Thread: Getting better, a few questions - chin and wiping

Originally Posted by EdinLA44

I don't touch the edge with the towel. I fold the towel in a U shape between my thumb and index finger and make sure the edge is above the towel before I pull the razor through to wipe it off. That way it can't dull the blade. I got my towels (the ones with the green stripe) from ClassicShaving.com.

How are the classic shaving towels? Mine arent herringbone and occassionally leave a little cotton on the blade. I do the same thing you do Ed, I guess just using my fingers would work, but Im just worried that one day I would slip, I like having that towel between my fingers and a meat chopper

do you really think a cloth towel will make much difference to one of your axes, JL?

-micah

I used to rinse the razor off in my sink, until I dinged the blade on the sink which chipped the blade. I had to rehone all over, and now I wipe with a towel.

Originally Posted by JLStorm

How are the classic shaving towels? Mine arent herringbone and occassionally leave a little cotton on the blade. I do the same thing you do Ed, I guess just using my fingers would work, but Im just worried that one day I would slip, I like having that towel between my fingers and a meat chopper

Stay focused! That is the one constant throughout every aspect of straight razor shaving from honing to stropping and shaving. If you are focused, where is the concern with wiping lather off of your blade with the edge of your thumb? It's really no different than Rich shaving commando. I guarantee that he is aware of his grip on the razor at all times.

It is when you get complacent that you'll get bitten. Just ask Zigfreid and Roy.

Ed

The area that is toughest is the edge between my jaw and my neck, especially in the chin area. Any suggestions?


oh and my adams apple scares me to death too!

Where can I see that video of Lynn?

That is a tough area for me, as my beard grows sideways there. Smiling blades help some. I generally try to come in at an angle, depending on the blade I can get about 45 degrees which generally does the trick. It's taken awhile to figure out the angles and razor position, that was the last spot that got touch-ups with the DE.

I don't actually have a discernable adams apple, so I can't help you there.

Probably all wrong, but I've always just kind of pinched the blade between my wetted thumb and index finger and slide the soap and hair off, moving slightly away from the edge. Then rinse my finger tips under the tap. I've never cut myself using this technique, never dinged a razor on the faucet, and I don't have to throw a lot of towels in the wash either.

I just rinse mine off under the running hot water. When I'm finished, I'll rinse the blade under hot water for a few seconds, then wipe with a towel or washcloth pinched between thumb and forefinger. I'll usually do 10 passes on the strop, too, just to make sure the razor edge is clean and dry.