Thread: Shave angle

Good morning gentleman,
Another thread got me thinking.
I've had inconsistent results with the number of shaves that I get from my blades.
Even within the same shave feeling as though they don't shave as well as the first cuts.
If I'm cutting at too high of an angle, can it fold the edge over? I think yes. And so I adjust. Yet still seem to lose edge quick, even with pro-honed blades.
Also, how to avoid high, scraping angle under the nose..?
These sound like such newbie questions, hehehe
I'm trying to go back and revisit topics that I never fully understood before I moved onto more advanced topics in the past...

Using too high of a shave angle definitely shortens the life of an edge, but I do not believe it's forceful enough to roll the edge as with poor stropping technique. However, if you were using such a high angle (> 30 degrees), you would likely notice a bit of skin irritation I would think and/or an increase in cuts/nicks. Took me the longest time to learn to flatten out the razor's angle on the lower portion of my neck. My neck is very sensitive and reveals redness when scraped instead of properly shaved.

As for under the nose, I use a scooping motion starting out at an initially high angle and quickly flattening it out as I move away from my nostrils. You can use your off hand to squish or otherwise move your schnoz out of the way as best you can. Mine is pretty big, and I'm having no issues.

FWIW, I've never noticed the sharpness of any of my 16 or so razors deteriorate over the course of a single shave. This makes me wonder what's going on with those particular blades.

As for under the nose practicing a pencil grip and buffering helped me. As my hands got more dexterous I Also incorporated the scoop motion mentioned by speedster. It took a bit to realize it's the same motion I use when shaping up my sideburns. Just had to get used to an angel switch. Hope that helps there as losing your nose is tough for your future look.

About edge I can't really say I'm a total noobie there and couldn't begin an educated guess.

Does this go for all types of grinds, Mike.?

How coarse is your beard.?

Maybe your over honing, but you did say pro honed, as well.

Try stroppin the blade after lathering each time, barbers were always good for that.

What's your prep routine.?

A foil edge is the only time I've had that type of problem.

High angles is bad for my edge and skin. I keep the blade way closer to flat, just up enough to provide a slight air gap.
Stropping is as important or maybe more important than shaving technique when it comes to edge retention.
Under my nose most often come in from the side. I cannot go against the grain there, my skin won’t allow that, and if I’m shaving several days growth I go with the down scoop and then across..
Another thought on why you might tend to go with a high angle could be another element is off. Wet lather, low pressure, low angle, tight skin are my key elements. As I age the effort to hold and stretch my skin becomes far more important.

Okay cool, these suggestions are all helpful.
I think my angle is too high, as well as my stropping technique probably needs work.
The company that made my strop sent it bent, and I never got the bend out. Let me see, I'll pay attention to all those factors and I'm sure there will be improvements.
Thank you for the info.

Originally Posted by MikeT

Okay cool, these suggestions are all helpful.
I think my angle is too high, as well as my stropping technique probably needs work.
The company that made my strop sent it bent, and I never got the bend out. Let me see, I'll pay attention to all those factors and I'm sure there will be improvements.
Thank you for the info.

Dude if its bent and too late to send back get another. It has become more and more evident to me that the strop is second to only the razor. And that puts it above my brush, bowl, cream, hones, lights, arm, and hand in regards to equipment condition.