face cut

Ok, I've been straight razor shaving for three months now and I thought I had it down to a science, but another curve ball has been thrown my way. Ok I'm not going to go into the many changes and reasons for the changes, but right now I'm at the point where I at least I feel that I need a good face cleansing (two thick soaping/rinsing phases), an application of Proaso Preshave Cream (which is good I think because it numbs the skin), then a nice thick (but thin on the face) lather, and the shaving is WTG very short strokes. I go over the same skin without a reapplication of lather, probably five times. I do whatever length of the blade I can fit on my face, for about an inch worth of stroke, again at least three strokes, but more like five, and just work my way down.

Now this has proven to be my best method so far, my problem is after the say nine shaves I've done like this, I've cut myself like three times. I'll be shaving and out of nowhere I'll cut myself. What I mean is usually the cut happens at the start of a new area, or the tip of the blade will catch some higher elevated skin, or I'll use too much pressure. But when I do this multiple pass method, I'm very gentile and the cut will happen in the third or so stroke not in that first pass. Which by then my angle is more refined, I'm applying less pressure because now theres less hair, and I've done the same movement over the same skin for again like two passes already?

Its very annoying because first of all since I started shaving with this regimen, I have been absolutely loving my shaves. The multiple passes gets you down to pretty much a BBS shave, with just a WTG shaves. So I really like shaving every day, not only because I'm getting really good shaves, but I'm use to it now and I don't like the unshaved look. But when I cut myself I need a day for it to heal. My latest cut is on my cheek so I really don't want that to leave a scar.

So my theories are: One the Proaso cream is numbing my skin to the point I can't feel I'm actually shaving with too much pressure. Two I may be wrong in my thinking that, even though there is no shave cream after that first pass, you can shave because right right after you finish taking off the shave cream your skin still has some slick to it. And finally with the multiple passes, I may be weakening my skin to the point that maybe one shave is good but the next day the skin can't take that many passes? This last concern is not so likely for me since again my shaves are a joy and I leave with no razor burn, no discomfort, awesome shave except for the random suprise cuts.

Ultimately I'm concerned with the cuts leaving a scar. This last cut on my cheek has left a noticeable line on my cheek for three days now. Also I'm scared to sharpen my blade, its been two months now and getting closes to when I should hone it, especially since the beginning I've had doubts about its sharpness, part of the reason I instituted the multiple pass method. Now, I think its too sharp!!!

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

It sounds from your description that you are doing what is usually referred to a "blade buffing", or close to it... As to the "Too Sharp" ??? doubtful, more then likely just the oposite... That repeated action or buffing requires a deft hand to keep the blade barely skimming over the face, once you lose that concentration, you will get cut... Try a WTG pass then a clear water WTG pass and just skim the surface of the face with the water, repeat again if needed. this should get the same effect without the cuts... Again the sharper the edge the better this works...

I agree with Glen. I might also add that it is not necessary to use the entire length of the blade for each stroke - the beauty of a straight razor that is basically unique amongst all shaving utensils is the infinite scope of adjustability in the various planes of movement, angles, area of blade used and so on. The benefit is the almost infinitely greater scope to get a perfect shave. The trade off is the increased chances of cuts and nicks.

My suggestion would be to ensure the upcoming area to shave is well stretched, don't go for the whole edge on your skin all the time (I think the only place I do that is on the main part of the cheek, which is flat with no major landmarks), and, as Glen said, look to the sharpness of the blade.

Everyone gets nicks or cuts, I wouldn't worry about it too much unless it becomes more regular. Of course, you want them to decrease in frequency over time.

James.

Attachment 80340

The offending cut and three day beard.

Will the cut leave a scar?

+1 to both Glen and Jim's posts. I t sounds to me like you may not be streching the skin properly and after the first or second pass there isn't enough lubrication and the skin bunches up and you get a cut. I like to use the buffing technique also, it gives great close shaves if done properly. Good Luck!

Knife, you are the king of overthinking here!

Buy some Neospirin, it works like magic to heal your cuts and leave your face without scars. Btw I think your cut will not result in much of a scar, if any.

Part of why I like the short multipass method is you can inch your tauting hand down as you inch your blade down, getting the most out of your shave, so I don't think thats a problem I really try to get a good close shave and tauting the skin is definitly part of my method sorry didn't mention.

I'd say that will not scar. If the blade was horizontal when you made that cut, it is fairly indicative of the tip digging in. Make sure when you use those shorter, faster strokes that you are fully aware of where every part of the blade is at all times. There is a tendency to fixate on one part of the blade, usually the heel near your hand, and this, plus less than ideal stretching, can lead to the kinds of cuts your photo shows.

