Finding the Right Blade Angle; Proper Holding Technique (For Shave)

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11-09-2013, 12:12 PM
bkoplin

Finding the Right Blade Angle; Proper Holding Technique (For Shave)
Two (non) quick questions from a total neophyte:
1. What's the best way to find the 30° angle? Do you:
  - Start with the face flat against the skin and pivot the spine out until you get to 30º; or
  - Start with the edge on the skin positioned between an acute and an obtuse angle and with the edge of the blade against your face and pivot the spine in? (Even as I am writing this, it seems completely wrong and dangerous to pivot the edge on your skin); or
  - Start with the blade away from the skin at an approximate 30º angle and just attack with the edge.
2. Can someone please post a picture of the proper hand-hold for shaving the different face facets? I get the idea of the thumb on the edge side of the tang and two/three fingers on the spine side of the tang for shaving most of the face, but I read somewhere that the thumb should always press against the heel of the blade on the tang side. Is that so? Can anyone comment? And what are the holds for shaving against the grain and under the chin and such?
11-09-2013, 12:20 PM
ace

Finding the best angle is a matter of starting with the blade flat on the face, starting the stroke and raising the spine until the razor is cutting whiskers. You do not need to be told when you've gone too far. You'll be the first to know.
11-09-2013, 12:23 PM
mainaman

Here is a compilation of shaving videos, take a look to get the general idea how it is done.
I would not try to copy any one particular way of doing it, just use some pointers to figure out how it works best for you.

straight razor shave tutorial - YouTube
11-09-2013, 12:30 PM
bkoplin

Quote:

Originally Posted by ace

You'll be the first to know.

…and my wife will be the first to NOTICE.

Thanks for the videos. I'll look through them.

Thing is, my razor's in the mail. Until then, I'm obsessing a bit too much with theory. Which is making this whole thing seem far more complicated and daunting than it needs to be. Need some field work to calm the nerves.
11-09-2013, 01:13 PM
Mvcrash

It takes some time since everyone's face is different. watch the video's try different angles and you'll find your sweet spot. Also, I would try to shave using both hands. Makes the angles easier to find on each side of your face.
11-09-2013, 01:59 PM
bkoplin

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mvcrash

…shave using both hands.

In other words: put both hands on the razor at the same time? Or: learn to use both the dominant and non-dominant hands to hold the razor?
11-09-2013, 02:06 PM
Lazarus

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkoplin

In other words: put both hands on the razor at the same time? Or: learn to use both the dominant and non-dominant hands to hold the razor?

The later.
11-09-2013, 02:08 PM
Haroldg48

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkoplin

In other words: put both hands on the razor at the same time? Or: learn to use both the dominant and non-dominant hands to hold the razor?

I believe Mvcrash means to use you left hand on the left side of your face, and the right hand on the right. Try it, and then adjust to what works best for you.
11-09-2013, 02:59 PM
Lynn

Over thinking this does really make it harder for most and causes a level of tentative which creates more problems than need be. Yep, easy for me to say after all these years. If you try to think of this as using a new tool and developing the tactile senses and techniques that allows it to work through practice and building your confidence, you will be fine.

Have fun.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkoplin

…and my wife will be the first to NOTICE.

Thanks for the videos. I'll look through them.

Thing is, my razor's in the mail. Until then, I'm obsessing a bit too much with theory. Which is making this whole thing seem far more complicated and daunting than it needs to be. Need some field work to calm the nerves.
11-09-2013, 03:09 PM
bkoplin

Lynn:

I have been obsessing over your videos! I need to stop watching and start doing…!

Ben
11-09-2013, 03:26 PM
SirStropalot

Another video that I think is an excellent guide. He covers prep, technique, angles, etc., etc.. :)

Also, here's a link to our video thread. You'll find vids by Lynn, Glen and many others.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/videos/

:gl:

Howard :)

What is "The Shave Test" for a Straight Razor - YouTube
11-09-2013, 03:30 PM
bkoplin

Yeah, I watched that one, too. Several times. I'm just going to accept that I'm not going to get it perfect straight out of the gate, and I'll mature into it like you pros. Thanks for the tips. I'm sure I'll have many many many many more questions. You've all been great. Someone even took the time to call me and talk me down!
02-23-2014, 07:52 AM
DamnStraight

Did the dude in that video really say he's using his customer SR which he honed and needs to send it back to him? Hmmm, hope my guy doesn't do that! There's a reason sterilization is a pretty big deal at barber shops. Hell, they're using shavettes to avoid this issue in many cases.

