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  1. #11
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    Well, I'm getting more comfortable with the razor and learning which direction to shave where. The razor really lets you know when the grain changes direction. So far the only major nick was a mole I decided to remove this morning.

    I'm still trying to figure out how to hold the razor to shave from left jawbone to right jawbone under my chin. Do I let the toe run along the neck or do I tip my head way back and have the heel along the neck. Either way the hands don't feel right. I can't be the only one who needs to go across here rather than up and down. Some suggestions for alternate holds would be appreciated

  2. #12
    Pogonotomy rules majurey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by macdiver View Post
    I'm still trying to figure out how to hold the razor to shave from left jawbone to right jawbone under my chin. Do I let the toe run along the neck or do I tip my head way back and have the heel along the neck. Either way the hands don't feel right. I can't be the only one who needs to go across here rather than up and down. Some suggestions for alternate holds would be appreciated
    A lot of people find the jawline/neck area difficult, especially ATG as the hair there often grows sideways. As mine does. After a lot of practice (and a couple of nicks), I've found the only way I can gett BBS there is to go ATG with a tricky move.

    My beard grows left to right there, so I start with my razor on the right hand side. I lift my head up and look up to the ceiling and use my left hand to get a strangle-hold around my neck. Then I gently pull down to stretch the entire neck skin area. Combined with looking up, this makes the skin taut and flat (the area from chin to Adam's apple is virtually flat at this point). Now comes the risky part....

    I take the razor in my dominant (right) hand, and gently bring it flat to my neck with the edge facing the mid-line. (I bring it flat to my neck because, what with looking upwards to the ceiling, you cannot see in the mirror, so all of this is done by touch and feel -- hence I bring the razor to the skin in as least-risky way as possible.)

    Once in place, I then angle the razor to about 20 degrees (flatter than the 30 recommended, but safer!). I then start shaving towards my mid-line, using the entire length of the edge, virtually all of which is in contact with the neck area I have flattened. I can feel and hear the hairs going and I use this feedback to be as careful as possible.

    In order to get this angle, I have to adopt a more risky hold on the razor, where the scales and blade are in line. And as I work my way across (and because I have really studied the grain of my beard so I know where to do this), I will move the razor in a sweep, like the hands of a clock, but going anti-clockwise.

    Warning: after 2 months of trial and error (sometimes painful errors!) I have come up with this system for the under-chin and neck area. But it is ONLY through really studying how the grain goes on every inch of that area. I knew I had to get the area as flat as possible, and with my particular neck and jaw shape I came to this. It does have its risks since I rely purely on touch feedback, but it works well for me. Your own shape and grain direction will mean this approach might have disastrous consequence, so please do not take it on authority!

    What I wanted to illustrate was how I have experimented and come to my own technique for one part of my shave which is focused on my particular shape. EVeryone's is different!

  3. #13
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    After shaving with the straight for two weeks, I have quit trying to make a 1st pass with the grain and 2nd pass across. I never even tried a true 3rd pass against the grain. Since my beard grows in multiple directions (espcially under the chin), I just couldn't figure out which direction to move the razor to accomplish the above. For the last two days I have been doing the more traditional 1st pass north south and 2nd pass east west and the results have been fewer nicks and less razor burn (particularly on the jawline). Some areas are fairly smooth while other areas not quite so. I think better stretching and a 3rd pass south to north will even this out.

    Overall though I am glad I am making the switch. Shaving with the straight has added an element of fun and skill to my boring morning routine.
    Last edited by macdiver; 03-31-2007 at 11:22 AM. Reason: clarity

  4. #14
    Face nicker RichZ's Avatar
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    You need to do what works for you. I see you have done that so that is the way to go..

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