Reasons to use a shavette for your everyday shaves

Although the shavette looks similar to a straight razor, its mechanism and function have their own distinct philosophy. The straight razor features a single steel blade that's repeatedly sharpened, while the shavette uses replaceable double-edge razor blades, cut in half or special half blades. This means no specialized sharpening is required—whenever you want peak performance, you simply change the blade.

The critical point lies in how this tiny piece of steel is held. There are two basic mechanisms: classic safety shavettes with a "guard" that opens to allow blade placement, and sliding shavettes, which use a detachable mechanism with slide-in functionality. Both versions have a particular feel in the hand, different "locking" mechanisms, and a distinct sense of control.

For the beginner shaver, this translates to a tool that forgives mistakes, requires no continuous maintenance, and offers ease of use. For the professional barber, the shavette is an indispensable tool for creating clean lines, beard grooming, and absolute detail control.

The fact that the blade is disposable virtually eliminates maintenance and hygiene issues. With a simple click, you change the blade before each client, which explains why shavettes have become established in barbershops worldwide. The shavette is the perfect example of a tool that combines traditional aesthetics with modern practicality.

And of course, the feel in the hand is something you understand immediately: the lightweight construction, the balance between handle and "head," and the ease with which the angle changes make learning smoother and the shaving technique more enjoyable. ✔️

The biggest disadvantage of a straight razor is undoubtedly its maintenance. It requires stropping, honing, leather strops, polishing pastes, and regular edge checks. For many, this process is enjoyable—for most, however, it's time-consuming and demanding.

The shavette, on the other hand, works exactly like a professional razor: when the blade "drops off," you simply change it. The cost of half blades is minimal and performance excellent—especially if you try different brands to find what suits your skin type and beard.

The hygiene factor is also decisive. In barbershops, the shavette allows the barber to have a new, sterilized blade for each client, without the need for special cleaning after each use. Even for home use though, the ability to frequently change blades ensures always clean, safe cutting.

At home, maintenance is limited to rinsing the tool well and drying it properly. There's no mechanism that needs lubrication, no steel requiring special care. This makes the shavette ideal for those who want the traditional experience without getting into more complex procedures.

The low cost of use is one of the reasons the shavette became so popular. With a few euros, you can buy blades that will cover weeks or months of shaving. And most importantly: each change offers the perfect, sharp, "fresh" feeling that makes shaving truly enjoyable. ✨

«The right shavette choices open the path to true precision.»

Try different types and find the one that fits your hand and technique.

Shaving with a shavette has a completely different dynamic compared to a safety razor or classic straight razor. Although the blade is small, the feel on the skin is "clean" and direct—you feel the tool working on your face without excess weight or resistance. This greatly helps in learning the correct angle, as every small change is noticeable. It's as if the wrist, fingers, and blade function as one.

Many shavers choose the shavette as their first step into the world of traditional shaving. It offers an experience of deep connection with the process without the risk and maintenance of a straight razor. In practice, a properly placed half blade can give a shave impressively close to the skin with fewer irritations, as long as it's rolled with the appropriate pressure—that is, minimal.

The freedom of blade choice is also decisive. Some blades are sharper, others softer, others have different cutting profiles. With a few tries, you can find an excellent combination: shavette + blade that fits exactly your skin and shaving style. This is an advantage that no cartridge razor can offer.

In a beginner's hands, the shavette can cause minor cuts—but precisely because the blade is small and easily controlled, these are minimized quickly with a little practice. Within a few weeks, even new users acquire a natural ease of movement that's hard to abandon. ✔️

If there's one reason barbers insist on the shavette, it's precision. Its thin blade allows careful, targeted movements that no other razor can achieve in the same way. Whether it's cleaning the neck, finishing sideburns, or sharpening beard edges, the shavette offers absolute control.

The correct angle—approximately 30 degrees—allows the blade to glide without resistance. With the shavette, you feel exactly the point of contact, something that incredibly helps in developing technique. Even a beginner can, with a little attention and concentration, create "clean lines" that look like they came from a barbershop.

Another advantage of the shavette is that it allows microscopic corrective movements. Unlike multi-blade cartridge razors, there's no plastic guard limiting the visual field or angle. This means you see exactly what you're doing. And this "visibility advantage" is what makes the shavette unmatched in every detail.

For men with demanding beards or those who love facial grooming, the shavette becomes an irreplaceable tool. Even a minimum shaving routine transforms into a rejuvenating experience, with each pass offering the immediacy and feedback needed for an excellent result. ✨

If there's one point where the shavette clearly surpasses every other shaving option, it's cost. Without sharpening, without maintenance, without equipment that wears out, it represents the most economical "premium" experience a man can have at home.

• ✔️ No honing or stropping required like the straight razor.
• ✔️ Doesn't require professional maintenance every six months.
• ✔️ Blades with minimal cost (€0.10–0.25 per use).
• ✔️ Zero wear on handle and mechanism.
• ✔️ Absolute hygiene — each shave starts with a "fresh" blade.

A straight razor, however beautiful, needs complex maintenance. Sharpening stones, pastes, strops, the time and experience required significantly increase cost. With the shavette, all of this is eliminated.

Additionally, the ability to try different blades gives a huge advantage: you find the perfect combination for your skin at no cost.

• ✨ Feather for absolute sharpness
• ✨ Derby for sensitive skin
• ✨ Astra for performance-comfort balance

All this makes the shavette a tool with excellent price-performance ratio. It offers a barbershop experience, the ability for deep shaving, and freedom of blade choice—without expenses.

The aesthetics and feel of the shavette in hand offer a unique shaving "ritual" that a simple cartridge razor hardly provides. From the handle to the opening and closing of the mechanism, the process carries something aristocratic and old-school.

That's why many men who try a shavette for the first time never return to conventional razors: they finally feel that shaving becomes a conscious moment of grooming.

• ✔️ You fully control the angle without plastic guards.
• ✔️ You see exactly where the blade cuts — ideal for details.
• ✔️ Works whether you have short or thick beard.
• ✔️ Builds technique that lasts a lifetime.
• ✔️ Gives the "barbershop feeling" at home.

Portability is also a big advantage. Shavettes fold, are lightweight, and store easily—something that makes frequent travelers prefer them. Unlike a straight razor, there's no risk of blade damage or need for protection.

And of course, there are models with wooden handles, metal, stainless steel, even premium Parker or Dovo versions that look like small masterpieces. For those who love grooming equipment, the shavette becomes a real statement item.

«The right tools make the shavette even better.»

Choose quality equipment for a consistent, comfortable, and enjoyable shaving experience. ✔️

✨ Small choices that elevate the final result — every day.

Giannis – Owner of HairMania Greece & Founder of HairMaker.Gr

Professional hairdresser with 25 years of experience in hair and beard care. Owner of HairMania Greece and founder of HairMaker.Gr.

With our team, we publish articles based on real tests, customer feedback, and experience from the barbershop.

Questions about grooming? Email: info@hairmaker.gr

Learn more about us

Follow us:
@hairmakergr | @hairmaniagr