Wet shaving with a shavette or razor can seem intimidating at first glance. This is understandable because it involves bringing a very sharp blade close to the skin. Such a wet shave can lead to one of the most accurate shaves you can experience.

For many, this is a preferred method, despite the fact that it requires a certain amount of caution and technique. It is a type of wet shaving that with time and practice can become both safe and effective.

Why should I shave with a shavette or razor instead of a safety razor?

Want a really close shave? A shavette or razor can get closer to the skin than a safety razor. This is because there is no comb to protect the skin and therefore the blade can come into direct contact with the skin.

Are you interested in a shaving tradition that men have followed for over 250 years? While the safety razor has been around for over 100 years, the history of the razor goes back 250 years. It is a method that has stood the test of time.

Do you care about the environment? A razor is a very climate-smart choice. A well-maintained razor can last a lifetime. This means that it has an almost non-existent climate footprint compared to other shaving methods.

Benefits of shavette and razor

Closer shave than a razor
Long history and tradition
Climate-smart alternative, especially razor that does not require consumables

Disadvantages of shavette and razor

Requires more skill than a razor
Higher initial cost than a razor

Choosing between shavette, razor and safety razor is a matter of personal preference and what is important to you.

What is the difference between a razor and a shavette?

Razor

Fixed blades usually made of carbon steel, which is sharper than the stainless steel from which replaceable razor blades are made
Needs to be trimmed and sanded to maintain sharpness and not become dull
Time-consuming maintenance that needs to be performed every time it is used
Very long tradition and a long culture

Shavette

Replaceable blade, either special shavette blades or double razor blades
No need to be trimmed or sharpened, it is enough to change the blade
Easy maintenance, no sanding needed
Modern development

What is meant by 5/8 inch or Dutch tip, for example?

5/8 inch is used to describe the width of a razor’s blade. In this case, it means five-eighths of an inch. This measurement is standard for many razors and is handy to start with.

There are other dimensions as well, such as 6/8 inches, which is slightly wider and heavier. Better suited for a slightly thicker beard.

But the other side is 3/8 inch narrower and lighter. Slightly more difficult but possible to get a more precise shave.

Dutch lace refers to a tip of the razor that is rounded at the front edge. This type is popular among beginners because it is considered safe.

Another common tip is the Spanish tip, which is also called concave tip.

Can all shavettes be used with all shavett blades and double razor blades?

Yes, almost all shavettes can be used with all shavette blades and double razor blades. But there are exceptions.

One such exception is Feather brand shavettes, which can only be used with Feather shavette leaves. Personna has worked with Dovo to develop a shavette leaf that is used with shavette leaf holders for Dovo shavettes.

Why is it important to have a groom?

A skirt is very important. This is because a sharpener makes sure to keep the sharpness of the razor blade and thus that it is constantly sharp. However, a sharpener does not sharpen the razor, it is done with a sharpening stone.

When a razor is used and cuts off the hairs, microscopic small waves appear in the razor blade. In addition, dirt, dust and other particles can accumulate on the razor blade. When you use a shaver, the waves in the razor blade will straighten and the particles on the razor blade will disappear.

It is very important to do this every time to make sure that your razor is always in the best possible condition when you go to shave.

Should I sand mine myself?

We do not recommend sharpening yourself, at least not as a beginner. This is because it is very difficult to sharpen a razor, and the risk of making mistakes is great. This can lead to the razor being destroyed and rendered unusable, which we do not want to happen.

For those of you who still want to learn how to sharpen your razor yourself, we recommend finding another razor at a suitable price. A razor you don’t plan to use for wet shaving, but only to learn how to sharpen it. It will take a lot of time and patience, but in the end, you will learn it.

Then you have a very special knowledge that most people do not have.

There are also plenty of people who sharpen razors for compensation, something we recommend in the beginning.

What should I consider when buying my first razor or shavette?

A razor is an expensive investment to buy, but it is also meant to last for many years. Therefore, it is important to be careful with the care of it from the start and make sure to learn how to do it.

If you feel from the start that the care of a razor is too much, you should choose a shavette. Then you get an experience of wet shaving that is similar to the razor but without all the work of care and care.

If you are completely new to wet shaving, we recommend that you usually start with a safety razor before moving on to razor and shavette. This is especially true if you have previously shaved with a disposable razor or multi-blade system.

Feel free to go to a professional barber and get shaved a few times with shavette, as that’s usually what most people offer. Feel free to ask questions and try to see how they do.

Don’t give up if things don’t go well right away. It takes a while to learn.