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

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.

Originally Posted by EdinLA44

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.

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

Originally Posted by EdinLA44

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.

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.

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

Originally Posted by JLStorm

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 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.