BBS

[saladbar2000]

I've been shaving with the feather razor (I know! I know! I've got a real razor waiting for me when I get home) for about 6 months now and I think I've got the angles and pressure down but I happen to have some tough and curly facial hair. I can get a pretty close once over shave but I can get a really, really close shave going with the grain, re-lathering, than going across the grain. The problem is one or two days later when I start getting razor bumps and in-grown hairs. I know it isn't the razor because I've had a professional straight razor shave in japan with a feather razor that was always great (and by great I mean fan-frickin-tabulous). Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[thebigspendur]

The only thing I can think of and I don't use a feather, is either your angle of attack is too steep or you are using too much pressure. its causing irritation.

[saladbar2000]

It doesn't feel like I'm using too much pressure but I remember I could hardly feel a think when I got a shave from a pro at the barber shop. I honestly don't know how they did it but I guess I just need some practice. I've been trying to use about a 30-45 degree angle and thought I was following lynn's video to a T

[thebigspendur]

30 degrees is right for a straight and 45 is too steep. For a feather I think those that use them will tell you 45 degrees is suicidal and even 30 is on the steep side. I would say that's you problem. remember feathers are just razor blades and are very sharp and unforgiving. Try about 20 degrees and and see what happens.

Of course as you shave with a straight you are always adjusting the angle to do the specific area but the suggested angles are averages only.

[saladbar2000]

Thanx for the info. That is the first I've heard of that and I'll give it a try tonight. The feather has been my first experience with a straight razor (although some might not say it qualifies) but I'll give my dovo a try when I make it home in the near future. I remember in Lynn mentioned in his video that the actual straight razor blade can be much more forgiving than the machined blade.

[mparker762]

You should use a very shallow angle on the feather or any really sharp razor blade with exposure. Many feather users say the proper angle is one where the holder is nearly flat on the face. The proper angle on a DE or injector is quite shallow as well. Cartridge razors can get away with a steep angle because the blade is so heavily shrouded.

[saladbar2000]

so with less of an angle and minimum pressure I should be able to do 2 or 3 passes with no irritation. All this new info should be extremely helpful and I will put it to the test tonight. 30 to 45 degree is about right for a 5/8 dovo right?

[thebigspendur]

Any straight razor no matter the brand, size or grind should use an average 30 degree angle. You adjust from there as you shave different area of the face. That's where the experience and skill in straight shaving comes in grasshopper.

[JoshEarl]

I'll second mparker's recommendation to keep the angle low. I keep my Feather pretty much flat against my face when I'm using it. A higher angle cuts better, but yowza you pay for it in razor burn...

Josh