Thread: Too Confident

Razors primarily cut when you move the blade ever so slightly sideways, as in while the blade is not otherwise moving in the correct direction... The most common cause is from touching the skin with the blade NOT moving, or allowing the blade to come to a stop while still touching the skin. Tiny, involuntary movements of the hand (shaking, twitching or trembling) will allow the blade to cut your skin. Note, these movements are not normally visible to the hands owner.... just the heart beating causes small movements of the hand.

If you have your razor moving in the correct direction as it touches down on your skin, and it also lifts away from your skin before it stops moving in the correct direction, it will not cut. You could get a "weeper", usually a small pimple or such that gets knocked off during shaving (it happens to all of us), but cuts should not happen. I cannot imagine the amount of force required to cut your skin if the blade is moving in the correct direction. Stretching the skin helps many times when shaving, but I get a closer shave when I "slack skin" shave some parts of my face. If I push to hard, the skin will bunch up in front of the blade, but it does not get cut, unless I stop moving the blade while it is still in contact with my skin.

The best way to describe what I mean is to imagine combing your hair. The comb is moving in the correct direction before you touch your hair, and it is still moving when it you finish the combing stroke and pull the comb away. You go back and repeat the motion so it looks like a scooping movement. Placing a razor on your face without it moving, then moving it to shave a section and stopping again, before removing the blade from your face WILL result in a painful cut, sooner or later.

Otherwise, keep a recent photo of yourself handy.... It helps the surgeon figure out what goes where.


Regards

Christian

I have been using straight razors since July and my worst cut came about the same number of shaves as you.

I think my fault was that I felt like I was doing fine after a dozen shaves and felt like I was getting the hang of it. That is when I made the mistake and got a really nice cut.

Since then I have been more careful and only occasionally get a tiny nick.

My best advise is to keep trying and don't give up and don't forget the basics.

A couple of things I noticed every time I got a cut. Overconfidence can breed increased pressure. You start off a little scared of the razor then as learning and confidence go up respect for the business end goes down. Next thing you know strokes get longer you take more risks press down harder, turn the razor on your face in crazy directions to get the whiskers, forget to stretch floppy parts of skin and then, IT HAPPENS!

I have a nasty scar from a moment of overconfidence. I always pay attention now.

MrT1904 - I think TC has has expressed the process very well. It's great advice, you should listen! I get cut every so often because I put too much pressure and get in a hurry. I'm new to this as well but always listen to what is being said by the other members. Most times it works out for me, but you have to know your face. Not everyone's face is structured the same. Slow down to speed up! Wishing you great luck!

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

One of the most important pieces of advise that has been given is, STRETCH the skin,, get that angle down lower, and little to no pressure. Let the blade do the work, Plus good prep and a proper edge. Tc

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

One of the most important pieces of advise that has been given is, STRETCH the skin,, get that angle down lower, and little to no pressure. Let the blade do the work, Plus good prep and a proper edge. Tc

👍too much pressure will be taken on board next time round for sure. Thanks

Originally Posted by HCpawpaw

If chicks dig scars, they shouldreally go for my old mug I have been shaving my two most recent battle wounds with my (gasp) Norelco so as not to reopen these & donate more AB+ to the sink.
Two things we have to try to remember are: (1) keep your head in the game & (2) do NOT rush. If you can't take the time to do these, your significant other will ask you why you don't quit str8s, and go back to the damn electric shaver Nah, can't do that. Keep at it MrT1904 & good luck!

Added great advice 👍thanks and determine to get my best SR8 shave yet

Originally Posted by BobH

Yes, done that too so you aren't alone. You are absolutely right, you can't let your mind wonder when shaving with a straight razor. I don't find that onerous as everything else bothering you disappears while shaving with a straight razor as you concentrate on the shave. Heal up and carry on.

Bob

BobH , too right you know.. had some noise in the background whilst shaving / (donating blood) which obviously highlights thr fact I was not focused.

Originally Posted by kaptain_zero

Razors primarily cut when you move the blade ever so slightly sideways, as in while the blade is not otherwise moving in the correct direction... The most common cause is from touching the skin with the blade NOT moving, or allowing the blade to come to a stop while still touching the skin. Tiny, involuntary movements of the hand (shaking, twitching or trembling) will allow the blade to cut your skin. Note, these movements are not normally visible to the hands owner.... just the heart beating causes small movements of the hand.

If you have your razor moving in the correct direction as it touches down on your skin, and it also lifts away from your skin before it stops moving in the correct direction, it will not cut. You could get a "weeper", usually a small pimple or such that gets knocked off during shaving (it happens to all of us), but cuts should not happen. I cannot imagine the amount of force required to cut your skin if the blade is moving in the correct direction. Stretching the skin helps many times when shaving, but I get a closer shave when I "slack skin" shave some parts of my face. If I push to hard, the skin will bunch up in front of the blade, but it does not get cut, unless I stop moving the blade while it is still in contact with my skin.

The best way to describe what I mean is to imagine combing your hair. The comb is moving in the correct direction before you touch your hair, and it is still moving when it you finish the combing stroke and pull the comb away. You go back and repeat the motion so it looks like a scooping movement. Placing a razor on your face without it moving, then moving it to shave a section and stopping again, before removing the blade from your face WILL result in a painful cut, sooner or later.

Otherwise, keep a recent photo of yourself handy.... It helps the surgeon figure out what goes where.


Regards

Christian

Well great explication with the hair and understood even though I'm a Q Ball and shaved all over top back and sided. Yet again great advice. Thanks

Originally Posted by Cincinnatus

I have been using straight razors since July and my worst cut came about the same number of shaves as you.

I think my fault was that I felt like I was doing fine after a dozen shaves and felt like I was getting the hang of it. That is when I made the mistake and got a really nice cut.

Since then I have been more careful and only occasionally get a tiny nick.

My best advise is to keep trying and don't give up and don't forget the basics.

Thanks, keep it simple and remember the basics👍also confirms that I was not focused.