Thread: angle guide

Is a spine width about 30 degrees? Actually if that is correct then perhaps I am already cutting at 30 degrees. It seems slight but any higher then about a spine width i will cut myself while trying cross grain on my bad hand side. I think I need a different grip entirely for cross grain as while doing it i cannot really see my face behind my hand in the mirror. Even cutting with grain is difficult to see my face behind my hand but cross is impossible.

Mate, just keep it real simple for the early stages and go WTG only until you start getting comfortable. I use spine width as a guide without worrying about what exact degree it is. Each of my razors is a little different, but the spine guide works for all of them as a starting point. I make minor adjustments right from the first movement of the blade, 'til within a few fractions of an inch into the stroke, I am at the right angle for that razor to work efficiently.
You do need to change grips here and there, but there will nearly always be a blind spot somewhere along the way. I actually don't mind having a blind spot during the shave. It helps build confidence in yourself to the point where you just start closing your eyes and not worrying about using the mirror...Or maybe that's just me. Everyone's different. Mirrors are good for checking how it turned out at the end though, so don't consider throwing it away .


Mick

Your great sense of humor gives you away as a true aussie... next time i'm in the dunnie scratchin off my face i'll take mind of your masterly advice, close my eyes, and use the force. reckon i'll owe you a slab of **** then mate Cheers!

Originally Posted by groovyd

Is a spine width about 30 degrees? Actually if that is correct then perhaps I am already cutting at 30 degrees. It seems slight but any higher then about a spine width i will cut myself while trying cross grain on my bad hand side. I think I need a different grip entirely for cross grain as while doing it i cannot really see my face behind my hand in the mirror. Even cutting with grain is difficult to see my face behind my hand but cross is impossible.

Don't worry about exact angles. My guess is that two spine widths, the spine itself then raising the blade another spine width, is roughly 30 degrees. The key, though, is to stay at or under 30 degrees, because above that angle is danger. You'll find videos in which the shaver is clearly way over 30 degrees, but the guys doing that are experienced and are using darn near zero pressure. You can make a lot of mistakes and get away with them with minimal pressure. But if you get over 30 degrees and are using pressure, you and your face will be the first to know.

I think I have already proven your point... it has been 3 days and i'm still hoping the scar will fade.

Man, I could have written your perspective perfectly. We are on the exact same curve my friend.

I started with the laying it flat on the face then lifting till it cuts tonite with good success. No nicks.

My face actually gets good and clean shaving only WTG. However, there are spots that I just cannot get then. THe curves are still a total mystery, but I'm content to shave the area's I CAN shave for now. Tonite I actually shaved abuot 90% of my face with the strait. I had to finish around the jawline and the chin with the old mach3.

Face is still raw and tender, but again NO NICKS. that is a major accomplishment during this stage I'm told. Last time to much pressure. THis time many missed spot, but a much better experience.

We need to keep in touch as we progress, maybe we can help each other as we go!

BTW, I have some Tend Skin coming for the burns and bumps. If you haven't looked into it yet, do. The stuff is supposed to work wonders.

Later mate!!

Yeah definitely we are riding the same wave and should keep in touch. I just ordered skin food and some camelia oil and some proraso pre-shave all hoping to make my skin feel better. I am also wondering what the difference the inox blade makes to a regular carbon steel and even perhaps just the blade being so new maybe it needs a few hundred shaves to take the edge off so to speak. I can do everything but the jawline and chin WTG without trouble assuming i can twist my face and neck enough in the mirror to see where I am going. I got two good half inch slashes on my right side I am hoping will heal. Look like a gang member.