First couple of full shaves...

So, I've been DE shaving for a while now and was getting fairly good at it, but it just wasn't enough. There's something about a completely exposed, unguarded razor that's...well...enticing. Anyway, I'd been shaving only a few parts of my face a day and finishing up with the DE as per Lynn's suggestion, until a few days ago when I decided I was about ready to try a complete shave. It actually went very well, I was surprised to discover, with a few minor problems.

The first of these was not so minor, since it entailed a large gash on my right cheek. No worries though, because it looked kind of rugged and I got to tell enquirers all day that "my razor bit me." On the second shave a couple of days later, I incurred a few more cuts, though of lesser gravity than the first. I should add that these cuts are only on my right cheek and neck area, and only occur on ATG passes. Also, I'm right-handed, if that makes any difference.

The second, and most pressing, problem was that I couldn't get the ATG pass on the neck just right. Maybe my angle was off or maybe my lather wasn't good enough, but for whatever reason, I couldn't get the blade to slide up the skin without it stopping and scraping. I don't think sharpness is an issue because I got the razor (Dovo Bismarck) shave-ready from SRD.

Any ideas on how to improve? The cuts on the cheek and neck just have to stop...

Thanks a lot.

Hey and welcome to the club, I remember when I first started I got quite a few cuts as well. The only thing that will make the bleeding stop is practice. I would hold off with those until you're comfortable with WTG passes and XTG passes.

But some tips I've picked up from all the great info here on the site for improving that have really helped me are to remember to stretch your skin while you're shaving it will help with getting a closer shave and make sure not to put too much pressure on the blade. Another thing to remember is never to make stroke when you're unsure haha hesitation leads to bleeding.

Happy Shaving!

- Tam -