Thread: Scything questions

Scything works best when you do it subconsciously IMO. The skill is picked up without even realising it.

I think you word it well when you say that if you aren't scything, you are scraping. But that makes it sound much worse than it should. Using a "scraping" motion has its benefits for beginners - it reduces the chance of cutting yourself (unless you use too much pressure.) It helps you learn good angles and pressure, and lets you know if the blade is sharp enough.

If you start scything too early in the learning process it can cover for bad technique or a poor blade, so it slows your learning.

I think it would be easier to start with the guillotine stroke before the scything stroke. At any rate, you must have a good, confident stroke with no pressure. I did not try the scything stroke until I had shaved with a str8 45 times or so and I did cut myself the first time.

It is a useful technique, but I have to admit it does take practice. I've been shaving with a straight for almost a year now ( has it been that long already??) and find it a useful stroke but it took some time to get right. But, only a few weeks ago I got a good sized cut right on the underside of my chin from doing a slicing motion, as I had too much sideways motion and not enough downward motion...

It's important to do a nice smooth stroke as well as keeping a very light touch, so if you do hit a snag you won't dig the razor into your face.