Again, I'd suggest you either focus more on the center of the blade and your stretching, or try angling the blade so that perhaps only 1/2 or 3/4 of the edge is in contact with the skin - heel end or tip end doesn't matter, the topology of your face and which hand you are using often dictates this. Slow down the time between strokes a bit so you can take stock of where the next stroke is heading and how the skin is situated, stretch-wise, in that area.

You'll be fine - the trick is to learn from these events as best you can and move onwards and upwards!

James.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Blix

Knife, you are the king of overthinking here!

Buy some Neospirin, it works like magic to heal your cuts and leave your face without scars. Btw I think your cut will not result in much of a scar, if any.

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Blix, you got me pegged. But you got to admit, a scar like that from something thats supposed to bring you joy is not good and cause for alarm. Thanks for the neospirin advice. I'lll add the new peice of my staight saving arsenal before my next shave.

Hi, I'm barely past rookie here myself, I just passed my 7 month anniversary st8 shaving. So, keep that in mine when you judge my response.

First of all, the folks that answered here, I would take fully serious as I acknowledge that those boys know their stuff. I have relied upon them for over the last half a year. Great guys, great resources and thier input was and is respsonsible for the quality of shaves I get today. Ok enough of the glossy crap, here's my real response to this.

I could show you so many cuts on my face, exactly, and I mean almost the identical spot even, where my DULL razors dig in. The fact that you don't get razor burn or rashes or bad bumps really surprises me. As usually, when I get cuts like that, also along the jawbone, it's accompanied by some bumping and/or burn on the neck. The cheeks hardly ever rash or burn, regardless of the sharpness of my blades. From what I have learned, an edge can slightly roll, and stropping will make this happen eventually to even the sharpest razor, which leads to the edge digging in, regardless of pressure.

I have found that running my blades over my finishing stone and/or a barbers hone has greatly improved the overall quality of my edges and thus resulted in considerably less discomfort and nicks and cuts almost disappeared from my technique, which is very very similar to yours. I also use several shorter, overlapping strokes on the WTG passes. I use a diff. technique for the XTG's and ATG passes as necessary.

In summation, I would say to make sure, or as sure as you possibley can, that the edge is really what you think it is. If you are keeping your angles and pressure correct, make sure your skin is stretched well in the Direction of your shaving. I have tried ahead and behind stretching and have best results with ahead stretching.

Oh ya, and I used Alum (I have a nice alum block) that works wonders sealing the cuts up, and making them disappear in less than 3 days. As others have said, and as I did in the past, neosporin is a wonder!

Just my thoughts on your predicament. I have been there brother!!

Happy shaving mate!!!

M

All great advice, thanks guys. I'll be sure to incorporate/experiment with all that advice, all of which makes a lot of sence.

As far as the neosporin/alum block goes, I've always ignored the advice to use that stuff just cause every cut I've ever had shaving with disposables hasn't been a big deal. I just leave it alone and it goes away. Now here I am worrying that I'll get a scar. Hopefully I don't, but for the future should I use neosporin or the alum block. I prefer the alum block because I heard you can use it for traction when streching the skin and it helps heal it. On the other hand as fas as healing goes it just seams to me the neosporin will do a better job. They don't look like they could be used together.

I always use a alum block, both for traction, and then for rubbing over my face after a cold water splash when finished shaving, I then rinse it off after a couple minutes.
Neosporin is for the best possible healing of a cut, and is something entirely different than alum.

Ok, so I looked up alum and it's an astringent, which for shave helps stop bleeding apparently in small cuts. I read no mention of healing properties. So just in case I'm missing something, Blix, why would you use it after every shave, unless you bleed after every shave?

The alum block was used before the inception of antibiotics as an antibacterial. It's useful on cuts and abrasions on other areas of the body too. Also as a deodorant.

Hi again,

Alum has the property of contracting the skin cells, which is why you get a better grip with it. But, by contracting the skin cells, the is also what stops bleeding. It also shrinks the surrounding damaged skin of a cut and help the antibacterial properties assist the body to heal it naturally without having to also combat an infection from occurring.

I use alum after every shave to help contract the skin of my face, as well as disinfect it after a close shave. Tell you what, when you use it, you discover every nick there is, whether you knew it was there or not! But after damping your face with cold water and running the alum block over the shaved areas it just feels so much better, and cleaner, I guess it what I would call it. After cleaning my razor and brush, etc. I then can put after shave on then my colognes and off I go. If I have a nick or cut, I don't really freak any further than that regardless, because the cut will heal quickly they are so clean edged. They do itch at times while healing. I know, I have definitely had my share of cuts and nicks in the past 7 or 8 months. I haven't had a month go by I think that I didn't cut myself somewhere. It's just part of the territory.

