Thread: Slicing motion helped today

I recently got one of those famous "sight unseen" razors from Whipped Dog, my first real SR after using a Parker SR1 for months. I am really enjoying the real blade, and I've gotten comfortable with stropping after a week or so. In Larry Andreassen's manual of shaving he mentions an advanced technique which is slicing, rather than moving perfectly perpendicular to the edge. Now, I have always struggled with certain areas of my face, but without really thinking about it consciously I did use a rotational slicing motion today and it really seemed to help. I finally got comfortable enough with the weight, feel, and angles that I was able to do this without any nicks. This somewhat reminds me of the J-motion some use with their DE razors on the neck, or perhaps even the windshield wiper motion. In any case, I have seen some confirmation in these threads that slicing is not uncommon, but was wondering if anyone can share their experiences with this technique. Thanks!

I find that a windshield wiper rotation during the stroke and a guillotine stroke (heel leading) helps with the difficult spots. Skin stretching and stroking into the difficult spots from several directions is also important.

Lather should not get too thick and dry. Wet hairs are easier to cut than drying hairs.

The condition of the razor"s edge trumps all other razor considerations by far. Stropping and refreshing skills go hand in hand with shaving skills.

The better the edge of your razor, the faster you will learn what shaving techniques work for you. The better your shaving skills, the easier it will become to discover what works to strop and refresh your razor.

Man, 'slicing' just does not sound good hehe, I try to keep pretty perpendicular as much as I can

I've heard it called a "chevron" stroke, which fits and doesn't make me wince like "slicing" does!

A slicing motion is generally considered as pulling the blade across to cut.. I doubt that is what you are doing to get a cleaner shave...I hope! Are you describing a 'scything stroke' which has been suggested, or are you doing circular patterns with the blade perpendicular?
Some of both?

Originally Posted by sharptonn

A slicing motion is generally considered as pulling the blade across to cut.. I doubt that is what you are doing to get a cleaner shave...I hope! Are you describing a 'scything stroke' which has been suggested, or are you doing circular patterns with the blade perpendicular?
Some of both?

Yes, the "scything" pass...for the neck area, I will go ATG in an upwards 45 degree angle to get the beard growth in that area after a normal ATG pass...that's the stubborn area for me...under the jaw and along the jaw line...and yes, I think, "slicing" is an action, a verb...as in to slice you face wide open with a straight razor....LOL...not good!

I use the scything motion on my neck every time I shave. Works great.

You do have to be more careful if you are using a square point because the tip can slice any skin that is against the tip.

I try to avoid slicing motions, those get bloody.

I don't know so much about slicing strokes, but for certain areas I do tend to "slice" ever so slightly. For example: The tip of my chin is a PITA, so to gitrdunn, I start under the tip of my chin with the edge facing outwards and upwards. As I approach the tip and start to follow the contour around the chin, I slice jus a bit in order to rotate the blade 90 degrees towards one ear or the other, just along the chin line. It's the way that just so happens to work best for me. Not so sure it's the best idea to encourage it to you, but I find it useful at times.

Unfortunately, the slicing motion IMHO tends to also be accompanied by applying more pressure than needed with the edge. If the edge doesn't cut without slicing, it may be an issue with the edge itself.

There is a guillotine stroke, which is essentially a straight stroke with the blade at an angle. Or a scything stroke where the blade pivots slightly during the stroke.
I think you are describing more of a scything action. And yes it is effective, especially in combination with a smiling blade.

Have to agree that all three strokes, guillotine, scything and slicing have their uses. I use them all in a single shave to get the chin and neck areas as clean as possible.

Bob