Problems with nicks

[smokey]

I have a brand new Dovo Bismarck 6/8 razor that I got from Ray. I sharpened it until it would cut a hair in the test that Randy recommends. It gives me wonderful shaves with two passes, but I do have one problem. I almost always get nicks when I shave. Most of them are on my neck. The majority of them don't need a styptic pencil and will usually go away with a cold water wash and a pass with an alum block, but is this normal? It doesn't seem to me like it should be happening all the time. I do have sensitive skin and used to always get cuts with a Mach III and sometimes even an electric shaver. Anybody got any advice? It will be greatly appreciated!

[dawill]

I'd say (and I'll be the first to tell you I have no clue!) that it's your technique. I know that after practicing for a bit, the nicks and scrapes seemed to have gone away for me at least. One thing I have to remember is that the straight is completely exposed and quite a bit keener than a "safety" razor therefore it's not necessary to "press" to get close to the skin. Again, it's all technique!

[Korndog]

You might want to try paying attention as to where along the blade you are getting nicked. On the neck it seems that I have had issues with the point digging in occasionally. It's not as likely wiht a round point like you have, but I suppose it could happen. If that's what it is, then it's very easily remedied with a slight modificaton of your technique.

[superfly]

Stretch the skin! And use a good pre-shave oil. Given you have a sharp razor and good preparation, you should improve your shaves...

Nenad

[xman]

Every time I nick myself with a straight I remember how many times I nicked myself with a disposable before I learned to do that effortlessly. I have 1 permanent shaving scar, from a Bic disposable.

X

[randydance062449]

A straight razor that is keen will require you to pay close attention to your technique and prep. It is one sharp piece of steel! It is not as forgiving as a duller blade. Be patient, it all comes together.

[RichZ]

Every time I nick myself with a straight I remember how many times I nicked myself with a disposable before I learned to do that effortlessly. I have 1 permanent shaving scar, from a Bic disposable.

X

I must say while I had nicked myself with a mach3 it was never like what I have done to my poor face with a str8. And yet I still shave with one. Wow what does that say about me.

[Joe Lerch]

I agree it's technique. The neck is almost universally a difficult spot, not just because of tough angles and shapes, but the skin seems kind of loose and will be cut if you don't stretch it well.

One problem with the neck may be that you're trying to go against the grain on the first pass. Check your beard, and don't assume you're not. For most men, the grain is down on the cheecks and up on the neck. If you're one of them, when you shave down on your first pass you're actually going against the grain when the whiskers are the longest. Ouch!

I got this information from the barber's manual. In a one pass shave they say you should shave down on the cheecks and up on the neck, unless your grain goes down on the neck.

So, check the grain and try that first. It could be an easy fix.

And don't forget stretching. See if more of it on the neck helps, especially as you get lower.