Thread: Shaving - Things that I have learned

There are alot of people on here who have a vast knowledge of straight razor shaving and all topics related. Something a little different that I want to try is to capture the complete "new guy" perspective. Perhaps my outlook on things will help others.

I am going to simply list the things that I have learned in no specific order... Partly as a record and reminder to myself, but mostly to let others know my experiences so that they can avoid some of my mistakes. I'll just keep editing this post and adding to the list. So lets get on with it!

1. Stretching your face is probably THE most important thing that you can do during your shave to prevent cuts.

2. Razor angle in relation to your face is one of the most important things that you can do during your shave to prevent cuts.

3. Razor angle in relation to your face is one of the most important things that you can do during your shave to produce a closer shave.

4. Optimal razor angle in relation to your face is 30 degrees.

5. Having a shave-ready razor is one of the most important things that you can do during your shave to prevent cuts and produce a closer, more comfortable shave without discomfort associated with pulling the hairs.

6. Do not use a "Mr. Coffee" coffe mug warmer to warm your soap bowl with the expectation that you can then add water and lather your soap for a warm shave. It will melt your soap, and when you pour the melted soap in another dish with water at a lower temperature than the soap... the soap will begin to take it's solid form again... making a total mess of your brush. When the mixture finally gets on your face, it will lack water and dry quickly... sort of caked on. This is not conducive to a lubricated smooth shave. You will cut yourself more than ever before, and vow never to make that mistake again.

7. Non alcoholic after shave balm is very helpful for someone who is learning this art. I personally use Nivea AS balm for sensitive skin, but there are many many threads on this forum with suggestions for other products. Please check them out and make your own decision.

8. Everyone's face is different. The more you shave, the more you will learn the contours of your face, and the angles you should approach them with the razor. This will only come with time and experience.

*Disclamer* I am a "new guy", so if I get ANY of this "advice" wrong, PLEASE step in and correct me!

- Experience: Only cartridge shaved prior to the straight razor
- 4 straight razor shaves down, a lifetime to go

- Cage

P.S. Most of the things that I have learned have come from the gentlemen (and ladies) on this forum. I want to thank the founders of this forum and each and every member of this community for continuing to make my transition to straight razor shaving a wonderful experience.

Wow that was like 4 the most important things.

Thank you for your post. It was a good read.

It goes to show that there are so many "little" things that require attention in order to produce a stellar shave.

Well done you have been doing your homework!

I'm still working on putting some of these into practice. Sham has been a great source of knowledge also. He sort of took me under his wing you could say and gave me alot of advice... much of which he has already posted to other threads in the forum. Thanks again Sham!

Cage, Im in the same boat Im on my 5th shave. And its easier to point out what your doing wrong than to fix it. Its a slow grueling process. But ive been nic free for 2 shaves! Great info!

I'm making some good strides. I think I've got my angle worked out and I've got my technique for the sides of my face and my neck down pat. The mustache area is a bit tricky, but I am consistently shaving that area WTG with no nicks.

However... I am consistently cutting, slicing, and hacking the SH*T out of my chin. My beard is much thicker in this area, and it seems that no matter how much lather I use or what angle I adjust to, the razor keeps getting hung up and jumping in this area. I know it's not the edge... the razor does a supurb job on the rest of my face, and it was professionally honed by Sham. I use conditioner on my beard in the shower before I shave and leave the shaving cream on while I strop to soften the beard. I also re-apply when necessary.

I'm going to give my chin a break for a few days and use a cartrige in that area. Once the cuts heal, I'll try try try again. Is there anyone that can offer some advice on something that I haven't thought of yet?

Thanks

- Cage

@Cage

Brand new here too, and I'm having the same questions about the chin. I haven't hacked mine up, but the beard is much tougher there. I'm doing plenty of preshave prep, but my blade still wants to jump in that area. The WTG pass goes pretty well, but the X and A passes are extremely tricky.

One thing that has seemed to help a little is lowering the blade angle. I find it hard to keep the spine close to my face because of the rounded shape of the chin. If I don't pay close attention I start to get 50–60º blade angles—and that will cause jumping and nicks every time.

Anyone else offer some additional help?

Glad to know I'm not alone heh. I'll try some more angles. Also, before anyone asks... I am stretching the skin on the chin.

Chins can be a bear. I have had much of the same issue with mine, but have been able to crack its code (as far as my face goes). If i do wtg then xtg then its close enough to go atg with out skippin across my skin and leaving me a mess. Also i stretch the hell out of it in all kinds of angles, but hey its the passion we have all chosen so who cares how goofy you look doing it lol!
keep at it!