Thread: I've started to cut myself regularly

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Be certain that you are not slicing with a square-point. Sometimes muting the point will help. YMMV
Otherwise, excessive blade angle will cut. It is not a substitute for a proper edge.

the first and last time I was cut while shaving was with a good ol' square !! after gaining more experience square points and I are good friends but it sticks in my head and I am not as brave with them !!

Originally Posted by gooser

the first and last time I was cut while shaving was with a good ol' square !! after gaining more experience square points and I are good friends but it sticks in my head and I am not as brave with them !!

Yeah, as the point is harsh, the underside of the windowsill fixes them right up! A few light strokes!

I just started the same, turned out I was using more pressure to shave as the edge has began to become duller. Check it real good and adjust stropping technique or may be time to have it honed. I just sent mine off to another member for honing.

It's difficult to know what might be going on; there's not a lot to go on really. Could be your technique, could be that your stropping is not quite there and your edge has suffered a bit as a consequence, could be what the golfers call the "yips", could be your stretching, complacency etc. Can you give us any more information?

James.

Could be any or all of the above...

Process of elimination.

Remember to shave the lather not the skin.. no pressure.

I won't be the first to say it can upwards of 100 shaves to really get the groove and muscle memory, so don't let yourself get over-confident this early...

I think I have increased the angle over time.

It's like saying "My car is making noises. What do you think is wrong with it?" It could be one of a hundred things. Take your time and try to narrow down what's going on.

This is really weird sounding to me.....I thought everyone used the top of a door to do this.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Yeah, as the point is harsh, the underside of the windowsill fixes them right up! A few light strokes!

I am sorry about the lack of clarity on this, and am greatful for the feedback so far.

The cuts were very minor ones, not deep. I think mainly from the leading edge of the blade.


In retrospect it appears that I was becoming too casual with the process. In addition, I am fairly confident that I was exceeding 30 degrees with the blade. Since this thread began, I have become more focused on short strokes, a blade angle of less than 30 degrees, as well as a much more diligent focus on the process. The results have been much better since.

I have found that slowing down reducing the blade angle and stropping 50 times before shaving has really helped. Nick and cuts are gone and the shaves are better than ever!