Anyone use a Straight razor/Artist Club razor/Shavette razor?

[Doc Dan]

Anyone use any of these? I've sort of been toying with the idea of learning to shave with a straight razor. However, a good one, plus gear, is very costly. So, I've been eye balling a Feather Artist Club razor to learn with so I can see if I really want to do this or not.

Let me have some of your thoughts and experiences.

[Ric]

I had 2 shaving knives which I did not liked. The felt not sharp. Had the resharpened, still not sharp enough.

Used a shavette with plastic insert. I was wobbly.

Tried a shavette (30 bucks or so) where you can load half DE razor blades.
Also did not liked it. I think mainly because my poor technique. You have to use different hand positions which makes adjusting the correct angle difficult.

Overall I would recommend a shavette with standard half DE blades.

[Ric]

Bluebeards Revenge Straight Razor

Similar to this

[Doc Dan]

I'm also looking hard at a Ralf Aust and Thiers Issard straight razors. That's what I really want.

[sparty569]

I use a Parker Shavette. Granted, I dont shave my face, I have a long beard, but I use it to like up my cheeks, clean up my neck, and line up my hairline after coming back from the barber.

You need to be careful, tho. It is a razor blade.

[Doc Dan]

I found a Hiyashi Diamond razor at a good price that has been professionally sharpened. I might get it because the price is good and the razor is excellent. It will be a good razor to learn on and even if I never get another one it will be a good one to have.

[Ric]

Then you should try the Hiyashi.

Price and name is not everything.
Fancy handle material or design does not improve the shave.
It must be sharp and you need to sharpen it. And you need to learn the technique.

[awa54]

I gave straights a try, but it's really a whole different pursuit than safety razor shaving... in the morning, half awake in the shower, what I need is a clean shave without drama, blood or red skin, not a test of my skill, commitment and technique.

If you truly want to pursue shaving as a hobby, art, or test of skill, then I'd suggest a vintage straight that's shave ready, they can be had for under $100, if you love it, then you can sink the big bucks on a top flight razor at a later date.

BTW, sharpening a straight is only tangentially related to the techniques used to get a great edge on a knife... a sharp but unrefined edge will leave your face a bloody mess and a refined, but imperfectly sharp edge will tug and likely force your hand so you get nicks *and* a terrible shave. As I understand it, technique will overcome dullness to a fair extent, but until you possess that technique it's a big challenge.

If you want a taste of unprotected blade without spending big money, get a FaTip, the blade has complete exposure, so you need exacting control to shave without nicks and irritation (just like a straight, but with a more familiar handle angle).

[Doc Dan]

I have a professional razor honer nearby. I am getting that razor from him, if it is as good as his pictures. I will get it in the morning. I doubt I will prefer the straight razor to my beloved double edge safety razors. I just want to try it out. But, who knows?

[Ric]

Do you have the Muehle R41?

Geofatboy: Shaving Without the Bar-
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QzbIqjZCmYs

The R41 is a beast. Without 500% focus there will be blood. More aggressive than a straight razor.

[Doc Dan]

It got it, today! It is a beautiful 6/8 Japanese Hayashi Ichitaro Diamond 1000. It has what appears to be Kirinite scales. I can't wait to use it later.

[Doc Dan]

Well, I've had my first straight razor shave. I got no cuts, no weepers, and only one small slight irritation due to my own fault. I knew it when I did it. My cheeks are baby butt smooth (BBS) and my neck is certainly office worthy or better....probably better. It was an excellent shave.

I did shave one of my side burns short. Hahaha! Sharp razor!

Overall, I'm very happy.

[Ric]

Wow, nice.
Same routine as always?

You did everything with your dominant hand or both hands?

[Doc Dan]

I did everything with my dominant hand. I will experiment with using the other hand, but be
cause of that motorcycle accident my left shoulder is stiff and has some limited mobility.

My second shave is in. Again, I got no cuts, and no weepers. I did get some irritation on the right side of my neck. The razor didn't glide quite as well, today. I think I didn't strop it enough. Or, it could have been the soap I used. My shave was BBS on my face and my neck was certainly office worthy. I did two passes, with and against the grain.

[Doc Dan]

Second shave completed. My face is BBS. My neck is office worthy, but I got a bit of irritation where I tried to touch up without relathering. Note to self: Don't do that!

I had no cuts and no weepers. Overall, it was a really good shave.

[Ric]

Nice.
So, no more Hensons for you?

[Doc Dan]

Nice.
So, no more Hensons for you?

Hahaha! I still have them and will use them, don't worry about that!

[Doc Dan]

Well, the third shave is done. I had no cuts, no weepers, and no irritation. I stropped the knife on the smooth leather strop after I shaved the last time, and then I stropped it more before I shaved this time. All in all thirty or more up and down strops. The shave was as smooth as the first one.

I also used Barrister and Mann Reserver Lavender shave soap and a Charmwise 26mm knot synthetic brush. Great stuff!

[Ric]

Looks very nice.

You use the same angle as with the DE razor? Short moves?
How is it under the nose? For me this hurts the most it the blade is not sharp, neck is also sensitive.

Have you ever tried the R41?

[Doc Dan]

I am still learning, but I try to use the steepest angle that will still cut, almost like just raking off the foam. If the razor is not sharp it will irritate tender places. That is why this razor was professionally honed. Then, I strop it really well before and after each shave. If it is properly sharpened it will easily top hairs and the edge will be very smooth and even.

I've ordered a jeweler's loop so I can examine the edge.