Straight down and scoop out or straight in from the side

Hello, Yes by the title you can tell I don't know the terms I should be using. :shrug:

I have used a shavette but just got my first ever shave ready straight and its passing the HHT. Actually seeing that has made me take a step back to ask....

When cutting a straight line on your face fuzz, do you come in with your straight at 90 degrees to your skin and then scoop the blade outwards - eg I do this below my nose if I'm making a pencil mustache with the shavette. I also approximate the same motion for the hairs overgrowing my top lip. With a HHT passing straight am I asking for trouble to do this, especially on soft lip tissue?

At the side of my goatee I can come in from my cheek and chin area but I still drop the shavette straight down at 90 degrees because it trims the depth of hair as it does so, where as coming in from the cheek does not. How is best to undertake this with a scarey sharp blade? There is no soft lip tissue involved in this step.

Being inexperienced I think I should ask before I deep slice myself trying something I shouldn't.

Should be about the same I would think. I am always conscious at that angle not to make any movements other than normal shave direction. I did move the wrong way once at a 90 when the blade was on the skin and will never forget it.

The bottom line for me is that it's generally unwise to make anything resembling a slicing motion (moving the blade diagonally).

I'd suggest straight line movements until you feel more confident. Regardless of your style stay focused at all times. Go to YouTube for some How To's vids.

With me I get a closer shave with a scything stroke at my jawline. It's kind of a pivoting stroke with the toe pivoting around the heel. I will forewarn ou anytime the blade isn't moving but in contact with your skin you had better be paying attention.

What you describe is the coup de maître,
it is an advanced stroke that many need right from the gate.
Here is a short video put together by one of our members a number of years back (LX Emergency)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=Axk4AvwfrEc

Thanks for all your replies especially the video. LOL get me now with my fancy phrases :cool:

I am aware of some of the above, as the very first thing I did with the shavette was to try the coup de maître and I cut myself immediately the blade touched my skin and subsequently while trying to hold it above my skin while deciding where to cut next - accidentally touching down and slicing sideways.

I think I should keep using the shavette then a little while longer in light of above comments because I need more discipline and to pay more attention. (I also wear spectacles and its difficult seeing without them, through a smeary mirror in a steamy room after a shower, with no thru-the-mirror-coordination!).

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Originally Posted by UKShaver

I think I should keep using the shavette then a little while longer in light of above comments because I need more discipline and to pay more attention.

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If that is your sole criteria for sticking with the Shavette, it will be just as happy to reward you with blood as a regular straight for any misdeeds. "Care and feeding" are where they differ.

Well you know, when I got the straight and it passed the HHT I just had to try the same with the shavette now I had a feel for it. I couldn't get it to pass. And it seemed very very blunt in comparison. So surely the shavette is a safer proposition to continue learning?

I get the care aspect, but what is 'feeding'?

I think splashone meant feeling?
The straight razor will be a bit more forgiving in some aspects and a bit more demanding in others. It will require a more attention to technique for as close and comfortable shave.
I would step up to the plate, you will still have your shavette to fall back on off needed.

Interesting. Where will it be more forgiving? (I am useless using a mirror at the mo so still a little apprehensive - I have had designer stubble for many many years, and that didn't need the use of a mirror so I'm currently hopeless at it).

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Originally Posted by Splashone

If that is your sole criteria for sticking with the Shavette, it will be just as happy to reward you with blood as a regular straight for any misdeeds. "Care and feeding" are where they differ.

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Yes just give myself my biggest ever cut by slicing sideways under my nose with the shavette. I can only imagine the damage I'd have done with the HHT passing straight.