Thread: Problems with nicks

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!

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!

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.

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

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

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.

I agree with Randy. Give yourself some time. I am by no means the most experienced shaver here, but I have been getting pretty consistent shaves for about 6 months. The first four months were 1 good shaver per 5 disasters. There are so many mitigating factors in straight razor shaving that you kind of have to keep doing it for awhile before you get a real understanding of what causes what.

Then there is the "I think I got this thing licked" syndrome. This morning I was shaving along enjoying the smell of my Nomad shaving cream, and inwardly complimenting myself on how I have this shaving thing wired. Next thing you know, I cut the crap out of myself. A total rookie mistake!

Thanks for all the suggestions, I think they will really help me. Looks like I need to work on my technique and stretch the skin more (which I'm sure I haven't been doing that well). I use Proraso pre-shave cream before every shave. Maybe when I run out, I'll try an oil. I'll report back after a while.

Originally Posted by 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

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.

Originally Posted by RichZ

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.

I've certainly bled more than when I started shaving with those disposables, but the little cuts are so clean they usually stop bleeding by themselves and have yet to leave any lasting marks, but I've never REALLY gotten myself with a straight *knock on wood*.