Thread: What causes the razor to "skip" / "jump" rather than glide?

Shavettes often jump simply because the blade is so light. Honestly, a DE blade was never really intended to be jammed into the end of stick. You might need a firmer hold without adding more pressure.

You may also be using too little pressure... before anyone jumps me, I mean too soft a grip. While you don't want to put pressure against your skin you do want to hold the razor firmly. Gently enough that if it catches or tugs you can feel it and hopefully not get cut badly but you want that blade to slide through that hair. Move the blade with authority. If the skip is mostly at the tip that should fix it. If not, better lather and beard prep will be your friend.

Thanks to all for the helpful suggestions - I've learned quite a bit from this thread!

Try adding some glycerine to the soap B/4 you work it with your brush.

I added some glycerine to my bowl before lathering, and it has seemed to help the lather thicken up a little, I'll add a bit more next time and work out a sweet spot for this soap over time. It also held a little more water than without glycerine, so I may try out some other humectants as well.

more than likely an incorrect angle

I have been taking my time with these early shaves, and concentrating on keeping roughly a two spine widths angle for WTG/XTG and a slightly lower, say 1.5 spine widths angle for ATG. Because of the design of my razor (it is the same concept as a shavette, but really not the same!) I'm starting to think that the spine is thinner than an equivalent straight, so I'm going to try using a bit more angle - thanks for the advice.

Go to Bath and Body works and pick up a tube of CO Biglow

Wish it was that easy, but it could be quite a long trip from this side of the pond I will keep my eyes open for alternatives to the Wilkinson's as well though, even if just for experiences sake - it's all I know at the moment.

i would also suggest that you look into your skin stretching technique. not to confuse, but this is just another characteristic that can cause skipping.

I did make more of a conscious effort to stretch last shave, and I would definitely say it helped - thanks

You may also be using too little pressure... before anyone jumps me, I mean too soft a grip.

This is also a valid comment for me, as I notice that when trying to shave with my non-dominant hand that I don't grip as tightly, and I do get more skip. Although I tend to shave one handed, as my non dominant hand is all but useless, the logic follows!

Thanks again gentlemen, much appreciated
P