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Ok, on with the 1st question (out of many, for sure).
I'm currently using a Parker shavette with Feather half-blades with mixed results. The problems occur when I try to go across the grain. The blade sort of gets stuck and I feel that I need to force it across the skin. Sometimes this goes fine, sometimes it doesn't. I tried to go as slow as possible, but even then I end up cutting myself.
Is this something common to shavettes that wouldn't happen with a straight blade?
tnx!
Well we have a variety of combinations of skin and hair type. Some of us do certain things as part of our routine that work very well for us, while others find it impossible. Perhaps due to your hair and skin type this is either a no go or and advanced technique that you have not yet gotten to. That being said on to the possible solutions. It may be that you need to reduce your blade angle in order for this to work. That is the most likely solution, however skin stretching is also very very important as well as a wet and slick lather. I try to keep pressure at none. There are some other possible solutions like pre shave and pre shave routine. I use Noxema as a pre shave and love it. others are into showers and hot towels. You will have to try some things and see where your happy place is.
First of all, when it gets "stuck" don't force it. Second of all recheck your angle on the ATG pass and compare it to your WTG.
I know because at one time in my life I thought a shavette straight was the next best thing to sliced bread until I got tired of buying blades and getting ingrown whiskers.
What the others have said but also try repositioning and/or swapping hands. Here's a question when this is occuring is it feeling natural or more akward in that moment. Don't be afraid to pause and look in the mirror checking angle and such.
Does it happen with fresh blades or just ones you've used several times?
It happens with both. I applied RezDog's advice, paid more attention to stretching the skin, and it does tend to happen less now.