Thread: The Chin, a study in frustration...

Originally Posted by AusTexShaver

I think it's a combination of perhaps the blade being a little sharper there, not flexing as much as the toe, and easier to maintain the proper angle.

I think you're right about the extra stability near the heel and I guess it's due to less reaction torque against the pivot

Ahh, the chin. I bought stock in a styptic pencil company after my first few attempts. Now I just plow through it with WTG, XTG and ATG. KAren and my son like to watch me shave but when I get to my chin they get nervous and have to leave. Ever see the DOnald Duck cartoon where he is shaving with a chipped blade? Guess I remint them of that scene.

Seriously, sometimes I rest the side of my hand against my jaw bone to add stability and take short very strokes adjusting my hand position as I go along. Other times I just go at it and dam the torpedoes like Donald Duck.

Remember, practice make perfect and have a styptic handy.

I use a DE on the chin for my 1st pass. In regard to "reduction of hair", it works great. This process makes the next two passes, with my straight, much easier.

* This works for me!

Regards

Thank you all for your help and insight! Time is teaching me that every shave is different and that mastery will be ever elusive (even if I don't particularly object to chasing that hare ). However, particular thanks to JimmyH-AD for his thumb-forefinger advise, as that has been a boon in achieving the proper skin tautness for a great shave.

Originally Posted by zepplin

I use a DE on the chin for my 1st pass. In regard to "reduction of hair", it works great. This process makes the next two passes, with my straight, much easier.

* This works for me!

Regards

Interesting----I guess I'm not the only one who has used a DE and a straight in the same shave!! Although it goes against the "purist" in me to use both in the same shave, why not I guess? I smooth wood using several different tools too!! Usually, though, I do try to stick to one or the other (in the same shave).

Study, plan. stretch, und zen Norelco?



Fortunately I've got a boring chin; I just shave up, down, and from side to side and seem to easily get all the errant hairs.

I agree and make sure to pull your skin tight go slow since you are new to it

Originally Posted by Lynn

With the chin, it is best to experiment with what makes the different areas taut. The area under the lip will be different than the sides of the chin. The best way is to try very short and light strokes in the different areas until you find which cutting angles and stretches work best for you.

Hope this helps.

Good luck,

Lynn

I came up with a sure fire way to handle the chin.

I grew a goatee. Now every time I shave I geto ZERO irritation on my chin AND upper lip.

I had also chickened out by growing a goatee for a little while, but I quickly wised up. My goatee looked like something a cat would cough up. Anyways, I definitely like using the heel on my chin and resting my hand against my jaw. I like to think I have a steady hand but it's also nice to 'anchor' the blade for stability.

Cheers ears,

-J