Two razors widely used by barbers because it clearly gives 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 shave with the fewest drawbacks. Yet there are distinct differences between the two. Time to pit those 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
We start with the older of the two shaving tools: the straight razor. A heavy and relatively large open razor that allows you to make fewer movements while shaving. Designed in England in the 17th century and by far one of the most old-school razors around. Before this time, shark teeth, bronze and shells were used for shaving. Sounds bold, but comfortable is different. So it won't surprise you that men became very happy because of this invention.
The straight razor is a single edge razor. It sits folded shut for safety, so it can be opened when you want to use it. This open razor cannot be replaced, so it must be sharpened every so often to keep it sharp. This does need a certain skill, but the best things in life always need skills.
Shavette
The name shavette was coined by the brand Dovo. Actually, this razor was always called the replaceable straight razor. And the name says it all, the blade is always replaceable, unlike the Straight Razor. Just insert a new blade in the holder after a few shaves. However, this knife also folds up and opens when you want to use it. Safety is paramount here as well.
Earlier, this knife was always used at traditional barber shops, but nowadays it is banned. The knife, no matter how well you clean it, should not be used on multiple people. This is to avoid spreading diseases or skin conditions. 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 roughly look like and how they originated, it's time to start the battle. Each topic will earn a point for either of them.
Using the straight razor and shavette
Usability straight razor
The straight razor is a wonderful authentic knife, but it needs to be sharpened sharp every 2 or 3 shaves. You must do this with a leather shaving belt. This is a special strap to get your razor sharp again. Sometimes this takes some practice, but practice makes perfect and before you know it you will be a master at this. Once you get into the routine, using a straight razor is a piece of cake. Best of all, you'll never have to change your razor, which saves you a lot of sweaty hands.
Tip: Read the article on how to maintain an open razor to learn how to keep your razor sharp.
User friendliness shavette
With the shavette, you don't have to worry about sharpening. When your blade is blunt, just take it out and it's tossed in the trash. Saves hassle, especially if you don't want to invest time learning how to sharpen your knife. However, you do have to be careful when you want to change your blade. The new blade is sharp and therefore you need to know exactly how to insert it into the shavette. This does require a certain skill.
In conclusion, both shaving tools require certain skills. But once you master those skills, you won't have to think twice about it. Therefore, both blades get a point.
Current score = 1-1
Sharpness of the blade.
The different shaving tools both come with good sharpness. Thus, the straight razor is an irreplaceable knife that is razor-sharp at the beginning. It makes sense that the blade can eventually become blunt. Normally you then replace a blade, but that is not possible with this knife.
What is possible is to make the knife sharp again by means of a shaving noose. This should be done approximately every 2-3 shaves. So once you have mastered this, you don't have to worry about the sharpness of your blade.
With the shavette, the blades are replaceable. So the principle is very simple: when your blade is blunt, 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. Therefore, we are going to give this point to the shavette.
Current score = 2-1 for the shavette
Safety
The straight razor is a sharp, large blade. The blade does hide in the holder, which only becomes visible when you let the blade unfold quietly. So transporting or carrying it with you won't pose any danger. It also makes a huge difference that you don't have to replace the blade. No hassle with razor-sharp little blades that you have to put in somewhere.
The shavette is also sharp, but not as big. The shavette also folds up into a holder, making it just as safe as the straight razor to carry around that way. The tricky thing with the shavette is that you have to replace the blade every so many shaves. This means that you have to put a razor blade in the holder every time you shave, and this can cause some problems if you are not familiar with it. So always carefully read the instructions on how to safely insert the blade.
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 one is more economical?
The straight razor is usually slightly more expensive to purchase than the shavette. Also, don't forget that with the straight razor, you have to start investing in a shaving belt. If you don't do this, your blade will already be blunt after about 3 shaves. So investing in this sense is cheaper in the end.
However, once you master the skill of sharpening, the razor and straight razor can last for years. So in the long run, this knife will be a lot cheaper. Don't be tempted by the price of the shavette and the replaceable blades, which do come a lot cheaper to buy. Above all, think about the long term. And if we do that the straight razor really scores a point here anyway.
Current score = 3-2 for the Straight Razor
Which one is more durable?
Of course, how long both shaving tools last depends entirely on the care you give the razor. Should you handle this well? Then the straight razor will generally last longer. When you know exactly how to sharpen and handle the blade, it will really be able to be used for decades.
Current score = 4-2 for the straight razor
Benefits in a row
It's time to list all the pros and cons of both. After that, the winner will surely be clear.
Advantages straight razor
- Because of the larger blade you need to make fewer movements while shaving
- The blade is heavier so your hand shakes less while shaving
- The razor is always razor-sharp by sharpening it with a razor belt.
- The straight razor can last a very long time if you maintain it properly
- Ultimately cheaper in the long run
- Honest: it just looks badass
Advantages shavette
- Your blade stays sharp for up to 7-10 shaves
- No need to sharpen your knife and therefore no need to buy a shaving belt
- The shavette and its blades are cheaper to buy
- The shavette is lighter and therefore more convenient to take with you when traveling
- You replace your blade every so often so you do not have to clean your shavette thoroughly.
Disadvantages in a row
Disadvantages straight razor:
- Suppose it breaks down, you have to buy a whole new straight razor.
- Sharpening requires a certain technique and knowledge which takes time to learn
- You need to buy a razor strap to keep the razor sharp
- It takes time to sharpen your razor every 2-3 shaves
Disadvantages
- 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 have to buy razor blades
- Does not last as long as the straight razor
And the winner is...
If we go over the points we can't get around it. The straight razor wins in just a few more areas and is thus the absolute winner of this battle! The fact that the open razor is more durable (and therefore cheaper) 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 want to learn the necessary skills? Then leave those dating sites behind, because we foresee the straight razor being your match of the day!
If you still have questions or would like to find out which razor suits you best? Of course we would be happy to help you, just contact us.
Good luck!
Your friends, The Alpha Men.