Thread: Shaving angles compared to GEM SE Micromatic

I am thinking of trying out straight razors. I usually shave with a DE safety but sometimes I use a GEM SE micromatic.

I notice that with the GEM, if I lay it flat on my face and then slowing increase the angle until it cuts (guessing 10-20 degrees), this irritates my face and isn't comfortable. I believe this is the technique GEM says to use on their instructions.
I find that it is a much more comfortable shave if I raise the angle further (guessing 30-45 degrees) it cuts with less irritation and I can hear a nice cutting/scraping sound. This way just seems to glide over my skin better.


So I don't know if I make any sense but which way is closer to straight razor shaving?

I hope it is the 2nd way and not the first way because I do not like the first way at all.

Thanks

There is no "way" with a straight. There are recommended ways to ballpark the angle. One is to lift the razor 1 or 2 spine diameters off the face, another is to maintain an angle of 15 to 30 degrees depending on which pass you're on (higher for WTG and lower for ATG). But, with a straight, you have to find and maintain the best angle for each stroke and that will vary with the pass (WTG, XTG, ATG) and the terrain and razor. That is why DEs and SEs are called Safety Razors, they set the angle for you.