Thread: Newbie - shave direction issue

Hi everyone, as my username suggests im James and as my post count suggests im new!!

Beginning of last year i decided to grow a beard and i began go to a decent barbers near me to trim it and do the cheek/neck lines, but after a while this got tedious and expensive so i started to try and do it myself, length of the beard was easy to do with my adjustable electric, i can fade the sides into the hair fine, and with no guard on i can pre-trim the cheek/neck lines

Then i started to try shaving the remaining stubble with a normal gillete razor but can never get it all off and trying to get the cheek line done with one is a nightmare soni started to look into straight razors like my barbor uses, and plumped for a £4 shavette of unknown brand that uses snapped DE blades thinking it a cheap way to see if i can do it myself

My first attempt at the cheek lines was easy to shave but didnt them crooked, but shaving was fine, my neck however i struggle and cut myself to ribbons so never used it on there again

Today i decided i will learn how to do it properly and then ill buy a decent straight razor (got my heart set on a lovely dovo) ive read all i need to on stropping/honing/types of blades and maintenance etc, and various shaving techniques

To the shave direction issue, i did my cheek lines as normal and they were fine, i trimmer my neck line with clippers and lathered up,

I found for the first pass i could only shave against the grain, not with it which is odd, going with the grain it was grabbing and wouldnt shave, so i did first pass all over against the grain and it was fine, quite enjoyed it

Second pass i did with the grain and it was fine, it felt quite smooth

But there are a number of bits that require me to go left to right or right to left instead of up or down the neck and i cant for the life of me get the blade to shave smoothly

So the two questions at the end of the very long post are

1) why can i not shave with the grain 1st pass but only against it?

2) how doni shave sideways to get those last little bits off?

Thanks in advance

Unfortunately there's no magic answer. Do what feels comfortable and keep at it. As you learn your faces contours and beard growth directions it will start to get easier and more comfortable. Don't be afraid to hold the razor in different ways and with your non dominant hand. It also takes time for your muscle memory to kick in. Another thing is your prep. A normal starting point is a couple of hot towels, lather, hot towel over that, reapply lather, shave. Maybe start with the routine your barber used as it sounds like you don't have any irritation when he does it. Blades make a difference too, you may also talk to your barber about what he uses.

also stretch your skin, keeping it taut makes for less nicks more comfort, and a closer shave.

You might need to apply a greater angle with the grain as against, i lay the razor virtually flat against the grain,but that will not shave at all with the grain,find what works for you,i make 4 passes on some parts.stretching all the time stops you cutting yourself,and lifts the hairs when shaving with the grain.

Originally Posted by adductum

You might need to apply a greater angle with the grain as against.

Yes, that's what it says in the Wiki article:

Originally Posted by RobinK

Yes, that's what it says in the Wiki article:

Just been reading that great stuff

May I suggest that you read this in its entirety? Straight Razor Place Library:Books/Beginners Guide - Straight Razor Place Library It's good stuff.

Originally Posted by RobinK

Yes, that's what it says in the Wiki article:

Originally Posted by RobinK

May I suggest that you read this in its entirety? Straight Razor Place Library:Books/Beginners Guide - Straight Razor Place Library It's good stuff.

Definately, im going through alot of posts now trying to learn

You still havent answered refernce your dovo dont comment?

Originally Posted by Jamesr4300

You still havent answered refernce your dovo dont comment?

Oh, that. Yes. Well, when you're done with the Wiki, spend a little time in the razor subforum. Dovo used to be stellar. These days, not anymore. Just, well, don't.

Originally Posted by RobinK

Oh, that. Yes. Well, when you're done with the Wiki, spend a little time in the razor subforum. Dovo used to be stellar. These days, not anymore. Just, well, don't.

Oh man, but they so purdy

Oh, really?