Thread: Razor stops where beard growth is thick

My Dovo hollow ground has no problems with my sides of my face first pass. My razor seems to not like a thick beard on my chin. I motor through carefully. Third pass against the grain on my chin I have the same difficulty. Help?

My first suspicion would be to check the basics: a shave ready razor, excellent beard prep, razor angle, and face mapping. Would you be wiling to post about your beard prep in particular and your whole routine in general?

My beard prep. I start by wetting my face then massaging in a small amount of shampoo. Followed by a 40 second cold towel application. If my beard is softened I wipe off the shampoo and lather up.

If all the basics are well handled try some of the more advanced strokes. Such as scything or guillotine stroke. Be careful learning those, to much pressure and you will bleed.

Jonathan

I shower and shave afterwards in hot steamy bathroom. My razor I strop 15 linnen and 25 or so leather. I use mistic waters shave soap.

I would do more stropping on the leather to ensure a smoother edge. I had similar issues with my chin as I have a coarse beard. Make sure the blade is sharp and smooth. Watch the angle and take your time. The only difference is I use a wedge and not a hollow ground blade. But in either case it should be able to do the job.

Before shaving I strop 60 on leather, then 10 after shaving. Some guys use a lot more or less depending on the strop they are using.

Jonathan

why strop after?

to ensure blade is thoroughly dry to prevent rust

Never thought of that. I rub some mineral oil on it after towel drying.

Non water displacing oils can trap microscopic amounts of water that can than rust the razor. I live in a dry climate and don't oil my small rotation after shaving. Just occasionally use silicone spray lubricant.

Jonathan

Chet

I think having trouble going ATG on the chin is pretty common at least it is for me. That seems to be the thickest and densest part of the facial hair. I have to go slow and do small strips with the razor near flat to the face. The sharper and smoother the blade with a very good lather makes it easier.

Bob