade that is supplied by Dovo and first impression is: take extra care, more sharp rather flimsy blade to control in shavette, preferring the short blade.
 
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Yes! I've tried 'em all! DE shavette, Dovo, Jaguar, Feather ... all the way through to the mighty Weck.

DE shavettes are not at all good. This is pretty much universally agreed. Dovo, Jaguar and the like are okay - better, but not great. Feather - pretty good, but so seething sharp and entirely unforgiving.

Weck (or any number of razors that hold the blade format) is by far the best in my opinion. The blade is more rigid and much akin to a single edge blade. In use, it's like a frameback straight and so much closer to the straight edge feeling than any of the others.

I made a handful of reviews on the matter ...

http://www.theshavingroom.co.uk/community/index.php?threads/jaguar-solingen-the-orca-orca_s.30063/
http://www.theshavingroom.co.uk/community/index.php?threads/burmax-diamond-edge-de-5000.30452/
http://www.theshavingroom.co.uk/com...ads/miraki-shavette-dovo-blade-holders.30129/
http://www.theshavingroom.co.uk/community/index.php?threads/eastern-shavettes.30407/#post-417663

Nothing specific on the Weck, but you'll find it with a search.

The blade also fits a wide surgical razor also made by Weck: http://www.theshavingroom.co.uk/community/index.php?threads/weck-surgical-prep.30374/

One final thought ...

http://www.theshavingroom.co.uk/community/index.php?threads/shavette-with-a-twist.30203/

Yes, some shavettes can hold an injector blade just right.

Have fun!
 
The longer blades are called cabinet blades. I prefer a cabinet blade in a Shavette or sifter. I wasn't a fan of the salon/half DE blades in a Shavette. As mentioned above, a Feather AC or clone are great razors.
 
I feel sorry for all the barbers around the world stuck with pretty much universally agreed not at all good shavettes :)
 
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Second outing with long blade in my Dovo shavette: not a happy camper, the extra length is trouble, no gain just pain, more blade to keep track of, need to adjust technique compared to the short blade in transparent holder and constantly be on guard, very unforgiving, will give it a third go in the name of science then transfer long Dovo blade to hair cutting duty.
 
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The bulb when using short blade in transparent holder: probably why I like the Dovo shavette, protects the blade and leads the way just a bit making it safer easier smoother more enjoyable to shave, though I have not tested any other shavette so not 100% sure this is what makes Dovo shine. (less pronounced with black holder and long blade)
 
Third time with long blade in Dovo: Wow! improved technique on my side in combination with Valobra stick instead of Lea cream made all the difference, smooth shave, not bad at all...
 
Fourth time with long blade from Dovo: No problem at all this morning, I am in the zone :) got long blades from Tondeo and Jaguar incoming to test. (sticking with long as I do not get the term cabinet)
 
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Yes! I've tried 'em all! DE shavette, Dovo, Jaguar, Feather ... all the way through to the mighty Weck.

DE shavettes are not at all good. This is pretty much universally agreed. Dovo, Jaguar and the like are okay - better, but not great. Feather - pretty good, but so seething sharp and entirely unforgiving.

Weck (or any number of razors that hold the blade format) is by far the best in my opinion. The blade is more rigid and much akin to a single edge blade. In use, it's like a frameback straight and so much closer to the straight edge feeling than any of the others.

I made a handful of reviews on the matter ...

http://www.theshavingroom.co.uk/community/index.php?threads/jaguar-solingen-the-orca-orca_s.30063/
http://www.theshavingroom.co.uk/community/index.php?threads/burmax-diamond-edge-de-5000.30452/
http://www.theshavingroom.co.uk/com...ads/miraki-shavette-dovo-blade-holders.30129/
http://www.theshavingroom.co.uk/community/index.php?threads/eastern-shavettes.30407/#post-417663

Nothing specific on the Weck, but you'll find it with a search.

The blade also fits a wide surgical razor also made by Weck: http://www.theshavingroom.co.uk/community/index.php?threads/weck-surgical-prep.30374/

One final thought ...

http://www.theshavingroom.co.uk/community/index.php?threads/shavette-with-a-twist.30203/

Yes, some shavettes can hold an injector blade just right.

Have fun!
Agree 100%. Weck style razors and the blades they take (Personna hair shapers, not to be confused with mini Personna hair shapers aka injector blades) are great.

Shavettes that take injector blades are also pretty good, depending on the razor. IBC is a good one.

I never got on well with the half de shavette razors. Harder to use than a genuine straight razor, imo. Not that it can't be done, but they will not forgive even minor mistakes.
 
Jumping in late ....but I haven't seen the Focus Al Slim mentioned. One of the biggest problems I had with the DE blade shavettes was the unprotected sharp corner of the bladeand probably some blade flex. Focus has got round this with some clever design. The pic from a previous SOTD shows this.



I have had some very good shaves with this razor.
 
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