Skin level but not touching the skin ? And no sound effects , that camera pics up everything I guess. I thought it was because I spent time on the 250 grit. I will listen again because I think it got quieter towards the end.
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Personally, I'd be using circles. They get me where I need to be in a hurry, then finish the bevel set with strokes like you are taking.
Another tip I will offer is to change your tape frequently on the coarse stones. I like to change it perhaps a little too frequently, but if you are good with geometry, you can figure out why you don't want to start honing with full thickness then try to finish with a thinned out piece. I find that changing frequently gives me the crispest bevels;)
Just keep playing. You are moving slow...that is good;) things should start to click, and you should be able to look at a razor and get a hunch as to what strokes will be best (mostly due to features on the razor)
Keep chugging;)
Hey looks like you're making progress. I can see and hear a definite improvement in technique from vid 3 to vid4.
A razor with a frown can be shaved with...I guess. I think you got the right idea to fix it from the start. Now how you go about fixing it is up to you. I've never had a good shave with a frowning razor....never ever ever. Ofc, I'm just one guy, so who knows.
One thing though: You aren't performing the thumb pad test correctly. Dragging your dry thumb perpendicular to the bevel edge, or twinging it like a bow string, is not correct. Best search out a video of it. Lynn Abrams has a good one.
I'd also suggest picking out a single hair in that forest you got going, and trying to pluck it off with the razor at skin level. You're kinda hacking at the bushes with a machete there. We're looking for a fairly effortless hair cutting action. Certainly you don't swing that razor at your face with such reckless abandon?
I think this video idea was really great. Ofc I should. I did the same thing! Only I wasn't brave enough to post it for everyone to see. I just sent it to one fellah for his opinion. Kudos and keep em coming, if you like!
This one of the ways that you know when things are coming together - it gets quieter.
I'm glad you got the heel forward thing happening - I find it the most comfortable.
I use more water and more pressure than you do, however, I didn't when I first started out, so it must be a 'lack of confidence' type thing 'cause we don't want to stuff it up.
As my understanding of the whole process increased, so did my confidence to use more pressure.
I use the TNT (Thumb Nail Test) exclusively to gauge when the bevel is set and then a few light strokes to repair any damage that it may have done and then a the AHT (Arm Hair Test) - the hairs should just pop off at skin level (touching the skin is OK IMHO)
From what I have seen you are doing well - keep watching the videos and practicing