Thread: Chin / Heat

Hello,
I'm on about my 10th shave, and have couple questions I hoped someone could help with since I don't seem to be working them out by myself. I think they are related but I'm new so who knows. My razor is sharp, honed by someone else here, and I have no problems with under sideburns, cheeks, or neck (aside from inexperience). It cuts through that hair fine. The razor stops dead on my chin hair, complete halt. This is going WTG. I do think my chin hair is coarser, but how do people deal with this?
Also, I try my chin last, and so it is not as hot/steamed as the rest of my face was when doing the first pass. So that is my second question, how do you keep your face warm enough that you can shave comfortably all the way through, especially as a newbie when it takes 15 min just for the shaving part? I use the hottest shower I can get to prepare, then just some caswell-massey soap. Do you use hot or steamed towels in the middle of shaving to reheat?

Thanks!
Rob

welcome!! chins are difficult and from what i can tell from your post is that you need to reheat those chin whiskers and relather, be sure you keep the heat moist, as in using hot water or steamed towel. once those whiskers dry its like trying to cut wire bristles. a few more shaves from now and you should develop enough skill that you wont have to relather and will be able to get the whole face, until then take your time and develop your skill and technique, there in lies the fun and sense of accomplishment. God bless and great shaving!!!

Steam towels are wonderful. I typically use one between each pass. The recommended shaving motion for the chin (according to the 1961 Barber Manual) is E-W/W-E towards the middle of the chin. So on your right side (and looking in the mirror), going E-W. Vice versa on the left side.

I would also recommend pre-shave oil, as this helps the blade slide more smoothly.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by cwrighta70

Steam towels are wonderful. I typically use one between each pass. The recommended shaving motion for the chin (according to the 1961 Barber Manual) is E-W/W-E towards the middle of the chin. So on your right side (and looking in the mirror), going E-W. Vice versa on the left side.

I would also recommend pre-shave oil, as this helps the blade slide more smoothly.

Good luck!

I use this technique also, but as my final (2nd pass). For the first pass, I go N-S. I think the trick is adjusting the angle as you go around the curve of your chin. I also find it helps to make sure the blade edge is angled so you're not hitting the whiskers head-on (think guillotine). I work nearer the heel of the blade for this pass too. In the end, it takes practice. Try new things - you'll figure it out.

Jordan

The chin is a difficulty area because of the contour and roundness. What ever you do first keep in mind one rule (Pressure = razor burn).

I would recommend you use heel end of the razor to shave the beard in tough areas as it is more stable than the toe end.

Relathering if your lather has dried out

Try shaving the chin area first when the blade is at its sharpest and keenest.

Once razor sharpness (honing, stropping), and pre-shave beard prep are accounted for, it's all shaving technique that remains.

Point leading, short strokes (if your razor is binding into the beard, try very tiny strokes to get started), good skin stretch.
Also, try using different sections of the blade for different parts of the face. The middle of the blade can be best for shaving across the point of the chin.


Scott

Originally Posted by jnich67

I also find it helps to make sure the blade edge is angled so you're not hitting the whiskers head-on (think guillotine). I work nearer the heel of the blade for this pass too.

Yes, scything motion FTW! This can be intimidating the first time you try it, but as long as you don't go completely horizontal you should be fine.

For me, I need to do a scything motion. It's definitely very intimidating. Use short strokes and be careful. Not too much pressure. After the first stroke, you'll notice that u didn't cut yourself and you'll see some hairs missing. Continue this until all the hairs are gone.

I wouldn't aim for BBS. just clear the fields first and then later as you technique improves go for BBS.

Great tips everyone, I tried my chin again this morning and actually got about half of it using pretty much what everyone said.Coming down the chin curve was just a bit to scary so skipped that after waffling over the proper angle. Thanks!