Thread: I fear I may have to quit :(

I've been using a straight consistently since December of 10, and I love it as I know all of you do. I have great razors that I love, good products that make me happy and shaves that are out of this world. The only problem is my scar prone skin.

I have cut myself enough to mention a total of twice, I think my record is pretty good, my technique solid and my hands steady. Both times happened back in January, but I have a clear scar on my face from each, despite proper care. My fragile Nordic skin bruises, burns and scars too easily; even though it's been months since I cut myself, the constant stress and worry while I shave really cuts down on the relaxation factor.

I only have one face, and I'm a young guy, I don't want to go through life with scars all over it...

I am sad, thoughts?

Take up martial arts or ultimate fighting so that you have an excuse?

If you are very concerned about it, you could switch to DE razors. From what you have learned with a straight, it will be almost impossible for you to cut yourself with a DE and you will still get excellent shaves, maybe even better than what you are getting with your straights.

Originally Posted by Utopian

Take up martial arts or ultimate fighting so that you have an excuse?

If you are very concerned about it, you could switch to DE razors. From what you have learned with a straight, it will be almost impossible for you to cut yourself with a DE and you will still get excellent shaves, maybe even better than what you are getting with your straights.

I'm loling because I have a nice crooked nose from sil lum that I already get to explain. It just makes me feel extra stupid when someone comes over, sees my razors, then asks if thats how I got the scar on my cheek. Maybe next time I'll say "you should see the tiger's face"

May I ask...

Are you using a round point, a square point, a french point or spike point? This may help?...

I have one square point that bites me once in a while.....

I love the round points...for the practicality and the looks. Anyway...maybe this will help.

In terms of your fragile Nordic skin have you tried Vitamin E? Capsules cracked in half and then rubbed on the scar.

Good luck.

That's a bummer. If it's preventing you from having the relaxing experience that you want there are several solutions:
(1) give up
(2) get better at not cutting yourself, which I don't know if it's possible
(3) see if there's a way to heal them better
(4) stop carrying about the scars (may be when you get older and your skin shows more wear&tear it'll be easier).

If it were me, I'd just buy the damn convertible and be done with it

It's not your skin. Whether you have skin as tough as leather or like a baby's butt a razor will cut right through it anyway. You just need more practice and figure out what you are doing to cause the cuts. Maybe pressure or maybe angle. That is what you have to do.

Chicks dig scars. Full speed ahead and be mindful where the blade is, angle, and pressure and you'll be fine. You can get great shaves from a DE but you still have to pay attention to what you're are doing. One of the worst cuts I have managed to get was from a DE combined with less attention to detail with prep and technique. A straight on the other hand will keep you focused on the task at hand. Best of luck and keep us posted.

Just to clarify, the issue isn't that I cut myself uncontrollably, I'm not saying I'm "cut prone," I realize that good technique overcomes all skin woes, i get fine shaves with extreme sensitive skin; the problem is that the rare cut, regardless how minor it appears, leaves an obvious scar. I really am in shock, these scars are stubborn and very noticeable

I can of course continue shaving and just not cut myself, which I've been doing for months, but it just irks me knowing that any lapse in concentration will leave me with a seemingly permanent mark. I hate defending my hobby when people come over and see my razor in the bathroom and proceed to ask if hats where the scars on my face came from

I am also a new shaver, and even at 30 still have a baby face.(takes me 3 days for a 5 o'clock shadow) and cut myself twice. Once early on that as soon as I noticed the blood I stopped, rinsed my face in cold water, and then applied pressure till the bleeding stopped. then held the wound together and used my styptic pencil to make sure the bleeding was done and then with the wound closed a little swipe of new skin. (fancy liquid bandage...pretty sure it is just super glue.) A week later the scar was pretty bad. I applied vitamin E and maderma which greatly reduced the scar in a few weeks. after that I made sure I only shave with no distractions and take my time using a very light touch. Since I joined the forums and read hour after hour of posts I have learned a lot. not as much as I could from one on one time.
But shaving for 7 months with two cuts isn't bad in my opinion I have two in 4 months. So you are doing better than I am. Maybe you could use the handy map and look for someone in your area, or ask a barber in your area for some tips.
Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by tvldatsi

....snip....
The only problem is my scar prone skin.
.....
I have cut myself enough to mention a total of twice, I think my record is pretty good,
my technique solid and my hands steady.
....snip...
I only have one face, and I'm a young guy, I don't want to go through life with scars all over it...

I am sad, thoughts?

Like so many tools some have sharp edges
and some have safety fences.

I would have you pick up a nice double edge razor.
And a selection of blades and see if that matches
your face, skin and life style.

I know that I use a DE when I do not have
the shave den all to myself. My girlfriend
can barge in all frantic looking for a contact
or just wondering where I am... or where the dog
is.... or demanding to know what I want for
dinner a week from Thursday.

When my life is calm I am a straight shaver.
When I am or the world around me is chaotic
I tend to be a gray "Don Johnson" with a stubble
on my face or a DE man.

Do hunt for a round point if you do not
have one now. You may find one that
you can trade almost even for in the classified.