Two razors that are frequently used by barbers because they clearly provide the best result. 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 drawbacks. However, there are clear differences between the two. Time to pit 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
We 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 England in the 17th century and by far one of the most old-school razors available. Before this time, shark teeth, bronze, and shells were used to 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 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 the brand Dovo. Actually, this razor was 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 blade is also folded and can be unfolded when you want to use it. Safety is also a priority here.
Previously, this blade was always used in traditional barbershops, but nowadays it is prohibited. No matter how well you clean it, the blade cannot be used on multiple people. This is to prevent the spread of diseases or skin conditions. Fortunately, this is not at all relevant for people who just want to use it at home and only for themselves!
Now that we know what both blades are, what they roughly 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 must be sharpened every 2 to 3 shaves. You do this with a leather razor strop. This is a special strap to get your razor sharp again. Sometimes this requires a bit of 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 in the article how to maintain an open razor how you can keep your open razor sharp.
User-friendliness shavette
With the shavette, you don't have to worry about sharpening. When your blade is 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 change 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 tools require certain skills. But once you have those skills under control, you don't have to think about it twice. Therefore, both knives get a point.
Current score = 1-1
Sharpness of the knife
The different shaving tools both come with 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 that is not possible with this knife.
What is possible, however, is to sharpen the knife using a strop. This should 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.
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 remains sharp up to 3 times longer than the straight razor. Therefore, 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 gently let the blade unfold. 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 to carry as the straight razor. 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 carefully 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 advantageous?
The straight razor is usually slightly more expensive to purchase than the shavette. And don't forget that you have to invest in a razor strop with the straight razor. If you don't do this, your knife will be dull after about 3 shaves. Investing is therefore 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 term, 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 especially 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 durable?
How long both shaving tools last is, of course, entirely dependent on the care you provide the blade. If you handle it well? Then 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 straight razor
- Due to the larger blade, you need to make fewer movements with shaving
- The blade is heavier, so your hand trembles less during 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 shavette
- Your blade stays 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 thoroughly clean the shavette
Disadvantages listed
Disadvantages 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 shavette
- Requires knowledge to replace the blades and is therefore less safe
- Is lighter and therefore more susceptible if your hands trembles 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 durable (and therefore also more advantageous) 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 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 would like to find out which razor suits you best? We are, of course, happy to help you, feel free to contact us.
Good luck!
Your friends, The Alpha Men.