Sorry, I ramble. I use the Alum first after a shave. If the cut is bad enough I put some neosporin on it to help it heal for the night. I shave at night most of the time, so it works good for me.

I love my alum, but neosporin is a must. :tu

M

Alright, you guys sold me on this alum block. Now I'm trying to buy some.

Now not really knowing anything about alum, I'm sort of thinking it's like wood as in wood is wood. Where ever, by whomever it's going to be the same thing. With alum I'm sure it has to be made, but I'm also guessing there's one recipe.

If I'm right, then why the wide range of prices? If I'm wrong what is the difference in products. And whether I right or wrong, which is the best bang for your buck supplier? And lastly, how long does it last, if I use it for every shave for traction and to disinfect

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Knife

Ok, so I looked up alum and it's an astringent, which for shave helps stop bleeding apparently in small cuts. I read no mention of healing properties. So just in case I'm missing something, Blix, why would you use it after every shave, unless you bleed after every shave?

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I use the alum after each shave. It is as Johnus stated. I have used the alum on minor skin irritation and acne. it has cleared up the problems much faster. I keep a bar in the shave den(small cramped bathroom) and a bar in the first-aid kit.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Knife

Alright, you guys sold me on this alum block. Now I'm trying to buy some.

Now not really knowing anything about alum, I'm sort of thinking it's like wood as in wood is wood. Where ever, by whomever it's going to be the same thing. With alum I'm sure it has to be made, but I'm also guessing there's one recipe.

If I'm right, then why the wide range of prices? If I'm wrong what is the difference in products. And whether I right or wrong, which is the best bang for your buck supplier? And lastly, how long does it last, if I use it for every shave for traction and to disinfect

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I buy from "Mama Bear" , it's good quality, Shavex, and fast delivery.

Search Results : Mama Bears Soaps and Gift Shop , Mama Bears Shaving Soaps and Bath Products for the Discerning Gentleman and Lady

Here is my opinion on some possible technique issues you might be having.

As was stated before streaching is very important, one thing I would like to add though is short 1" strokes means that for every pass you are actually making 3 or more passes, lifting readjusting angle and passing over skin that has been shaved already then if you do a XTG stroke you can add at least another 2 or so passes to any given square inch of skin for a total of approximately 4 passes, this technique can lead to some discomfort.

In the end if it works for your skin, more power to you, we are all special snowflakes with different skin. :)

Just my 2 cents.

Cheers

A woman I work with looked at me today and mentioned that it looked like I had been attacked by a large cat. I explained that I was learning to use a straight razor and was averaging 1 cut every 2 days.

What struck me as odd, especially in light of my obvious trauma, was that she didn't ask why I was using a straight razor. I like her a little bit better now.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Knife

Attachment 80340

The offending cut and three day beard.

Will the cut leave a scar?

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I sorry to say, Knife that I am flat out seeing anything there except two minor scratches.
I'm sure they will heal well and not produce any obvious scarring.
Not wishing to make light of your concerns, I get much worse cuts than that when shave testing a new razor - it's as if they want to kiss me for bringing them back to life....hehehe
Seriously though, take note of the previous posts and don't worry too much about cutting yourself as we all do it sometimes.
The important thing to remember is that, if you are worrying about cutting yourself, you're not concentrating on what you are doing, which is shaving, and that tentativeness may lead to the very thing you are trying to avoid.
I know that the only time I really cut myself is when I am not concentrating on the job at hand.
Don't forget - hang on and enjoy the ride

WOW, that sucks buddy... I had a little slice about 1/3 as long as that. I treated it just like I would any other cut. Keep it clean and use neosporin. After about a week it is almost gone. That is one plus of using sharp blades is that the thinner cuts is they are less likely to cause scars.

Will that leave a scar???? Hell when I get done if there is not tomato juice in the sink I think then I must of missed my face. I am like a blind Edward Scissor Hands after a bad acid trip. When I see a gash I know I got the little $&;€^#|.


Charlie
Reno, NV

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Knife

Attachment 80340

The offending cut and three day beard.

Will the cut leave a scar?

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What I do is affect a Germanic accent, tell the ladies I graduated from Heidelberg University, and it's a dueling scar...

qoute"Will the cut leave a scar?"

Yes...... in your mind, on your face i think not.(I've seen worse and they are pretty well healed)
Stay focused when you shave, you lose your focus, you will cut
I know from personal experience:D

Not as deep as a well or wide as a river, but it will do.

