Two razors that are used a lot by Barbers because it clearly gives the best results. That disposable shears from the local drugstore is not something that makes most men happy. And that has a reason. The Straight Razor and Shavette are made for the best shaving result with the least disadvantages. Yet there are clear differences between the two. Time to put those two knives opposite each other in this battle. May the best knife win.
What is a Straight Razor and what is a Shavette?
Straight Razor
We start with the oldest of both shaving instruments: the Straight Razor. A heavy and relatively large open razor, so you have to make fewer movements with shaving. In the 17th century designed in England and by Far one of the most old-school razors to be found there. Shark teeth, bronze and shells were used to shave before this time. Sounds fat, but comfortable is different. So it will not surprise you that the man became very happy because of this invention.
The Straight Razor is a single edge razor. This is sitting closed for safety and can therefore be opened if you want to use it. This open razor cannot be replaced and must therefore be sharpened every so often to keep it sharp. This needs a certain skill, but the best things in life always need skills.
Shavette
The name Shavette came on the market by the DOVO brand. In fact, this razor was always called the "Replaceable Straight Razor". And the name says it all, the knife can always be replaced, in contrast to the Straight Razor. Simply place a new knife in the holder after a few shaves. This knife is also folded and opened when you want to use it. Safety is also paramount here.
Previously this knife was always used in traditional barbershops, but nowadays this is forbidden. The knife, no matter how well you clean it, should not be used on several people. This is to prevent diseases or skin conditions from being spread. It makes a difference that this is not at all fascinating for the people who just want to use it at home and only for themselves!
Now that we know what both knives are, what they look like and how they originated, it's time to start the battle. Each topic will yield a point for one of them.
The use of the Straight Razor and Shavette
User -friendliness Straight Razor
The Straight Razor is a beautiful authentic knife, but it must be sharpened sharply every 2 to 3 shaves. You have to do this with a learning shaving strap. This is a special belt to get your razor sharp again. Sometimes this requires some practice, but practice makes perfect and before you know it you are a master of this. Once you get the routine, the use of a Straight Razor is a piece of cake. And what is completely nice: you never have to replace your razor, so that saves a lot of vibrating sweaty hands.
Tip: Read in the article How do you maintain an open razor How you can keep your open razor sharp.
User -friendliness Shavette
At the Shavette you don't have to worry about grinding. When your knife is bone, take it out and you throw it in the trash. Saves hassle, especially if you don't want to invest time in learning how to sharpen your knife. You do have to pay attention when you want to change your knife. The new knife is sharp and that is why you have to know exactly how to place a knife in the Shavette. So this does need a certain skill again.
So the conclusion of use is that certain skills are needed for both shaving instruments. But once you have those skills under control, you don't have to think twice about it. That is why both knives get a point.
Current score = 1-1
Sharpness of the knife
The different shaving instruments both come with good sharpness. The Straight Razor is therefore an irreplaceable knife that is razor -sharp at the beginning. It makes sense that the knife can eventually become bone. Normally you replace a knife, but that is not possible with this knife.
What is possible is to make the knife sharp again through a shaving strop. This must be done approximately after every 2 to 3 shaves. Once you have mastered this, you no longer have to worry about the sharpness of your knife.
The blades are replaceable at the Shavette. So the principle is very simple: when your knife is bone, replace the knife. You have to do this approximately after every 7 to 10 shaves. So the knife stays sharp for up to 3 times as long as the Straight Razor. That is why we will give this point to the Shavette.
Current score = 2-1 for the Shavette
Safety
The Straight Razor is a sharp, large knife. The knife is hidden in the holder, which only becomes visible when you let the knife open quietly. So transport or take it with you will not have a danger. It also makes a huge difference that you don't have to replace the knife. No hassle with razor -sharp small blades that you have to place in something.
The Shavette is also sharp, but less large. The Shavette is also folded in a holder, making it just as safe as the Straight Razor to take with you. The tricky thing about the Shavette is that you have to replace the knife every so many shaves. This means that you will always have to place a razor -sharp knife in the holder, and this can sometimes cause some problems if you are not well known with it yet. So always read the instructions about how you can safely place the knife.
This one seems clear to us. The Straight Razor is safer because you don't have to struggle with razor -sharp blades.
Current score = 2-2
Which is cheaper?
The Straight Razor is usually slightly more expensive to purchase than the Shavette. And don't forget that you have to invest in a shaving strap at the Straight Razor. If you don't do this, your knife is already blunt after about 3 shaves. Investing is therefore cheaper in the end in this sense.
However, once you have mastered the skill of grinding, the shaving belt and the Straight Razor can last for years. In the long term, this knife will be a lot cheaper. Don't be seduced by the price of the Shavette and the replaceable blades, which are a lot cheaper to purchase. Consider especially the long term. And if we do that, the Straight Razor really scores a point here.
Current score = 3-2 for the Straight Razor
Which is more sustainable?
How long both shaving instruments last is of course completely dependent on the care that you offer the knife. If you handle this well? Then the Straight Razor usually lasts longer. If you know exactly how to sharpen and treat the knife, it will really be used for decades.
Current score = 4-2 for the Straight Razor
Benefits in a row
It is time to make a list of both with all the pre-and-and-seams. After that the winner will be clear.
Advantages Straight Razor
- Due to the larger knife you have to make fewer movements with shaving
- The knife is heavier, which means that your hand vibrates less when shaving
- The knife is always razor -sharp by grinding with a shaving belt
- The Straight Razor can last a long time if you maintain it well
- Ultimately cheaper in the long term
- Honest: it just looks badass
Benefits Shavette
- Your knife will remain sharp up to 7 to 10 shaves
- You don't have to sharpen your knife and therefore don't purchase a shaving belt
- The Shavette and the accompanying blades are cheaper to purchase
- The Shavette is lighter and therefore more convenient to take with you when traveling
- Every so often you replace your knife so you don't have to thoroughly clean the Shavette
Disadvantages
Disadvantages Straight Razor:
- Suppose it breaks down, you have to buy a whole new straight razor
- Grinding requires a certain technique and knowledge that takes time to learn
- You have to purchase a razor to keep the razor sharp
- It takes time to sharp your knife every 2 to 3 shaves
Shavette disadvantages
- Requires knowledge to replace the blades and is therefore less safe
- Is lighter and therefore also more susceptible if your hands vibrate quickly
- More expensive in the long term because you have to purchase razor blades
- Lasts less than the Straight Razor
And the winner is ...
If we follow the points, we can't ignore it. The Straight Razor wins on a little more surfaces and is therefore the absolute winner of this battle! The fact that the open razor is more sustainable (and therefore also cheaper) was the deciding factor.
Good things take time, and so also with the Straight Razor. But are you patience and the interest in wanting to learn the required skills? Then leave those dating sites out, because we foresee that the Straight Razor is your match of the day!
If you have any questions, or that you would like to find out which Razor suits you best? Then of course we are happy to help you, please feel free to contact us.
Good luck!
Your friends, The Alpha Men.