Thread: Disposable (Dovo Shavette) or new (Wapi)?

Hi guys,

I've been intrigued by straight razors for a while now but never got the guts to go ahead given the barriers to entry - cost, risk of slicing my neck open, etc. Mainly cost; I've cut myself enough times with a normal razor that the cutting myself open thing is not as much a fear as a back of mind concern.

Anyway, I've been reading the boards and given that my electric razor is just dissatisfying now to shave with, I thought I might give it a try. In taking the plunge I kind of want to wet (whet! haha, sorry) my feet and try it and see if I like it before I go whole hog.

I've been reading posts and I started reading about Wapienica razors, which I found honed and shave-ready (by RupRazors) for ~$50. I also read a post about Feathers/Dovo Shavette/etc. and other disposables and was intrigued because I found the Dovo Shavette for ~$30.

Now here's the question: given that I'm resource constrained and want to try before I commit, and both these razors are similarly priced and seemingly well-recommended, what's my best option? Should I buy the Dovo and give it a try; or, if I like it does that commit me to buying costly replacements? Or should I buy the Wapi and learn on it (does this then require me to buy the strop, etc. and be burdened by the ancillary cost of accoutrements)?

Thanks!

Hello and welcome!

I would go for the wapi....it already comes shave ready, and for a price that's not much more than the shavette. I haven't heard the greatest about the shavette, but remember you're also on a forum full of old-school razor enthusiasts .

I see why you're considering both options, as you're not sure if you're going to stick with the straight, and that's understandable.

But I think if you get a shave-ready straight and don't like it, it'll have a lot more resale value than a disposable one, at least that's my intuition. I'm sure you could sell a shave-ready wapi here on the classifieds for $40, maybe $50 like what you'd pay .

But I think you will really like the real straight, so that's where my vote is.

But you'd also need a strop for your razor....but they can be had fairly cheap (starting at around $30 probably)

Welcome to SRP. I'd go with the Wapi and strop. Since you're an electric shaver, you'll need a brush and soap. too. You can pick up a boar bristle brush and shaving soap at Walmart for about $10 and drop the soap in a coffee mug from home. If you decide str8s aren't for you, you can always sell your gear on the classifieds (above). For that matter, check the classifieds for starter sets. There are many threads of members who bought starter sets from Kenrup (in the classifieds under member services).

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the advice so quickly. I'm definitely leaning towards the Wapi. I also noticed that Ken has a combo deal with a strop for this forum that he doesn't have on his site ($75 strop included) so I'm definitely considering that. Significantly more than the Shavette now but if I decide to keep it it seems well worth it.

Now to scrounge up $75... Going back to grad school + leaving your job leaves you less than wealthy!

If you're going to try straight razor shaving, you had better try
the real thing before making a decision. The shavette may be
a useful tool, but it won't give you the same experience.

If you can afford it, go for the Wapi+Strop. If you can't, save
until you can.

- Scott

Welcome Sansnom,

I started with a shavette and I still use it regularly. I even wrote an article about it on the wiki just for starters like you.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...x.php/Shavette

Whatever you choose, both the wapi and the shavette are good options.

I would choose the shavette and after a while when you are comfortable with the straight pickup a vintagefrom the classifieds or a wapi, a good strop and something to tough up the edge.

I think every one will get more than one razor eventually because if it needs to be honed you will need to either send it out (and you need to shave) or you can learn how to hone yourself (and you need something to shave with when you find out the testshave wasnt all that good)

Maarten

+1 on the Wapi. Mine from RupRazor shaves like a dream. The only bad press these razors ever seem to get is the heavy scales and you'll get used to them soon enough. If you can't afford the strop, I've got a Tony Miller practice strop I'd be willing to part with. Send me a PM if your interested and I'll get it sent out this week.

I have the Wapi and it's awesome. Ken at Ruprazor really knows his stuff. He sends you the razor stropped and honed and all ready for the first shave. His jimmy strop is nice also and well priced. If you mess up the blade in any way, either by stropping, or chipping the blade on the faucet, etc, he will rehone it for 5$.


Plus shavettes are lame.

Guys I definitely think the Wapi is probably the way to go - I'll get the truest experience and can really make a decision. Plus as someone said, were I not to like it I could give someone a good deal on the board and have only spent a few bucks on my trial.

mlangstr - Interesting article and definitely helpful. Kind of pushes me in the direction of getting the Wapi and then if I decide that I like it, I could get the Shavette as a travel/be-quick-in-the-morning-so-I'm-not-late second razor.

Effnish - thanks for the offer! That's mighty generous and I am seriously considering taking you up on that. I'll send you a PM this weekend once I pull the trigger on the Wapi.

Shavettes are far less forgiving than a straight razor blade. If you try to use it as a in a hurry shaver,you're going to cut yourself bad. I would get a DE like a Gillette NEW (best DE ever, imo) or a Fat boy for in the hurry mornings.

I could be biased, but I Think shavettes are horrible in comparison to straights and are useless compared to a DE.