The idea that was brought up before about short vs long strokes is an interesting on. I've alway used short passes with any type of razor that I used DE, SE, straight, multiple blade. Just the way I learned! Never thought about it before. Well , I'll give it a try the other way-long passes, and see how it works. Shaving 'Concentrates your mind' doesn't it!

That's Only a Flesh Wound :)

Monty Python And The Holy Grail- The Black Knight - YouTube

As with any tread involving a cut we have recommendations for neosporin which is certainly a fine product. For what it is worth I just want to share the advice on this we got from a plastic surgeon. About a year ago my wife took a fall that resulted in a bad jagged cut right under her lower eyelid. We went to the ER where it was stitched up in a less than perfect way. She was so concerned about possible scarring that she found a plastic surgeon that would meet with her on a Sunday - the day after it happened. He told us that for a cut on the face where scarring is a concern absolutely do not use any antibiotic ointment. The point of such products is to prevent infection. The face has such a rich blood supply that the risk of infection for a facial cut is close to zero. Bear in mind my wife's cut came from falling and hitting her face on a concrete sidewalk which is probably a good bit dirtier than the razors we are shaving with. He went on to say that the various antibiotics and other ingredients in such products can in some cases actually make scarring worse. SO THERE IS NO REASON TO USE THEM ON A FACIAL CUT AND IN FACT THEY ARE CONTRAINDICATED. His advice to minimize scarring was just keep any facial cut moist with Vaseline while it heals. My wife's cut was pretty bad and the assumption was that a year or so down the road some followup surgery to reduce the scarring would be required. She put a dab of Vaseline on it three times a day while it healed. Today you can't see where it was, there is no scar at all.

@Lazarus

I agree with you. I had major nose surgery for a skin cancer a year and a half ago and the plastic surgeon told me the same thing, "Do not put any antibiotic cream on it."

The surgeon vertically cut my nose from the top ridge down to the bottom and then horizontally all the way back to my face in what is called a nose flap. I was in shock when I saw myself for the first time after the surgery. But within a year, there was not even a visible scar. Even looking very close in the mirror, I can't see any scar. He knew what he was doing.

For all you shaving "cutters" out there, I would think twice before using an antibiotic cream. You might be the one to have an allergic reaction.

Happy Shaving!

Here's another vote for plain vaseline. Recommended to me by a Dermatologist.

Now that's interesting. Well I'll buy some Vaseline too then! :)

Knife,

The cheapest best I have found....

Amazon.com: Barber Alum: Health & Personal Care

Simple and elagant. All Alum is naturally occuring, even stiptic pencils are just alum powder gathered together with a glueing element.

The Ali is what I use, and for the price can't be beat.

Alum lasts a long, long time. Using everyday for months and I can hardly tell I've used it.

Keep on truckin' man!!

Mike

Alcohol and scaring. Drinking it and it's effect on healing. Alcohol will increase your chances of scaring. So be careful.

@DLB

Glad you had such a good outcome.

I agree on the prior posts re: Alum. It's the way to go especially with minor nicks that don't warrant a styptic pencil. I use after every shave.

Well I hope it continues to heal, but at this point only cause I know its there can you pick it out. This is right after this mornings shave.


Attachment 80459

My new approch to shaving as far as the actual placement of blade to skin goes. I try to do the same as an archaeologist would with a brush at a King Tut type dig site. The razor is my brush, the dirt is my hair, and the artifact is my skin. I just barely go over it and I still use the blade buffing technique, but limit the number of passes. Obviously your skin will bend alittle, but I touch as little as I can and am more consious of the angle, section of blade.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JohnnyC

I agree on the prior posts re: Alum. It's the way to go especially with minor nicks that don't warrant a styptic pencil. I use after every shave.

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So, styptic pencil for big cuts, alum for small nicks? Where does the vasiline come in, before/after?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Knife

Attachment 80340

The offending cut and three day beard.

Will the cut leave a scar?

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I cut myself worse than that a few weeks ago. I blame Glen for making my razor too sharp. Or myself for not paying attention. Mostly the second.
It's mostly healed now but I take some strong immunosuppressors so it isn't completely healed yet.

Like others have said, just use a small section of the blade at a time. And don't do so many passes without more lather or at least don water.

Attachment 80705

Gone!
This is after this mornings shave. I know it almost looks like I didn't shave at all, but I have a heavy beard so thats as good as it gets, plus its an up close photo.

This is for all the youngsters I may have frightened off. Even though I spoke very favorably towards straight razor shaving and made no mention of wanting to quit. I feared maybe causing some to say forget that. Well, not to worry it will heal, being that this mode of shaving instrument will make a clean cut, your simultaneously using cleaning agents so very little worry of infection, as said previously your face is very rich in blood, and then following the advice listed herein, no worries.