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I've seen many videos, and it's hard to tell exactly where the cutting is done. When I shave (being very new) one of two things happen, One: I shave a large width of area with the middle, usually on cheeks or two, I shave tiny widths with the very edge of the rounded blade. This is leading to micro abrasions to my skin. Is there any right or wrong part to use?
not sujre i understand your question correctly, but all along the edge cuts.
Hi,
Basically you shave with the part of the blade that does not feel like it will nick you. I shave my cheeks with the front half and sometimes am able to get the entire blade on my face. However, I usually use the middle to start under my nose but then lead out to the toe end as I go down to the corner of my mouth.
I'd say you use the part of the blade that fits what you are shaving.
- Mike
Sorry, to clarify, the portion along the width of the whole blade that's doing the actual cutting of the hair. After all you can't have the whole blade in contact with your skin at once! Or maybe you can!
You use the entire edge,heel to toe on the differant contours of your face,at least you should be.
The entire length of the blade is responsible for the "cutting". However, it's you that manipulates the portion of the blade that actually does the "cutting". For instance, if you want to cut near the corners of your mouth you may choose the toe. If I want to cut around my goatee, often I will use the heal, because I choke up on the tang for extra control.
Hi Kippo.
My thoughts would be that there is no right or wrong, and also that this is actually a question that deserves quite a detailed answer, as it depends on a few factors.
The Blade
I feel the blade has a lot to do with what part of the blade is used. A blade with a smile will possibly mean the middle of the blade is used more than the toe or heel. A blade with a spike (esp an 'aggressive' spike) will mean the user will shy away from using that part of the blade. A blade with a square heel will mean that part of the blade can be easily used, whereas one with a less defined heel will mean it won't be easily used. I've seen some very old razors where there is really no heel at all. Also, the width of the blade will determine what part can easily be used. A 4/8 or 3/8 makes using the heel (for me) more difficult, whereas with a wider blade one can use the heel easier.
The Part of the Face to be Shaved
I used to have a goatee until just a week or so ago. Used to LOVE using the heel on my 5/8 Burrell to cut in around the goatee. In fact, it became the overriding factor in my next purchase. However, now that I've shaved off the goatee, I use the heel much less. I use the toe to shave the corner of my jawline, but generally concentrate on using the 'belly' of the razor's edge.
So I don't think there's a wrong or right. It's what works for you, and when you have a range of razors you'll find (if they are diverse in style) your shaving style will change. The 'problem' with having many razors is that you have to remember how to use each. If one had only one razor (or one style; or even a seven day set) I suspect one would be more practised (though it could also be less exiting). However, when you say you shave with the very edge of the rounded blade, do you mean the toe? How rounded is the toe? Do you think it's digging in a bit? If that causes cuts (or micro abrasions) then try to back off on using that area.
I'm only new to SR shaving (6 months) so others here will likely have better advice based on years of experience.
I use a Dovo Prima Klang (Extra Ground Hollow). I mean I cut myself using the tip of the blade. (sorry need to brush up on terminology) where it ends. My blade has a rounded tip. Gosh I'm new.Quote:
Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider
I move around and used different parts of the blade to hit different parts of the face....(Not sure if I'm making sense)
I use whatever fits best and is most comfortable with me holding it. Some parts it's towards one end, other parts of the face I am using the middle of the blade. Not really a right way and the entire edge should be cutting equally.
Hi again Kippo,
Nothing wrong with being new :-) As rickboone says, the entire edge should be cutting equally, but not necessarily at the same time; in fact, given the angle the razor is held at, face contours, need, etc, it's doubtful the entire edge cuts equally MOST of the time, in my experience.
Just back off on using the tip (we call the tip the 'toe' and the opposite end the 'heel' (think of a foot)). I think you may be digging the toe in to your face a little. Buying a really square spike point would teach you not to do this :D My first razor has a really spiky spike, and while many would say it's not the razor for a beginner, I think it taught me a LOT, as it's also very, very sharp...What I mean is, I learnt respect. Quickly.
Over time you will figure out which part of the blade works best on different parts of your face. One important thing: Don't park the blade on your face. That's how you get cut. When the blade stops moving get it away from your face while you are thinking about what to do next.
