Thread: OK - I am SO LOVING this - why did I wait so long???

Originally Posted by bman40

it makes perfect sense...and terrifies me...

the idea of scything through my chin... yikes!

thanks I'll try it tomorrow.

Take care! Better to leave a bit of stubble than to try forcing the blade.

I've found that areas that fight back one day can be easier the next day. And as you practice, moves that just don't want to work seem to become magically easier over time. Scything is a good example. Once you can do it smoothly it is fairly safe. But the first few times you can be over cautious, the blade can stall and move sideways causing a long nick. Or worse, you can be too aggressive, and get a deep cut.

I've found that scything works best if you start the movement in an easy area and continue it smoothly into the tougher beard growth. That way you avoid having to move at the correct angle from a standing start "in the rough".

When I use the scything stroke, usually also on the chin. I've found that if you plant your thumb on your jaw and use a short precise stroke similiar to whittling you are alot steadier.

The hardest thing about the chin is keeping a 30 degree or less angle. The chin for some reason is an area where you just naturally flatten out the blade. Short strokes are how I shave all areas of my face with a little longer stroke on the clean up pass.

Have fun,

Lynn