How much is Light Pressure...

OK, so I generally consider myself to be good at following instructions... And after reading on this thread for over a year, and using a SR for about 8 months, and reading many, many times that only minimal pressure should be used while shaving, I was sure that my technique was fairly descent. However, I still felt a bit of burn after my shaves.

Well, this morning, I specifically tried to use even less pressure than usual. If my normal routine was "light", then today I tried to use "extra-extra-light" just barely letting the razor touch the skin. And guess what?? The hair still came off nice and clean, and I didn't get any burn!!

I must say that a second key element to this formula, is to have a proper sharp razor. If it's just starting to dull a bit, either it won't cut the beard, or you'll use too much pressure to get it to cut the hair. Also, I think a razor that is starting to dull won't have an edge that is as smooth, and might cause micro-scratches on your skin, that can cause razor burn.

So, to sum up... If you're new to SR Shaving, and you think you're using light pressure... Use even lighter pressure. If the beard doesn't come off your face, get a sharper razor.

Just my $0.02

Well done! Although I don't focus on using a light touch, I try not to let the razor touch the skin. ;)

After more than ten years, I still have to remind myself to use less pressure.

Very good advice, less is better, especially when relating to pressure while shaving.

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Originally Posted by Utopian

After more than ten years, I still have to remind myself to use less pressure.

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I suspect most of do, I know for darn sure I do!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Utopian

After more than ten years, I still have to remind myself to use less pressure.

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Same here after 8 years

You have crossed a threshold!! Congrats!

And the light bulb comes on...If you are like me you will have to keep reminding yourself of this. Or shave with a "proper" spike and it will remind you...just not so gently.

It's such an amazing break through right!?! I also have to be mindful of my pressure or I get razor burn. I guess that's what we get for being such burly manly straight shaving men.

The OP makes an interesting point about razor edge vs. pressure. I've often caught myself using more pressure as the edge on a razor gets a bit muddy and I can say that more pressure is certainly no substitute for a touch up hone :). I'm in the process of training my OCD so that if a razor's edge is found to be muddy mid shave, I'll just put it away, grab one that I know has a better edge and press on. Progress is slow and I generally try to finish up just one more shave (even if a touch up hone is required). Result- Really bad shave and me asking myself "Why didn't you just pull that razor and finish up with one you knew was good?"

Always a constant battle for me.

Another way of saying "shave for comfort and closeness will follow"

Except for some tougher spots, I try to use NO pressure. Just rest the blade on the skin, and start moving it. :)

I noticed this today, switching to a lighter razor with an excellent edge and an over-enthusiastic operator.

I was about to leave the house with the SWMBO to go to a neighborhood gathering and she said: "you need to get that white junk off of your face, what is that?"
Styptic....

But all I know about pressure and shaving I learned trying to master the Feather, were pressure means "there will be blood"

It is all about the edge...

Smooth shaving...

I also battle this problem. Granted I am only a few months in, but this week I am having some trouble getting away with a burn-free shave, and I know the blades are in good condition. Last week nothing but smooth happy shaving. Hopefully I can self-correct sooner rather than later. I use my Alum Block as the judge for how my shave went, so even if I do not have overt razor burn, the block rectifies that quickly and lets me know how I did.

Happy shaving and best of luck!

I start every shave telling myself to go light and then I get to the hard to get bits and find myself using pressure to compensate for lack of access. I may learn one day

This is another thing I need to work on. I read this a couple hours before I shaved today. I really tried to make sure I used minimum pressure during my shave. Guess what, almost no razor burn. Just a little on my neck which I am far from mastering. I have about 10 straight shaves under my belt. I will pay more attention to the pressure from now on.

Thx

I am glad I saw this thread today, as I noted earlier, I was getting a little frustrated with some very light razor burn I have been getting this past week. To illustrate the point made here time and again, I made an extremely conscious effort to go "super-duper" light on pressure tonight, and was answered with burn seemingly only left over in the worst spots from last night (expected day after) and none anywhere else. Success. Of course, my shave is also BBS after 2 passes just taking my time and barely touching the blade to my skin. Thanks again to the OP for the reminder!

Great thread. :tu

This is a good heads-up for me. Thanks.

I'm still on the learning curve and have sensitive skin and suffer razor burn easily. Today I tried the lightest touch I could muster. What a difference. The shave was not as close as I like but my face is not burned. I have been using way to much pressure trying to control the razor. The next couple of shave will tell the tale.