Thread: Downsides of too shallow of a shaving angle?

People talk about "the angle", which varies of course. "Two spine widths", etc. They talk about the razor burn that one gets from too steep of an angle.

What are the downsides to an angle that is too shallow? Surely there must be some.

Matthew,

It's generally to your benefit to minimize the angles. The 30-degree rule is really just a rough guideline. Lower angles mean less pressure on your skin.

Now the potential downside to lower angles is that the razor cuts less aggressively. I guess if the angle is too shallow, the razor might just glide over the beard or possibly pull hairs out...

But a lot of guys put the spine right against their skin for their against-the-grain pass.

Anybody else got a better answer?

Josh

No, no better answer. I've always thought too shallow an angle will pull, too steep will cut (generally). I don't lay the spine against my skin on the against the grain passes, but I definitely use a shallower angle - I find it's less likely the blade will "hang-up" and cut if the angle is shallower in this direction, given that the hairs, by definition, are opposing the movement.

James.

I believe you've received the straight dope. The shallower the angle, the less aggressive the cut. I greatly reduce my shaving angle when doing an against the grain pass. When going against the grain just below my mouth and directly under my nose, I do use a completly flat angle. The spine is resting on my face.

Just another data point,
Ed

If your razor is real sharp the way its supposed to be a flat angle should cut your wiskers just fine without any pulling or mangling. If you use an aggressive angle your just scraping the skin as you shave and its just not necessary or comfortable. Yea it will cut more aggressively but you shouldn't need that kind of cut but for unusual circumstances or some real problem areas maybe.

My take on it is to do a shallow pass with the grain and go a bit more aggressive with the angle when going against. Works for me.

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

My take on it is to do a shallow pass with the grain and go a bit more aggressive with the angle when going against. Works for me.

For me, this falls into the category of YMMV. In many places, my whiskers lay relatively flat against my face. If I use a shallow angle for my with the grain pass I get much less reduction than I prefer. If I then were to go to an aggressive against the grain pass, I know from unpleasant experience that the remaining stubble tends to deflect the razor into my skin causing at best severe burn but more typically abrasions and nicks. Thus, for me, the low angle against the grain pass works best.

Just another data point,
Ed

A flat angle up to 90 degrees will scrape the skin and remove less hair as well as being pretty painfull usually. A less than 30 degree angle will usually cut fine but not to the extent of flat against the face.

Have fun,

Lynn