Thread: Sacrificing your face for a close shave

From your description of the process you are having some technique issues most likely, and less likely the razor is the culprit.
It sounds you may be using a bit more pressure, or not enough stretching or combination of both. It also helps to make short strokes for better control rather than longer strokes.

I used to have your same problem, but then I remembered I don't hate myself. I'm a two pass (WTG & ATG) and a XTG neckline cleanup now. Best decision I ever made. If you're committed to those ATG passes, I would recommend breaking out the alum block for stretching. Made a world of difference for me.

Originally Posted by EggSuckingLeech

I nicked myself a few more times and reopened a cut I got the last shave. Dammit, I am determined to get a close shave like I set out to do. XTG and I nicked myself a bunch more.

Man, I lost alot of blood but the styptic pencil saved me and I did wind up with my close shave. Unfortunately, I will have to wait a few days for the next shave because my face needs to heal.



I

Originally Posted by kpromano

As a fellow beginner (about 2 months now) I was in the same boat - every morning looked like I had been in a knife fight.

LOL, I am rolling here reading these posts... You guys are killing me. Go "very slow". No good comes of rushing. Keep the proper blade angle. We'll be watching

Thanks guys. I will try to change my "success criteria" from closeness to smoothness. I'm a goal oriented guy I have no doubt that I have technique issues. I'm not proud

What bugs me is that I felt like I was making real serious progress using my Dovo. I was rarely nicking myself and I could do a ATG pass with few problems. Then I got this Hart and it's been a battle. It's been honed to be very sharp and cuts the hairs on my arm with NO problem. Folks here on the forums are telling me that the difference between blades shouldn't be very stark. So I keep on fighting it - demanding that my Hart give me the same shave as my Dovo.

Maybe it's time to go back to my Dovo for awhile and regain that confidence I was building up. But I REALLY want this Hart to work out!

You can send your Hart to me for safekeeping...

Originally Posted by EggSuckingLeech

Thanks guys. I will try to change my "success criteria" from closeness to smoothness. I'm a goal oriented guy I have no doubt that I have technique issues. I'm not proud

What bugs me is that I felt like I was making real serious progress using my Dovo. I was rarely nicking myself and I could do a ATG pass with few problems. Then I got this Hart and it's been a battle. It's been honed to be very sharp and cuts the hairs on my arm with NO problem. Folks here on the forums are telling me that the difference between blades shouldn't be very stark. So I keep on fighting it - demanding that my Hart give me the same shave as my Dovo.

Maybe it's time to go back to my Dovo for awhile and regain that confidence I was building up. But I REALLY want this Hart to work out!

In the meantime, don't forget the cut of day thread. There's always some good in every situation. Just like sports, every play makes someone happy.

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

In the meantime, don't forget the cut of day thread. There's always some good in every situation. Just like sports, every play makes someone happy.

My uncle has a great quote along those lines: "Just because it happened to you, doesn't mean it isn't funny for the rest of us."

Maybe try slowly working the Hart into your routine, like maybe just the WTG pass, same as we're taught to do when we first start with straights, and clean up with the Dovo as if it were your DE/cart back in those first few shaves.

When in doubt, I always recall the wise words of Father Abrams: "Have fun."

Originally Posted by Supernats

My uncle has a great quote along those lines: "Just because it happened to you, doesn't mean it isn't funny for the rest of us."

Maybe try slowly working the Hart into your routine, like maybe just the WTG pass, same as we're taught to do when we first start with straights, and clean up with the Dovo as if it were your DE/cart back in those first few shaves.

First, I love that quote - I'm going to use it!
Second, starting with the Hart and finishing with the Dovo is an excellent idea! Of course that doubles my stropping time but this was a great idea - thanks!

The difference between a hollow and a heavier grind is not stark but there is subtle difference. If the Hart is a bigger and heavier blade than the Dovo you might need to go just the much lighter on the pressure. If all else is good that might be all it takes. When I go ATG the spine is darn near flat to my neck compared to the other two passes. Good luck.

Bob

I tell you my though....SLOW short passes and only lather up the part of your face at a time so you can stretch your skin without slipping. I'm only a month into using a SR...and it takes me a half hour to shave or more. But enjoy it. It's supposed to be fun! good luck!