Thread: May have I cut myself BECAUSE the blade isnt sharp enough?

It takes a few shaves to start to get the hang of shaving with a straight. I think it's because there are several variables that need to come together at once, and there's really no true way to nail them down except by trial and error.

You've got to find an acceptable angle for the razorblade to set against your skin. Reading that 30 degrees works for some people doesn't help me, because I don't have the time, patience, or dexterity to shave with a straight and a protractor at the same time. You just have to feel for it.

How firmly you hold the blade is important, and the angle at which you draw the razor down your face with or against the grain of your hair growth

The speed and length of your stroke will make a difference

One of the most important shaving factors is how tightly to stretch your skin. I want my skin very tight around my chin and neck areas where possible. It makes for much better shaving. Otherwise I would be forced to choose between stubble or pain. But stretching allows the razor to glide smoothly across

There are more things you'll keep discovering I'm sure that help or take away from your shaves

Beard Prep is important too. It's not as difficult though, to me at least. Just get the whiskers soggy by whatever means necessary.

Hope this helps! These are simply things I have noticed in my own shaving and have seen confirmed by others here in this forum,