Thread: Breakthrough!

OK, I figured out something that really helped me this morning. In the trouble areas (chin, mustache, etc), I focused on shaving just about 1-8 to 1/4" of face at a time, with the 1/4" of blade closest to my index finger. What a difference! With that whole big blade, it's easy to feel like it should all be used. Psychologically, I felt like it was the equivalent of 'choking up', like a baseball bat.

Anyway, it was very encouraging. It's not the greatest shave ever but I wasn't trying for that either, with only one pass on most areas.

Yes!!! Choking up is a good analogy. You get better control around the chin when you're working with the heel of the blade closer to the pivot of the razor in your hand.

Mainly through noob (or maybe more noob than now) misunderstanding, I had trouble w/ a flexible hollow, and instinctively used the heel for mustache detail work. At that point, using the toe was still in my future. The heel is the least flexible on a full or extra hollow, and certainly gives the finest control. The toe is on the end of a 3+" lever - which magnifies any flaws in movement or control. For those with rock steady hands & fine motor control it's not an issue, but the heel remains a good option for others.

Side note - Don't you just LOVE those breakthroughs or discoveries that make each shave easier or better? I savored each one. 'Still do.

It doesn't help that when you watch Lynn or most anyone else on the demo videos, it looks so effortless. Now that I realize how much skill it really takes, I'm not sure I'll be able to relax and enjoy a barber giving me a shave unless I really know them!