Thread: First Time Leg Shaver...

Hey there, SRP forum-ites! I'm a junior road cyclist, and although I used to be embarrassed to say it, I no longer am - I'm a dude and I shave my legs.

Essentially, the deal is this. I'm a California boy, so whenever I'm not doing fast group rides or races (when the chances of me crashing and getting road rash are higher), I let my leg hair grow out.

I think a straight razor would be way easier than using these stupid disposable BICs that I buy, economically convenient, and it wouldn't involve me staying in the shower to get the deed done (my leg hair clogs razors incredibly quickly, so I need some pressure to make them usable).

So, having briefly read the sticky at the top of the page, I'll be shaving with the razor at a 30 degree angle to my leg, going with the grain. Other than that, I know nothing really about straight razors. Are there recommended ones for beginners? Will any shaving cream suffice?

And most importantly here, how do I deal with the knee joint? I typically try to get the long hairs behind my knee as well as the hairs on the front of my knee as my knees are often scraped by crashes. Less hair means less pain later while cleaning.

Thanks, all.

I won't be much help on the leg technique, other than recommend checking the posts at the ladies corner.
Many experienced leg shavers there, such as this post
http://straightrazorpalace.com/ladie...legs-such.html

I would recommend "real" shave soap, preferable with brush to provide the extra cushion and lube you won't get from the can.

You may consider a double edge razor too. They also are enviormently friendly, disposing of only the metal that will degrade in landfills.

Either path, remember easy pressure, take time to learn technique. Use easy pressure, focusing on reduction with multi passes. Not clearing all in one pass.

Good luck and enjoy the learning process

Welcome to SRP. I'm an avid bicyclist myself for an old coot. Mostly singletrack off road but I ride road too. I don't shave my legs but have plenty of scars on my shins from the hazards of the trails. I agree that if you want to use a straight razor for your legs check out the ladies forum. They know a thing or two about that topic. BTW, if you are using a Bic type disposable are you aware that moving the razor back and forth without lifting it off of the skin will help clear the blades and prevent clogging ? I only know this because I am a professional tattooer and learned it shaving customers to prepare them for the tattoo. Good luck with it and the cycling.

Straights work great on the legs especially when you let them grow completely out there isn't much better. My wife uses a DE most of the time, but her straights are the thing for when she let's it go for a while. I don't know if WTG is needed for legs as much. She didn't seem to ever do it. It could also depend on thickness of hair as well as density, sensitivity and angle of growth.
+1 on using a quality soap/cream and brush. They really round out the whole experience, plus they are generally better for your skin.
As for shaving around knees, scars and road rash; I would suggest sitting down. This stretches the skin on the knees and helps to find all of the obstacles that you may catch on. The biggest thing that I have found with the wife isn't the obstacles, but the rougher skin on the knee that causes problems. With the deeper wrinkle lines on the knees the blade has a tendency to bury itself there. Keeping a loose grip like in Jimmy sig line makes the difference between a small nick and a cut.

A double edge? As in an edge on each side, or? I'm such a novice...

Would against the grain be best when the hair has really grown out? I feel like for basic maintenance (if you will) during race season would do fine with the grain.

Jimmy - I race single speed mountain as well. It's my passion - road is just a great way to stay fit when I want to hit the trail.

please don't use 30 degree shaving angle. The best you could do is
Make small strokes and find out the best shaving angle. it could be vary.
depends too many factors, how it has been honed, etc.
hope this helps.
gl