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Toady was a 95% SE shave. Definatey getting better.
Here are my questions:
1. What is the best way to do the chin (and upper lip)?
2. What do you do when your blade gets "full" of cream? Do you rinse it in the sink? do you wipe it on a towel? When I get the razor wet, with the soap, it gets a little slippery ...
Thanks in advance
- adam "i'm getting the hang of this"
I wipe it off on the base of my thumb with a stropping-like motion, then wipe my hand on a towel on my waist.
As for the upper lip, which part are you having trouble with? The sides of the moustache area I cut downwards on the first pass, then in towards the center on the next. The bit just under the nose I get with the coup de maitre cut on the first pass, then come in diagonally slightly downwards on the second.
When I do both my upper lip and chin, I work from my cheeks toward the center of my face. I find it easier to move in a little at a time, drawing the razor over fresh stubble and already shaved sections at the same time. Those are the thickest parts of my beard, though, so I have to be sure to stretch my face tightly, and they're really tricky, so I get really close to the mirror and go slowly.
Adam, congrats on your progress. Keep at it. I've only been doing this for a couple of months, so take everything I say with a grain of salt - it could change tomorrow. ;)
I'm sure there are many ways to do these areas.
For the chin, I've been trying to go straight down and under - the way Lynn does in his video. To be honest, it took me a long time to develop the confidence change to direction in mid stroke like that, but its coming along.
I'm still struggling to get really close on the upper lip, but I go N-S on the first pass and across from nose out on the second pass. For the middle section I'm now able to get the blade in there and go straight down. I don't know if this is the coup de maitre, but perhaps close.
I rinse the blade under running water to clear it. I use this as an opportunity to stop and remind myself to move slowly. Don't want to ding the blade on the faucet or worse. I usually rinse before I switch hands, so I use my fingers to cover the shank and scales to keep water/soap off that area then dry my hand before proceeding.
I think with continued practice you'll get a feel for that proper “point of contact” or sweet spot (I don’t know how else to describe it). These areas start to get easier after that. Just be patient and don’t try too hard.
Jordan
I wipe the razor on a barber's towel. That way I can see if I'm still cutting hair and there's no risk of me dinging the razor on the faucet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EdinLA44
I do the same thing, I have been told by my barber not to do this as it can dull the blade, but I dont buy that. When I get really picky about my shaves its important that I know if I am shaving hair or skin, and in some areas its hard to tell!
Also I have not dinged a razor on anything since I started using towels. I got mine for $0.99 each at bed bath and beyond.
I use my thumb to remove lather, then swish the lather off in the sink full of hot water. As to the chin and upper lip...practice/patience.
Ed
I did that until a few weeks ago, but have noticed since then that I don't have to strop mid-shave anymore. I don't believe the towel was hurting things so much as the blade is now benefitting from the thumb-stropping.Quote:
Originally Posted by EdinLA44
Good to hear you're doing well. Sounds to me like you're close to sublime shaves which leave you feeling calm and clean. As to your questions:
1. Ed is right about the practice, but I have some more DANGEROUS INFORMATION if you're not afraid of reading such things, but remember ... DON'T TRY IT YOURSELF. ;)
2. I rinse and then wipe.
X
Quote:
Originally Posted by JLStorm
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EdinLA44
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? :hmmm:
-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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by JLStorm
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.