Electric Shavers

What you always wanted to know about Elegance, but were afraid to ask!
Costi
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Wed Jul 06, 2011 9:52 am

Rowly, you are most welcome, glad to be of help. The Dovo looks great, but keep in mind that full hollow ground razors are more tricky - the blade is more flexible and unforgiving. I would still suggest a "shavette" type of razor, using disposable blades (snapped in half) so you may learn how to handle a straight razor in relative safety. That's better than using a safety razor (and just as safe), because the technique is entirely different.
If you go for the Dovo, don't forget to order a strop, too (cowhide & canvas - I prefer the flexible kind that you hang from the door knob).
Rowly
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Wed Jul 06, 2011 11:03 pm

Costi wrote: I would still suggest a "shavette" type of razor, using disposable blades (snapped in half) so you may learn how to handle a straight razor in relative safety. That's better than using a safety razor (and just as safe), because the technique is entirely different.
Costi, I have ordered a Dovo Shavette under your advice. It takes the normal DE blades. For a small extra, I have ordered an attachment that takes longer disposable blades which are more like a traditional straight razor. I ordered a badger brush and cream, to complete the set. My safety razor is also on its way, to give me a back up. This will give me plenty of practice (between blood transfusions) towards the eventual goal of traditional straight razor shaving. I'm really looking forward to it, and thanks again!
Costi
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Thu Jul 07, 2011 5:44 am

Rowly wrote:My safety razor is also on its way, to give me a back up. This will give me plenty of practice (between blood transfusions) towards the eventual goal of traditional straight razor shaving. I'm really looking forward to it, and thanks again!
Most welcome! What's your type? I offer the first dose free... No need to learn shaving after that, it will be in your blood :D
What cream did you order?
Rowly
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Thu Jul 07, 2011 8:47 am

Costi wrote:What cream did you order?
My shaving equipment is as follows....
Double edged safety razor -- Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic
C/o Amazon and The Shaving Shack....
shaving brush.JPG
kent holder.JPG
shaving order-Amazon.JPG
I hope this is helpful to anyone interested in taking up this new blood sport! :wink:
Rowly.
cathach
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Sun Sep 04, 2011 12:23 am

Rowly,

I'd have to say that after reading your posts I was inspired by you to get my grand-uncle's old Solingen blade restored and made shave-ready. I'll post you a pic if ye're interested. Another great site is: http://www.theinvisibleedge.co.uk/shavereadyrazors.html they have shave-ready NOS/new old stock Sheffield made razors, I'm sorely tempted by them or their Japanese Iwasaki razors, form and function in perfect union :http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-2798858193 ... 4_10013844
Rowly
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Sun Sep 04, 2011 10:16 am

Cathach, Check out Geofatboy's youtube videos..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDR_1hg- ... ure=relmfu
His site is Shavenation.com...He will show you everything you need to know, including how to strop the razor etc. Read his blog, as well as watching the video clips.
Here is a suitable strop...http://www.executive-shaving.co.uk/dovo ... -strop.php I think you need a wide one of quality for the sake of your razor.

Prosario gel is worth getting http://www.executive-shaving.co.uk/pror ... ng-gel.php
Let me know how you get on. Rowley
Costi
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Sun Sep 04, 2011 11:04 am

Rowly,

How is your Dovo Shavette experience? I got one, too, in the meantime, and I like it better than my old razor, because it is heavier (and well-balanced - beware of the versions with resin scales, too light!).
Rowly
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Sun Sep 04, 2011 12:49 pm

Costi, I have become an expert with the DE Safety razor. I have had a few pro turkish shaves since and , if I take my time with a couple of passes, I can get almost as good with my own razor. I love it and look forward to setting time aside to enjoy my shave. I have been complimented on my smooth face as the difference is noticeable. I have been putting off my shavette freehand shaving, but this morning, after the thread being reopened, (and now also my face...but read on...) I gave it a go. I got off to a great start and shaved both cheeks and the sides of my face and the left side under my nose (I’m left handed). I drew some blood under my nose which I assumed was a minor cut, as I didn't feel it. Doing the right side I changed hands and was careful...no real problems, although it felt strange. Then the chin, which I expected to be the easiest. I found it difficult to stretch the skin with one hand and shave with the other. My fingers were slipping on my soapy face. Determined to get a smooth finish, I persisted with about three passes over the chin...still not satisfied; I decided to leave it for now. After rinsing, I have a lot of cuts on my chin. I hope this is beginner's bad luck. I am considering developing a hybrid shaving routine. Using the DE and afterwards doing a pass with the shavette on the easy to shave areas only. A word of advice to Cathrach...don't invest too much until you're sure it's for you.
I like it better than my old razor, because it is heavier (and well-balanced
Costi did you move from a normal disposable to the Shavette, or from a DE razor? Have you any tips...Is the Shavette worth persevering with....do you always use it, or occasionally?
I have to say I really enjoy the whole shaving thing and would want to take it to the ultimate....but I don't want my face so smooth that all my shaving scars are clearly visible :D
Costi
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Sun Sep 04, 2011 3:14 pm

Rowly, the inox steel shavette replaced an older straight razor with disposable blades and plastic scales. The heavier steel sets the razor better in my hand. Years ago I moved from the multi-blades to the DE razor and then from the DE razor to straight razor. I still can't get my real straight razor (non-disposable blade) in proper condition for a shave...
The trick in the area under the nose (upper lip) is to put the razor flush with the nostrils, blade perpendicular to the skin (without pressing or sliding left/right) and, from there, move down while at the same time rotating the razor blade into the "normal" position. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Axk4AvwfrEc (I don't get the music choice...)
The chin area is the most difficult. I use long strokes starting right under my lower lip and moving over the jaw bone, under the skin, on the lower neck. When going against the grain, I start under the neck and stop on the jaw bone, then resume with a new move from the chin up. I don't stretch my skin, I find it's tight enough (lucky me? :D ).
I don't change hands! I change my grip when necessary. I prefer an awkward position of the arm, but in control with my leading hand.
Rowly
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Sun Sep 04, 2011 3:56 pm

Costi, You think the end result with the Shavette is noticeably better than the DE? That's good to know..I'll keep trying and feel sure I will get onto it. I think I was too gung ho for my first attempt. I got the Dovo Shavette with the metal scales, but I got the longer plastic sleeve and the longer blades, thinking it would be easier than the shorter blade. Hopefully, I will eventually get a feel for it. It does feel awkward, though...the task is a lot more multi-dimensional than with the DE which does a lot of the work for you. Would it be fair to say that, having mastered the shavette, the step up to full straight razor would be much easier? It would be thrilling to get proficient to this level! Thanks for the tips. Rowly.
Costi
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Sun Sep 04, 2011 4:06 pm

Rowly wrote:Would it be fair to say that, having mastered the shavette, the step up to full straight razor would be much easier?
That's what I hope! :)
NJS

Sun Sep 04, 2011 5:25 pm

Costi wrote:
Rowly wrote:Would it be fair to say that, having mastered the shavette, the step up to full straight razor would be much easier?
That's what I hope! :)
Time to have a stab at it.
NJS
Costi
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Mon Sep 05, 2011 1:00 am

Alright, Mr. Hyde - next please! :)
All over the world
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Wed Sep 07, 2011 2:13 am

And before we know it the London Lounge turns into Badger and Blade's little brother. :lol:
Costi
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Wed Sep 07, 2011 6:12 am

Ah, so YOU are next!
All right... Let me strop it properly.
:)
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