Thread: Upper lip

I'm getting the hang of straight razor shaving (almost). I just have a hard time shaving under my nose to get a close shave. I try shaving against the grain and always nick myself. I've tried using lotion for a smooth cut, but never as close as the rest of the areas.
Any suggestions? Maybe a sharper razor?

Against the grain is often referred to as "the fools pass" on the upper lip. I personally will take a different approach in my three pass shave. I will shave north to south on round 1, from the ear to the nose on each half on round 2, then ear to nose with a bit more upward angle for round 3. The center I will just keep it north to south and use my tongue to help get close. To get those few whiskers close to the nostrils, you may have to literally lift the nose with the off hand.

As shooter74743 mentions, search the forums for "fool's pass." You do need 1) some experience and muscle-familiarity with the straight razor, and 2) a truly sharp, shave-ready edge. The fool's pass is part of my normal shave, but never if the edge in hand seems at all doubtful to me.

If you do attempt the "fools pass", use both hands on the razor for more control. Otherwise I just shave across with just the tip under my nose. A square point razor works good for this.

I cannot go against the grain in my mustache without causing irritation and nicks. I do two passes there, one straight down and the other from the corner across. It is just the way it goes for my face. Not every face can handle every stroke. I have done the fools pass without nicks but only once without irritation and nicks. It gets very smooth without that pass so really what am I gaining.

If I go against the grain my upper lip, even after a shower, is like cutting a corn broom. The whiskers seem to pull the blade to the skin and produce weepers. I too use the north south to start then two side to side passes, one on a very slight downward angle and one straight across. I buff on each pass.

I was scared to death of the fools pass when I started with a straight.

What I found that works for me is a quick strop before I do the 'stache area and stretch the skin as tight as humanly possible. Knock on wood I haven't had problems.

Originally Posted by Biskits

I'm getting the hang of straight razor shaving (almost). I just have a hard time shaving under my nose to get a close shave. I try shaving against the grain and always nick myself. I've tried using lotion for a smooth cut, but never as close as the rest of the areas.
Any suggestions? Maybe a sharper razor?

It may be heresy but I keep a DE handy. It's great for over the mustache and it gives a shave that rivals the SE when I'm hurried.

I'm with the north to south, the middle east then west guys...and I also sometimes get close to the nostrils with nose pushing and the razor point. It just takes carefulness.

All good advice so far. I would just emphasize the VERY short methodical strokes.