Thread: Bouncing razor

Originally Posted by kelbro

Me: "Dr., it hurts when I do that."

Dr.: "Don't do that."

I know it LOL. But I'm determined to tame the beast!

Originally Posted by ScottChapin

Thanks Bob,

I believe you are right and that it's an angle issue, but felt my initial angle was not aggressive. Maybe that keeps it from cutting.

I'm thinking about starting the pass well below the trouble spot and getting a running start before it gets to the tougher spot. Maybe momentum would be in my favor.

I went real slow and easy this morning without incident.

You could also try light short sharp buffing strokes in that area. You could also try cranking up the aggressiveness of the adjustable a notch or two.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

You could also try light short sharp buffing strokes in that area. You could also try cranking up the aggressiveness of the adjustable a notch or two.

Bob

I was waiting to hear that, but wasn't going to suggest cranking up the aggressiveness, because it sounds counter intuitive.

Originally Posted by ScottChapin

I was waiting to hear that, but wasn't going to suggest cranking up the aggressiveness, because it sounds counter intuitive.

I'd try the buffing strokes first if you already haven't.

As far as cranking up the aggressiveness goes, I found that I could never set my Gillette Fat Boy higher than 6 before I learned to shave with a straight razor. I now leave it set at 9 for a 4 pass shave. The only thing I can think of that has changed is my technique and lathering which was improved by learning to shave with a straight. For me that meant really paying attention to the angle and no pressure on the razor be it a DE/SE or straight along with a better lather. I think it is a matter of really refining the basics.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

I'd try the buffing strokes first if you already haven't.

As far as cranking up the aggressiveness goes, I found that I could never set my Gillette Fat Boy higher than 6 before I learned to shave with a straight razor. I now leave it set at 9 for a 4 pass shave. The only thing I can think of that has changed is my technique and lathering which was improved by learning to shave with a straight. For me that meant really paying attention to the angle and no pressure on the razor be it a DE/SE or straight along with a better lather. I think it is a matter of really refining the basics.

Bob

I was thinking I needed to perfect my DE before using a straight razor. I can shave my cheek and neck with a straight razor, but not bold enough for the chin.

XTG with a straight razor around the throat seems scary. How do you keep the ends from digging into the lower neck and under chin?

Originally Posted by ScottChapin

I was thinking I needed to perfect my DE before using a straight razor. I can shave my cheek and neck with a straight razor, but not bold enough for the chin.

XTG with a straight razor around the throat seems scary. How do you keep the ends from digging into the lower neck and under chin?

It just takes time and not trying anything new till you feel comfortable enough to try it. If you push too hard/quick, that is asking for trouble to me. Everyone advances at their own pace that they are comfortable with.

To me the chin is all about being able to constantly vary the angle to go with the changing curves of the chin. That and doing thin swathes like peeling a potato.

I do not do XTG on my neck and settle for a diagonal stroke there. Yea, you really have to watch where the heel and toe is working there. You just get the knack after a while like with any stroke.

Bob

With Bob on that one. Technique has gotten a lot better with DE after using straight for a few years. I would crank the setting up to half at least as well. Probably leaving a bit much growth for ATG pass. Have actually enjoyed last 2 shaves with DE, used to get crazy burn and somehow manage to cut my nose.

Originally Posted by ScottChapin

I was using Haslinger Meersalgen yesterday. I use several Haslingers, Proraso, or Tabac. They work well in every direction elsewhere. It's just shaving upwards coming off the bottom of my chin.

Yeah, no dogs on that list.

Originally Posted by Grazor

Probably leaving a bit much growth for ATG pass.

That makes a lot of sense.