I did like that he mentioned to double the width of the spine to find that mysterious 30 degree angle.
02-23-2014, 07:57 AM
gssixgun

Yes that "Dude" (me) in the vid did say that, most all razors are shave tested before being sent back by everyone that hones professionally,,,, (including Shawn)

We even clean them first, before sending them back ....
02-23-2014, 11:54 AM
tcrideshd

that's what shave ready means! you can shave with mine anytime glen tc
02-23-2014, 12:13 PM
Haroldg48

Quote:

Originally Posted by DamnStraight

Did the dude in that video really say he's using his customer SR which he honed and needs to send it back to him? Hmmm, hope my guy doesn't do that! There's a reason sterilization is a pretty big deal at barber shops. Hell, they're using shavettes to avoid this issue in many cases.

I did like that he mentioned to double the width of the spine to find that mysterious 30 degree angle.

Most of us who are above a certain age were shaved with straights around our necks, ears and sideburns by the barber at our haircut every two weeks. I'm sure their conditions were considerably less sanitary than that employed by professional honers like gssixgun. His name is Glen, if you'd like to apologize for calling him "dude", since he's one of the most helpful members of the forum.

Believe it or not, we are all alive and well.
02-23-2014, 05:32 PM
DamnStraight

I do apologize gssixgun! I meant no offense seriously! As is obvious I'm a newbie, so hopefully, sooner than later, we'll hear a loud "pop"! That'll be my head popping outta of my a$$!

I am seriously trying to learn all I can. The fact still remains; I don't no squat!

It, of course, only makes sense a pro needs to assess their product does what it's supposed to do!

I've learned a couple of things in this thread! I can sit quiet and people might assume I'm ignorant or I can open my mouth and remove all doubt!

The other; the simplest explanation is probably the correct one! It only makes sense the razor is cleaned prior to returning to your customer.

Again, I apologies for my ignorance and any offense by asserting you we're anything but a pro in every sense of the word. After my post I continued to watch some of your other videos. Your passion to help others is also unquestionable. Thank you.

I hope that's the last time I'm anything but helpful henceforth.

Sorry for calling you "dude" too Glenn.

I'm glad I can still type with my big foot in my mouth...
02-23-2014, 05:37 PM
gssixgun

Mile High Meet - Denver Colorado usually the middle Sunday in July

I come down to my old stomping grounds to visit family and friends and to attend the Meet up every year for the 5th time this year,,, I am planning on this year again

Please join us and I promise you will learn more in one day then in months of reading the forum..

Ask Shawn about the meets, he will say 3 words "DON"T MISS IT" :)

This is the link to last years and there are links to the previous ones in there..

http://straightrazorpalace.com/get-t...h-madness.html

I hope to meet you there
02-23-2014, 05:53 PM
DamnStraight

Indeed, Shawn has already mentioned the Mile High Meet! And yes, it was more than suggested I make it!

If at all possible, I will.

Hope to meet you too. Thank you.
02-23-2014, 06:24 PM
Haroldg48

Quote:

Originally Posted by DamnStraight

I do apologize gssixgun! I meant no offense seriously! As is obvious I'm a newbie, so hopefully, sooner than later, we'll hear a loud "pop"! That'll be my head popping outta of my a$$!

I am seriously trying to learn all I can. The fact still remains; I don't no squat!

It, of course, only makes sense a pro needs to assess their product does what it's supposed to do!

I've learned a couple of things in this thread! I can sit quiet and people might assume I'm ignorant or I can open my mouth and remove all doubt!

The other; the simplest explanation is probably the correct one! It only makes sense the razor is cleaned prior to returning to your customer.

Again, I apologies for my ignorance and any offense by asserting you we're anything but a pro in every sense of the word. After my post I continued to watch some of your other videos. Your passion to help others is also unquestionable. Thank you.

I hope that's the last time I'm anything but helpful henceforth.

Sorry for calling you "dude" too Glenn.

I'm glad I can still type with my big foot in my mouth...

Class move DamnStraight...you are damn straight!