Thread: Which way to stretch?

Originally Posted by pcb01

I don't see how stretching skin in front of the blade would lead to bunching... If you were pushing toward the blade, then, sure. But your stretch hand is in front of the blade and pulling away from the blade. I don't get it...

IMO, it doesn't necessarily lead to bunching but really is not as effective at preventing it from happening. The closest analogy I can think of is when you flatten out your bedsheet. Press and stretch leftward with your left hand and move your right hand away from it going right. Now do the same with your left hand, and move your right hand starting from a distance away, going leftward to your left hand.

Originally Posted by RayG

IMO, it doesn't necessarily lead to bunching but really is not as effective at preventing it from happening. The closest analogy I can think of is when you flatten out your bedsheet. Press and stretch leftward with your left hand and move your right hand away from it going right. Now do the same with your left hand, and move your right hand starting from a distance away, going leftward to your left hand.

O.K. That makes sense. Sometimes analogies and metaphors trump logic. There's a spot at the bottom of my neck (left side) that is prone to bunching -- I'll try it both ways and let you guys know which method draws the most blood. Watch this space!

That's right. Stretching from behind the blade is the safest shave, but stretching from behind the direction of beard growth (regardless of shaving direction actually) is the closest shave. So the question you have to ask yourself is if you want to shave safe or close. Personally. If I wanted to shave safe I'd still be using a Track II.

X

Originally Posted by xman

That's right. Stretching from behind the blade is the safest shave, but stretching from behind the direction of beard growth (regardless of shaving direction actually) is the closest shave. So the question you have to ask yourself is if you want to shave safe or close. Personally. If I wanted to shave safe I'd still be using a Track II.

X

+1

I'm with you, xman. I'm at the point where most shaves qualify as BBS, but about one time out of 5 after I shave, I cannot detect a single whisker with my hands, no matter how much I stretch, pull, probe, or rub. For some reason, those are the days I seem to be able to handle any difficulty life throws my way. As Buddha said, "A great shave is the start of a great day."

Originally Posted by pcb01

... As Buddha said, "A great shave is the start of a great day."

So that was him who said that, eh?

Originally Posted by xman

So that was him who said that, eh?

No, it's the calling card of a member over at B&B -- but the wisdom is such, it must have originated with the Buddha... either him or Springsteen.

Originally Posted by pcb01

O.K. That makes sense. Sometimes analogies and metaphors trump logic. There's a spot at the bottom of my neck (left side) that is prone to bunching -- I'll try it both ways and let you guys know which method draws the most blood. Watch this space!

Like I said, I always stretch downward at the base of my neck, whichever direction I am shaving, because there is a crease below. I found that works best for me. It really varies from person to person, as does the direction the hair grows. You may want to review Lynn's video, and notice how he stretches at the base of the neck.

This thread is interesting to me for many reasons. One of the reasons is that I am fairly new to straight shaving, only about 8 weeks in, and two because what you guys are saying about stretching is the opposite I see in the videos. To say stretch BEHIND the blade and not in front, and then to say stretch behind the direction of the growth. I always see straight shavers stretching their necks downward when going WTG in front of the blade on youtube, including Jockeys videos. Are you saying this should be the opposite?

For example, If I am shaving WTG on my neck and my hair growths straight down to the floor on my neck, I should therefore be stretching the skin above the blade and in an upward fashion? Not below the blade and downward?

When shaving my face I stretch my skin from my upper cheeks, when I shave my neck I stretch from the jaw line. Going either direction. when I'm shaving XTG on my jaw I strectch from the ends of my jaw bone.

I have never really thought about stretching from any where else, just because I'm not sure how I would do it comfortably. I have rediculously stretchy skin as well, which doesn't help, makes it quite difficult to affect a large enough area.

Originally Posted by Disburden

what you guys are saying about stretching is the opposite I see in the videos

Well, sometimes you have to compromise. "Perfect" stretching might make it difficult to place the blade, or would obstruct your view. Or sometimes it might slow you down, or you are feeling lazy. Some people just don't need to use perfect form, they can get good results with more relaxed technique and they know it. (Wish I was one of them! )

I think the theory is sound. Stretching does these things:

• Flattens areas of skin;
• Lifts hairs;
• Stops the blade skipping due to skin movement.

Pick which you need and stretch as appropriate.

Stretching isn't one of my strong points, I definitely need to work on it. But straight shaving wouldn't be so much fun if it was too easy!