Too Confident

My 10th or so SR8 shave....

All preparations done and lather was good a little calming music as I raised my TI SR8 to my high right cheek and first stroke was amazingly smooth, followed by the next and next ....then bam sharp clean stinging followed by more than a healthy donation of O Neg to the sink drain. Quiet a cut best yet since turning my hand to traditional shaving.

Dare I say the warning signs were there and I've read it over and over, but suppose these incidents like this are reminders just to make you concentrate more, finished up with my DE and patched up.

How come? Did you stretch your skin...

I was to start and now come to think of why I cut myself, must not have stretched properly along with the angle of the SR8 incorrect. Darn it..just got to flash. Knock me back a bit!

I think all of us have been there at one time or another.

You have to keep trying and getting better.

Going to look a right plonker tomorrow at work rolodave but o well, be back to go again in a few days.

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Originally Posted by MrT1904

Going to look a right plonker tomorrow at work rolodave but o well, be back to go again in a few days.

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Chicks dig scars :/

I have probably close to 80 shaves under my belt and still cut myself occasionally. Much less often than I did with any other shaving method, but often much worse when I do.

I gave myself the worst shaving cut of my life about three weeks ago and it is still there I think it might leave a scar, but as Job15 says chicks dig 'em. Mrs Porl wasn't too impressed though. For me it was simply a momentary lapse in concentration, I was getting good at it and so let my guard down. The best lessons are the ones we learn the hard way.

You do feel a plonker, but at the same time it is a good conversation starter and you can tell everyone how manly you are because you scrape your beard off with a knife every day, so it's not all bad.

Stick with it, it is for me still the most enjoyable shave compared to every other method I have tried, which is all of them.

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

If chicks dig scars, they shouldreally go for my old mug :cry: 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 :gaah: Nah, can't do that. Keep at it MrT1904 & good luck!

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

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,:tameshigiri: 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!

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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

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Quote:

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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

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

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Originally Posted by HCpawpaw

If chicks dig scars, they shouldreally go for my old mug :cry: 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 :gaah: Nah, can't do that. Keep at it MrT1904 & good luck!

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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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.

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

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Originally Posted by Razorfaust

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,:tameshigiri: IT HAPPENS!

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Just wondering what happens when I get too old and too much floppy skin...guess even more stretching😂. Definitely too much pressure.

Things like floppy skin, wrinkles, battle scars, and cheek hollows come on gradually with age so don't worry, as your life progresses you will be constantly learning your way around these problems.

I think the danger zone for new shavers is in shaves 5-15 when "I got this" kicks in. That's when I got my first cut.

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Originally Posted by MrT1904

Going to look a right plonker tomorrow at work rolodave but o well, be back to go again in a few days.

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I say it with pride and a smile "Why yes, I cut myself shaving like a REAL man!" Don't really say that, but I do admit it with a smile. Most people at work, church, etc know I SR. The majority are a little jealous I think, and the chics usually respond "That's pretty Freakin Cool" (except for my wife...she thinks it's a little nuts; sexy but nuts)

I haven't cut myself in over a year maybe two. I WAS pretty proud of that until last week. Get this, I was stretching my skin and as I let go it snapped back but the blade was still there. It is so sharp I didn't even know it. I finished the pass and turned around to grab my towel and then turned back around and saw a RED line on my cheek. DANG IT! I was so mad at myself that I applied rubbing alcohol directly to it as a reminder that pain is part of being a man as is shaving. The cut healed already with no scar at all so it was superficial by a very sharp blade. My ego still hurts.

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Originally Posted by Steel

I haven't cut myself in over a year maybe two. I WAS pretty proud of that until last week. Get this, I was stretching my skin and as I let go it snapped back but the blade was still there. It is so sharp I didn't even know it. I finished the pass and turned around to grab my towel and then turned back around and saw a RED line on my cheek. DANG IT! I was so mad at myself that I applied rubbing alcohol directly to it as a reminder that pain is part of being a man as is shaving. The cut healed already with no scar at all so it was superficial by a very sharp blade. My ego still hurts.

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It always looks like a murder scene when you cut yourself too. Good to hear I'm not the only one too.

