Thread: technique

I've got about 15 straight shaves under my belt (well, not literally under my belt, just on my face), and I would say one of the most important aspects of straight shaving, compared to shaving with a double-edge and especially with a multi-bladed abomination, is the importance of skin-stretching. I didn't stretch my skin with a DE and I was able to get a pretty decent shave. But with a straight, the difference between stretching and not stretching is pretty significant. Stretching the skin will not only give you a much closer shave, but a far more comfortable one as well, especially in the neck area.

As for just starting out:

1. After lathering up, lay the blade flat against your face
2. Slowly lift the spine off your face as you move the razor downwards until you feel the edge start to cut your beard. That's the angle you want to try to maintain.
3. Keep the pressure very light!
4. Stick with one with-the-grain stroke for your first time out, even if it means leaving more stubble than you like.
5. Try to get the hang of the proper razor grip...it feels awkward at first, but it very quickly becomes very natural and it really is the best way to maintain a good, stable grip.

Good luck!

You can help the cutting action quite a bit by using a cutting angle as well. this is different from the Shaving Angle in that it's not what angle the blade is in relation to your face, but what angle the edge is facing in relation to the direction it is moving. Simply put, lead with the tip slightly ahead of the rest of the razor as if you were slicing bread. This will reduce the effort needed which means less pressure, resulting in greater comfort..

X

Thanks, xman! That's a new one on me...I'll give it a shot!

Originally Posted by DaveF

[*]After lathering up, lay the blade flat against your face

Honestly, I find that when laying the blade flat/motionless on the skin, it is much easier to cut yourself. Personally, I would try to make it all one sweeping motion. Start the downward motion just before touching the skin. I've had really good results from this.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by cwrighta70

Honestly, I find that when laying the blade flat/motionless on the skin, it is much easier to cut yourself. Personally, I would try to make it all one sweeping motion. Start the downward motion just before touching the skin. I've had really good results from this.

Good luck!

+1 on this.

Most of the cuts I got when getting started were due to laying the blade down and then accidentally moving sideways. Starting movementand then contacting the skin is the best way to keep from getting cut. Just make sure to keep the pressure light. You want to use as little pressure as possible. You skin is WAY more pliable than the blade. You do not need to push down. Pressure changes the angle the blade contacts your face at and causes irritation.