Thread: Nick Questions

Hey everyone, I had a question about nicks while shaving with a straight. I just got my first razor a couple weeks ago (a Dovo 5/8 hollow) and sent it out to get honed 1st thing before using it. Took a while to get it back but finally did and I noticed on my first couple shaves that I've done with it that I've had some cuts along my cheek. Not just nicks but straight cuts that go for a couple millimeters. My question is whether this is common when first learning to wet shave with a straight or whether its possible that there is some kind of bur or chip in the razor thats causing it. I dont wanna complain or give a bad review about the place I got it honed before ruling out user error. Seems like half the bad reviews and naysayers out there are just people who havent done research or do things improperly then blame the tools.

Let me put it this way, i've had razors honed by numerous people and only two were up to snuff for my face.

However, the worst one didn't give me longitudinal cuts. It probably couldn't cut air or hair. What will cause those cuts is if you are doing a "sawing" motion with the razor.

You need to look at it under magnification really. One bump on an edge can cause problems so it might not be the hone job. Your sure the ends are not doing it ? Square points can be dangerous and the other end can be unforgiving also. 1 look through a loop will answer your question about damage. Running your finger off the edge might detect a burr but be careful of your fingers.

I imagine a burr that would cut you would also cut your strop. And would cut you on every stroke. If the cuts are perpendicular to your stroke, too much pressure and not enough skin stretching. If parallel to your stroke, either the toe or heel is slicing you. Gotta keep track of both ends.

Alex,

There are a few things that can account for a cut across the cheek. As mentioned, a stroke that has a lateral, left-right movement, usually over done can cause the cut. I don't think that's what you're experiencing.

You describe the Dovo as a "hollow". Is it quarter, half, or full hollow.? A full hollow has a thin blade below the spine and it will flex quite easily. By shaving a, usually heavier beard, but any beard it can flex and cause the blade to grab the whiskers and dig in.

One of the main causes of this effect is using to high of an angle of the blade in relation to the face. With a full hollow, and for me most grinds, the blade needs to be pretty flat to the face. I generally am almost dragging the spine across my face. Start very flat and increase the acuteness of the angle, by experimenting, until you achieve a smooth, but effective angle that shaves well, but doesn't constantly grab and dig in.

Sharpness can also be an issue, but I suspect that the above is probably the first thing to work on. Even a very well honed and shave ready razor can be made ineffective, and at the same time made dull by poor technique. Not knocking your skill, but in the beginning we all face the same challenges of technique vs shave readiness.

Good prep is also required. Check out our video forum and you'll find many helpful vids on prep, technique, etc., etc. Video link: Videos

If you've used too high of an angle you may have dulled the edge and it might be a good idea to get it re-honed. However, I'd try the good prep and lower angle first. If it's still causing cuts I'd go for the re-hone and make afresh start.



Regards,

Howard

Thanks for all the responses guys. I got some pre-shave oil and added that to the pre shave and was a lot more careful about the angle with my shave today and had no large cuts like the ones before. Looks like it was technique, not the razor. Was able to do almost the entire face today. The upper lip is still too daunting to tackle yet. Thanks again guys!

Originally Posted by Alexperezg

The upper lip is still too daunting to tackle yet. Thanks again guys!

Alex,

The upper lip isn't as daunting as it may seem. I've linked a video that will demonstrate a tried and successful technique. They've given it a name, the "Coup de Maitre" .
Take note of the starting position of the razor.....the blade is basically flat against the nose with the edge pointed toward the upper lip. With very light touch/pressure make contact with the lip and then rotate the edge downward..... 'don't pull the razor down except to compensate for the rotation of the blade trying to lift the edge away from contact'. Sometimes a slight head movement upward that moves the blade down the lip can help toward the end of the stroke.

Takes a little practice, but keep a very light pressure and gentle rotation and it will become a very natural stroke.

Howard

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Axk4AvwfrEc

That's an interesting technique, I've never tried tackling the upper lip that way.

When you do feel ready to try your upper lip, Alex, I would only add that for touch ups try to use the heel, not the end of your razor. That may sound odd but you'll have fewer jitters, more sensitivity and more control with the heel.

not sure if it's mentioned here but try to have the blade moving as it first touches and leaves the face

I think the technical term is "a rolling start"