Thread: CAN"T SEE WHAT I"M DOING

Cris Moss' excellent guide has alot of pictures of good positions to get to all those tricky areas. I use it as a reference.

shavemyface.com :: View topic - Straight Razor Shaving Guide

I have exactly the same problem and haven't found a way to overcome it yet. It's worse at the start of the sideburns, which, being the first cut a beginner tries makes it really unnerving as the blade hits your face out of sight!

Sometimes, switching hands or grip helps. Also, the larger the blade I am using, the less I see. This is yet another reason not to shave with cleaver-like razors (but we all do it). As for angles: I guess that the larger your face is, the less of a problem that you would have (I would like to know what you guys think of my theory). If I am correct, I should have more of a problem than let's say, Barry Bonds and Don Zimmer. There may be other issues related to the particular geometry of the face of the person (separation of the eyes, width of the face, etc..). The other night I was "talking" to some people about this razor that cuts the web out of my face every time I use, despite using the same pressure and angle that I normally use with my other razors. Dan (floppyshoes) pointed out to me that every blade is different and small adjustments must be made. I have been able to use this razor with no problems by following his advice. Although, this may not seem relevant here, it may play a role.
Al raz.

Originally Posted by Alraz

Sometimes, switching hands or grip helps. Also, the larger the blade I am using, the less I see. This is yet another reason not to shave with cleaver-like razors (but we all do it). As for angles: I guess that the larger your face is, the less of a problem that you would have (I would like to know what you guys think of my theory). If I am correct, I should have more of a problem than let's say, Barry Bonds and Don Zimmer. There may be other issues related to the particular geometry of the face of the person (separation of the eyes, width of the face, etc..). The other night I was "talking" to some people about this razor that cuts the web out of my face every time I use, despite using the same pressure and angle that I normally use with my other razors. Dan (floppyshoes) pointed out to me that every blade is different and small adjustments must be made. I have been able to use this razor with no problems by following his advice. Although, this may not seem relevant here, it may play a role.
Al raz.

Alraz, I have very small face and head

When using a hand to stretch the skin, you can sometimes wrap that arm around the top of your head, or simply push your arm back as far as it goes. Experimenting with use of different fingers or thumb to do the stretching can help here.

Swapping the razor between hands does help visibility.

And remember there are MANY ways to place the blade in any given position. The blade can point one way or the other. The scales can point up, down, in line with the blade, or even folded up near to the spine of the blade. And you can choose which hand to use. That makes 16 permutations all putting the blade in exactly the same place. (Not all of them possible for some areas.)

Experiment a bit once you feel comfortable holding the blade.

Originally Posted by muddy250

I have exactly the same problem and haven't found a way to overcome it yet. It's worse at the start of the sideburns, which, being the first cut a beginner tries makes it really unnerving as the blade hits your face out of sight!

I shave with both hands and that helped reduce the area that my hands bocked while shaving. Nevertheless, my WTG pass beginning at my sideburns is blocked by my hands. I go very slowly and shave, more or less, by feel. When I'm shaving with a spike, I shave really slowly.

Originally Posted by Tonsor

I shave with both hands and that helped reduce the area that my hands bocked while shaving. Nevertheless, my WTG pass beginning at my sideburns is blocked by my hands. I go very slowly and shave, more or less, by feel. When I'm shaving with a spike, I shave really slowly.

I use both hands, never thought I would but find it impossible to use my rh on my left cheek. Surpisingly easy but as you say, no matter which hand you use the start of the first pass is pretty much blocked by the hand.

Thanks guys I have been practicing with a disposible single srtaight with no blade to check out some of the various hand and face angles to see. Although this razor is thin without the blade it gives some prospective. Thanks again for all the info.

Using opposite hands seems to work will as heel in near to and moving away from ear, and hand under line of sight. Takes a little time though for the muscle memory to kick in.