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Originally Posted by rodb

I think the danger zone for new shavers is in shaves 5-15 when "I got this" kicks in. That's when I got my first cut.

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Obviously not "got this" just yet, that soon corrected me.

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Originally Posted by MrT1904

Obviously not "got this" just yet, that soon corrected me.

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The good news is I've maybe only cut myself three more times (very minor) in the last eight years

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Originally Posted by MrT1904

It always looks like a murder scene when you cut yourself too. Good to hear I'm not the only one too.

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Hate to tell you but blood on the blade = almost instant rust.
Need to rinse blade immediately in cold water if it contacts blood.

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Originally Posted by onimaru55

Hate to tell you but blood on the blade = almost instant rust.
Need to rinse blade immediately in cold water if it contacts blood.

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You're joking right ??? however I did rinse off, and now going to strop my SR8 again just for good measure.

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Originally Posted by MrT1904

You're joking right ??? however I did rinse off, and now going to strop my SR8 again just for good measure.

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Deadly serious. Catch it early & you might just have a shadow on the bevel.

Ok noted and keeping an eye on that in future.

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Originally Posted by onimaru55

Hate to tell you but blood on the blade = almost instant rust.
Need to rinse blade immediately in cold water if it contacts blood.

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That's interesting. I wonder if it's the iron in the blood or the oxygen rich blood cells, or a combination of both. Perhaps it is that blood is thicker than water and so doesn't rinse or wipe off so easily. Definitely worth bearing in mind whatever the reason.

Also sharks can smell blood from miles away...

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Originally Posted by Porl

That's interesting. I wonder if it's the iron in the blood or the oxygen rich blood cells, or a combination of both. Perhaps it is that blood is thicker than water and so doesn't rinse or wipe off so easily. Definitely worth bearing in mind whatever the reason.

Also sharks can smell blood from miles away...

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A quote from spectrumsurgical regarding corrosion and stainless steel surgical tools:

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Blood, pus, and other secretions contain chloride ions which lead to instrument corrosion most often appearing as dark spots. If blood is left on the instruments for any period of time (20 minutes or longer), the instrument will mark and stain, especially if these residues are allowed to dry. Therefore, always clean and dry every instrument thoroughly after use. Only sterilize a clean instrument. The most damaging procedure is to allow dried-on debris to become baked-on stains in the autoclave. The temperature of the autoclave (250°-270°) will cause chemical reactions that can make the stain permanent and cause instrument corrosion. Remember, an autoclave does not clean; it will only sterilize.

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Now..... as for my point in an earlier post in this thread, this is exactly why cuts happen.... "The blade was still there" as in, still on the skin surface.

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Originally Posted by Steel

Get this, I was stretching my skin and as I let go it snapped back but the blade was still there.

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Regards

Christian AKA

Kaptain "In case anyone thinks I'm scar free.... nope, I ain't. Remember, time can be a cruel teacher, so learn from those who made the same mistake before you. " Zero

Been shaving with a straight for 3 years now. just cut myself a good one this week. happens to me off and on. seems like i can go months without a nick and then for some reason, ouch!! makes me mad, i should be past that by now. not sure what i'm doing different just part of the sport i guess.

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Originally Posted by kaptain_zero

A quote from spectrumsurgical regarding corrosion and stainless steel surgical tools:





Now..... as for my point in an earlier post in this thread, this is exactly why cuts happen.... "The blade was still there" as in, still on the skin surface.






Regards

Christian AKA

Kaptain "In case anyone thinks I'm scar free.... nope, I ain't. Remember, time can be a cruel teacher, so learn from those who made the same mistake before you. " Zero

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That was an interesting read, thank you brighter older wiser, but still going to cut and bleed 😂

I've got 31 yrs. using a straight.
Shave with a different razor every day, and haven't cut myself (badly) in years till a couple weeks ago. I let my mind wonder a bit, while in zen mode. Making a pass from chin to ear, I proceeded to put the end of my square point through my earlobe.
Let me tell ya...blood thinners suck. Took 3hrs to get it to stop, even holding a styptic pencil to it didn't help.

Attention, Attention, Attention.

I didn't, so I payed in blood.

No matter your experience level. "IT HAPPENS"