Thread: Shaving the chin line

I'll agree with that Xman. You want the hairs to stand nice and tall, which is best achieved by the stretch being in the opposite direction of their growth. This will put your hand in front of the blade at times if you go this route. Fellas, I cannot stress enough, when using this method be damn careful or you'll slice a finger or your face should your grip slip. Dry fingers give the best traction, slow, easy, and no pressure.

Originally Posted by xman

The CLOSEST results are achieved by stretching from behind the growth of the grain becasue it stands the hairst up to their highest, regardless of which direction the edge is pointing. Since the grain on my cheek and jaw grows downward, for my final finishing pass, I get best results by stetching from above even though I am shaving in that direction. One achieves SAFEST results by stretching from behind the blade.

X

Close vs. safe I guess it's all a matter of degree. The majority of the population would suggest that we're all nuts simply because we use a 'cut throat' razor...what could possibly be less safe? I know that in an earlier thread, X described his process of shaving his upper lip against the grain. Many immediately chimed in with the opinion that this seemed to be dangerous as a quick slip would remove your nose from your face. Rich later reported trying the technique and loving the results. I too am converted although I will admit to going VERY SLOWLY and am still VERY CAREFUL when I do this. However, I was this careful and this slow with my entire shave when I first started with a straight. As I become more comfortable with the technique and have more practice with it under my belt, I'm sure speed and confidence will build.

So, back to stretching in front of the blade...try it, but be careful with it until you have mastered the technique. After you try it, you may decide it's not for you; it may also become your standard approach to a second pass. You'll never know until you try. The great thing about this forum is that you likely would never have considered it unless X-man spoke up in the first place.

Viva la difference,
Ed

For doing Xman's technique, I have started wearing a washcloth-mitten on my stretching hand. Gives me a nice, slip-resistant grip and some protection for that hand. I don't want to end up posting one of those it-could-happen-to-you pics here!

Also, I only do the technique on the cheeks and sideburns...at least for now.

Along with the stretching (carefully), pay attention to the direction of hair growth. It may not be the same pattern on each side. For my pattern I need to go in both E-W directions as well as N-S and diagonally as well in that area. Everyone is a little different. You will get the hang of it.

Monte