Two Razors that are widely used by barbers because they clearly give the best results. That disposable razor from the local drugstore is not something most men are happy with. And there's a reason for that. The Straight Razor and Shavette are made for the best shaving result with the fewest disadvantages. Nonetheless, there are clear differences between the two. Time to put these two knives against each other in this battle. May the best knife win.
What is a Straight Razor and what is a Shavette?
Straight Razor
Let's start with the oldest of the two shaving instruments: the Straight Razor. A heavy and relatively large open razor that requires fewer movements with Shaving. Designed in the 17th century in England and by far one of the most old-school Razors you can find. Before this time, shark teeth, bronze, and shells were used for Shaving. Sounds cool, but comfortable is different. So it won't surprise you that the man was very happy with this invention.
The Straight Razor is a single edge razor. It is folded for safety and can be unfolded when you want to use it. This open razor cannot be replaced and must therefore be sharpened from time to time to keep it sharp. This does require a certain skill, but the best things in life always require skills.
Shavette
The name Shavette was introduced to the market by Brand Dovo. This razor was actually always called the 'replaceable Straight Razor'. And the name says it all, the blade can always be replaced, unlike the Straight Razor. Just place a New blade in the holder after a few shaves. This razor is also folded and can be unfolded when you want to use it. Safety is also a priority here.
Previously, this razor was always used in traditional barbershops, but nowadays this is prohibited. The blade, no matter how well you clean it, cannot be used on multiple people. This is to prevent diseases or skin conditions from spreading. Fortunately, this is not a concern for people who just want to use it at home and for themselves!
Now that we know what both razors are, what they look like, and how they originated, it's time to start the battle. Each topic will earn a point for one of the two.
The use of the Straight Razor and Shavette
User-friendliness Straight Razor
The Straight Razor is a beautifully authentic blade, but it needs to be sharpened every 2 to 3 shaves. You have to do this with a leather Razor Strop. This is a special strap to get your razor sharp again. Sometimes this requires some practice, but practice makes perfect and before you know it, you'll be a master at it. Once you get the routine down, using a Straight Razor is a piece of cake. And what's really nice: you never have to replace your razor, so that saves a lot of trembling sweaty hands.
Tip: read the article how to maintain an open razor to learn how to keep your open razor sharp.
User-friendliness Shavette
With the Shavette, you don't have to worry about sharpening. When your blade becomes dull, you take it out and throw it in the trash. Saves hassle, especially if you don't want to invest time in learning how to sharpen your knife. However, you must be careful when you want to replace your blade. The new blade is sharp, so you need to know exactly how to place a blade in the Shavette. This does require a certain skill.
The conclusion of the use is that both shaving instruments require certain skills. But once you have mastered those skills, you don't have to think twice about it. That's why both knives get a point.
Current score = 1-1
Sharpness of the knife
The different shaving instruments both come with a good Sharpness. The Straight Razor is therefore an irreplaceable knife that is razor-sharp at the beginning. It is logical that the knife can become dull over time. Normally, you would replace a blade, but with this knife, it is not possible.
What is possible, however, is to make the knife sharp again using a strop. This should be done after every 2 to 3 shaves. Once you have mastered this, you no longer have to worry about the Sharpness of your knife.
With the Shavette, the blades are replaceable. So the principle is very simple: when your blade is dull, you replace the blade. You should do this approximately after every 7 to 10 shaves. So the blade stays sharp up to 3 times longer than the Straight Razor. That's why we are giving 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 gently unfold the blade. So transporting or carrying it will not pose any danger. It also helps a lot that you don't have to replace the knife. No hassle with razor-sharp small blades that you have to place somewhere.
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 carry. The tricky part with the Shavette is that you have to replace the blade every few shaves. This means you will have to place a razor-sharp blade in the holder each time, which can cause some problems if you are not yet familiar with it. Always read the instructions on how to safely place the blade.
This 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 more economical?
The Straight Razor is usually a bit more expensive to purchase than the Shavette. And don't forget that with the Straight Razor, you need to invest in a Razor Strop. If you don't, your knife will be dull after about 3 shaves. In this sense, investing is cheaper in the end.
However, once you have mastered the skill of sharpening, the Razor Strop and the Straight Razor can last for years. In the long run, this knife will be much cheaper. Don't be tempted by the Price of the Shavette and the replaceable blades, which are much cheaper to purchase. Think mainly about 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 tools last is, of course, entirely dependent on the care you give the blade. If you handle it well, the Straight Razor generally lasts longer. When you know exactly how to sharpen and treat the blade, it can truly be used for decades.
Current score = 4-2 for the Straight Razor
Advantages listed
It's time to list all the pros and cons of both. After that, the winner will undoubtedly be clear.
Advantages of Straight Razor
- Due to the larger blade, you need to make fewer movements with Shaving
- The blade is heavier, which means your hand shakes less when Shaving
- The blade can always be made razor-sharp by sharpening with a Razor Strop
- The Straight Razor can last a very long time if you maintain it well
- Ultimately cheaper in the long run
- Honestly: it just looks badass
Advantages of Shavette
- Your blade remains sharp for up to 7 to 10 shaves
- You don't need to sharpen your blade and therefore don't need to purchase a Razor Strop
- The Shavette and the accompanying blades are cheaper to purchase
- The Shavette is lighter and therefore more convenient to take on trips
- Every so often, you replace your blade, so you don't need to clean the Shavette thoroughly
Disadvantages listed
Disadvantages of Straight Razor:
- If it breaks, you have to buy a whole new Straight Razor
- Sharpening requires a certain technique and knowledge, which takes time to learn
- You need to purchase a Razor Strop to keep the razor sharp
- It takes time to sharpen your blade every 2 to 3 shaves
Disadvantages of Shavette
- Requires knowledge to replace the blades and is therefore less safe
- Is lighter and therefore more susceptible if your Hands shake quickly
- More expensive in the long run because you need to purchase Razor Blades
- Doesn't last as long as the Straight Razor
And the winner is…
If we go through the points, we can't ignore it. The Straight Razor wins on just a few more fronts and is therefore the absolute winner of this battle! The fact that the open razor is more sustainable (and therefore also more cost-effective) was the deciding factor.
Good things take time, and so it is with the Straight Razor. But do you have the patience and interest to learn the necessary skills? Then leave those dating sites aside for a moment, because we foresee that the Straight Razor is your match of the day!
If you have any questions, or if you'd like to find out which razor suits you best, we're happy to help, feel free to contact us.
Good luck!
Your friends, The Alpha Men.