Hi Kippo,
No need in me saying the same things as the guys above me. All great points. Bottom line is, use the part of the blade you NEED to use to get that spot the best. Watch the ears, (and your pressure!! go light and easy) around the small spots and along your jawline. These places get us all (or got us all, whatever the case may be) and taught us all to watch those spots.
As a newbie, welcome to the club!! As a str8 user, your already in the club!!!
Asking questions is the best way to get answers. You have to find what works best for you based on the advice you get.
Good luck mate!!!
Mike
Thank you all for your replies. This really is an extremely supportive community. I'm in Awe.Quote:
Originally Posted by mjhammer
My Jaw! Not even close yet. Still use DE for that. But... My Ears? Do people cut the ears? Why is the blade even going near there? Then again I have sideburns...
Thanks again. Everyone.
oh man, I have scars in front of my ears.. :) When you go WTG along your sideburns you pass directly in front of your ears, and I have managed to slice both sides on more than one occasion. I literally have a scar in front of my left ear from shaving it with my right hand. It is sooooo easy to just cut in with a spike point. OUCH!!! hehehe. I don't know about anyone else, but I assumed I'm not alone in this. I haven't cut my ears in a very long time, but it only takes twice (once wasn't enough for me I guess, heheh) before you start to really watch out for it.
That's why they make round point razors, LOL!! Can't cut your ears with a round tip.
TTYL!!
Mike
Yeah, was gonna say Mike had a good point about watching the ears, or more precisely, the toe as it passes the ears! Also, as I shave the jawline I need to be careful of the wicked evil spike on my Burrell cutting in to my neck; just below the ears...
If a technique gives bad results, don't use it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kippo
I find it very hard to control the toe of the blade, if that's all that's touching my face. If it's sharp (which it should be), it'll dig into my face very easily. [That's why I don't use spike razors.] There's a very fine line between "right pressure" and "too much pressure", when only a bit of the blade is touching skin.
I don't have that problem when using the heel of the blade. It's closer to my gripping hand, and easier to control.
My suggestion is to cheat:
. . . Use a DE razor for cleanup, rather than trying to use the point of a straight razor.
It could be that, by switching hands, or using a backhand grip, you'd be able to use the heel of the blade, rather than the toe. Might be easier, that way.
Charles
I'm maybe a little bit of a masochist. I do remember having a discussion with my platoon commander (a female) about recruit instruction (of females) and My thoughts they shouldn't use any light on the fist night 'out bush'. My argument was that they had to 'get used to it'. She countered with a rather odd 'you don't need to cut yourself to know what it's like to bleed'????Quote:
Originally Posted by cpcohen1945
Anyhoo, using a spike point as my first straight taught me a valuable lesson, to concentrate ALL the time... :-)
DittoQuote:
Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider
You betcha. And usually twice. One for each ear, before the lesson starts to kick in.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kippo
Quote:
Originally Posted by mjhammer
As per above...And yes you can cut your ears with a round point. I know from personal experience...Right up under the ear lobe.
No you don't, she's right there, but blood without pain is only 25% of the lesson. Pain will bring it home that extra 75% and drum it in nicely.Quote:
Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider
Mick
Kippo, my first, and presently only, SR is also a Prima Klang. As I have been using a SR for 1 whole year now, please let me share my wealth of ignorance.
One thing I noticed I would do often when trying to use different parts of the blade was changing the angle to my face. That is bad, very, very bad. When you are about to use a different part of the blade, stop and check the angle to your face. That should always be much the same.
The way that I decide what part of the blade to use on my face is simple. 1) What will keep me from cutting something I shouldn’t? 2) What is presently near that spot? 3) What keeps my hand out from in front of my eyes? (Seriously, I haven’t learned to shave by brail yet.)
Hope this helps.
Scott
Scott, the last statement is sooooo true. I never knew I was a contortionist. Keeping my hands (and the scales) out from in front of my face was difficult at first, but then I learned that my left arm is a lot more flexible then I ever thought. Reaching over my head, pulling the skin tight around my sideburns workes pretty good for the cheeks. Pulling down on my neck skin, while pointing my chin at the mirror as high as I can, produced taught skin for the neck and jaw.
Like I said, never knew I was a contortionist. You don't notice what you are really doing as long as the result is achieved. I don't look at what my arms and hands are doing as much as I watch what the edge of the razor is doing. Wife laughs at me all the time. I had to start closing the door, LOL!!!
Good points all!!
Mike