Thread: Experienced Str8 Shaver... New Technique!

There was a thread a few months back about placing the thumb on the blade. If I knew how, I would link to it. When I started with a str8, I had my thumb on the blade, but after reading the previous thread I tried placing my thumb under the shank. It didn't feel as though I had enough control of the blade in the tricky areas but did make it easier to scythe the blade in the wide open areas. End result is I use both techniques, thumb on blade for short straight strokes in tight areas and thumb under shank for scything large areas. Works well for me.

Is this the thread?


http://straightrazorpalace.com/showt...eferrerid=1379


Scott

Yes, that was the thread. Thanks for the link.

Technique aside....

Did anyone else notice in the video that he seems to put a lot of pressure on the blade, or is it just me? It just looks like he's really pushing it along. Maybe its dull?

This site also suggests that if the blade catches or jumps on a thumbnail it is keen. I thought the razor was supposed to move smoothly over the nail

I continue to use "the thumb on the blade" technique, and will not go back to the other way (however, I do not use this technique when going up on my neck, as it is very awkward... my neck is the only place I go s/n, everything else is with the grain or cross grain).

I dont' see any danger in using this technique... it really stabilizes the razor and gives me considerably more control, especially on those reall pesky parts such as right under the nose. I'm really able to single out any whisker and take care of it easily.

If you are seasoned enough to have good technique and feel comfortable wielding one of these things, I would recommend giving this a try. Again, I had been using a straight for 3 years before discovering this.

OK, my soap box is beginning to get wobbly.

best,
Andrew

Originally Posted by str8_razr

I continue to use "the thumb on the blade" technique, and will not go back to the other way (however, I do not use this technique when going up on my neck, as it is very awkward... my neck is the only place I go s/n, everything else is with the grain or cross grain).

I dont' see any danger in using this technique... it really stabilizes the razor and gives me considerably more control, especially on those reall pesky parts such as right under the nose. I'm really able to single out any whisker and take care of it easily.

If you are seasoned enough to have good technique and feel comfortable wielding one of these things, I would recommend giving this a try. Again, I had been using a straight for 3 years before discovering this.

OK, my soap box is beginning to get wobbly.

best,
Andrew

Andrew,

Before you fall off the soap box......How does this technique change the angle of the blade to the face. I've tried it and it seems like I need to keep a much sharper (greater than the traditional 30 deg.) angle. I'm not really sure why but that's what I've run into.

OK, now close the razor before you fall