Bouncing Blade

I am an old dog trying to learn a new trick (str8 razor) I am 68 and have tough, gray stubble on my chin. I started with a Parker Shavette to find out cheaply if my vision problems would allow me to attempt a straight razor. The first of the year, I decided it was a go and purchased a Boker from WSP and a Dovo from SRD, so I am confident as to sharpness.

My north/south pass below my lower lip causes the blade to bounce. I then give up and use a DE for that pass. The second pass n/s is better. I have used different soaps. I keep a fairly steep angle and try a light pressure ( yeah, I am a little afraid of the blade still). I do not have this problem on other areas of my face and neck. Any thoughts? Appreciate it.

s/Chuck Cunningham

Most everyone has a problem with that area when they start. It comes down to practise and technique and will slowly come together for you. Another issue can be your stropping. That can make a big difference to the quality of your shave, and something that takes time to master. It is a good thing to respect the blade and use light pressure. Nothing wrong with cleaning up with your DE while you learn, best of luck.

Sounds like an issue with blade angle,experiment with less angle.

i had the same problem when i started. i found that east to west works for me starting first in the middle(that is on the ball of my chin) and then when i do the left side of my face i do east to west toward the middle. the only place i do north south is from my lip to the ball of my chin and then the under side of my chin. also don't try to take it all off in one pass. do some experimenting and you will find what works for you.
welcome to SRP!

Have you looked at the direction of growth in this area? Coming in from the sides or slightly diagonally across may work better.
A shallow angle would be better (spine close to skin). Try breaking it down into little areas, the hair on my chin grows in at least 3 directions.

Welcome to SRP Chuck
I have a goatee so don't shave the lower lip but for the fools pass (ATG on the upper lip) where the problem can be similar I have found that if I tighten the lip with some mouth contortions & have the blade near flat against the skin works best
also the blade must be sharp any dulling will cause the blade to try bounce rather than cut
hope this helps

You can also try shaving that area with the heel of the blade. The shorter distance from the point of contact to your hand will should allow for better control and less bounce.

There is also a chance you took some edge off with your strop unless your sure it is as sharp as when you first used it. I know you said you were sure it was sharp because of where you bought it but stropping has a learning curve too. Just throwing that out there for you to consider. You'll get the hang of it all and you don't have to fear the edge....just respect it.

There are spots where a dry lather will do that for me. Dip the tips of the bush in water and rework the area to get rid of the sticky lather. That is of course presuming that all of the other things are bang on.

Wow....as usual you came to the right place for answers. Everything above is great advise in my opinion and has helped me. I shave my chin in small sections for sure. Practice Practice, small strokes, wet lather, shave at an angle....and everything else above and it is going to get easier!!

Interesting,I have never seen dry lather.

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Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Interesting,I have never seen dry lather.

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LOL....you are missing out on one of the true joys of beginner shaving. The oxymoron of dry lather that is suppose to be wet!! :beer1:

Might as well throw in another opinion...
Stick your tongue between your lower teeth and lip and push out with your tongue to make your chin area flat. Then use both hands on the blade and go down slowly with short (1/8") buffing strokes.

It took me about 4 months to be able to consistently get that area.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by criswilson10

Might as well throw in another opinion...
Stick your tongue between your lower teeth and lip and push out with your tongue to make your chin area flat. Then use both hands on the blade and go down slowly with short (1/8") buffing strokes.

It took me about 4 months to be able to consistently get that area.

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I do something very similar only difference being I push my lower lip into my upper teeth with my tongue, it seems to make my skin taut enough so that there's is no catching or skipping.

Thanks to all for the replies. I have used Utopian's suggestion about the heel of the blade and Cris Wilson's suggestion has also helped.