Chin Technique For Newbs

I've been meaning to post this for quite some time now, but haven't got around to it until tonight. I've read time and time again how new straight shavers can get a good shave on the cheeks and maybe the neck, but when it comes to the chin area frustration sets in and they start to question the ability to get an outstanding overall shave with a straight. Newbies take heart; with patience and practice it IS possible to get a better shave "the old fashioned way" than with the good ol' Mock 3. I believe it was Lynn who posted some time ago that Newbs tend to flatten out the angle of the blade when shaving the chin area, whether conciously or not. He recommended increasing the angle (or simply maintaining the same angle used on other parts of the face). Upon further reflection I realized that I was doing just that - using a shallower angle. And once you try increasing the angle you'll realize that it works, not only to provide a smoother shave but also to reduce irritation from running the blade over your chin more times than you need to.

So, my 2 recommendations to getting a better shave on your chin:
-Maintain the standard blade angle (approx 30 degrees) across your entire chin area. When you are more proficient with your razor it will come naturally, as will further experimentation.
-Remember: Beard reduction, not elimination. Use multiple passes and do not attempt to hack it all off with one WTG pass, which will only result in redness and an insufficient shave.

I hope this helps new guys who may be frustrated at the moment. When I was a newb this technique really helped me transition from getting a "decent" shave to "oh my god, a Mach 3 can't even do this" shave. Good luck.

Ryan

I forgot to mention yesterday that I felt this post would best be served in the Newbies Corner, but if any mods think it would be better off in the Shaving section I will not be offended.

As for any new guys reading this try it out and see if it helps at all. And by all means post and let he know how it goes.

I've found over the years that when doing the main part of the chin you need to really stretch the skin and do straight strokes with the razor. I usually keep things pretty shallow. If you increase the angle by much you can really dig in there. The more interesting part is coming around the bottom of the chin to the upper neck which is a more advanced maneuver and you really need to individualize the angle to match your anatomy. I usually just follow the chin contour and go down and around the chin. You really have to do some quick and major blade angles there.

Thanks bigspendur for the additional input. I absolutely agree. What I meant about increasing the angle on the chin was not so much going beyond 30 degrees but maintaining the same angle on your chin as you would around the rest of your face. Lynn was right, newbs tend to flatten their angle on the chin for some reason (I know I did at the beginning), and of course find the right angles for each individual face will be a matter of trial and error.

I saw a post many moons ago with an illustration showing a skin stretching maneuver where you hold your thumb and forefinger in a u shape and holding them behind your chin thumb on one side and forefinger on the other side you stretch toward your ears. I have found this stretch, among others, to work well for me on the chin. As far as the angle I probably use more like a 20 degree along with buffing strokes for best results on my particular chin. Different stokes for different folks and all of that.