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This is my really tough spot.
I seem to nick myself every time, pretty much just here.
I do the best I can and clean it up with the DE. (I have a couple other spots that need to be cleaned up as well, so its not the end of the world..)
Suggestions? My moustache goes pretty much right to my nostrils..(the mixed blessing of being italian!)
Thanks, ad
There's a technique I use called (I think) coup de maitre where you place the edge of the blade just under your nostrils and then twist outward as you move it down. It requires a very light touch. The spine is actually touching the tip of my nose when I start out. I also go at my upper lip from different angles, attacking the area just below my nostrils with the very tip of the blade. Try different tactics; you'll figure it out.
I lightly touch up with the the toe, from the side (cross lip) without lather, so I can see.
This is what I do and it works well for me. Of course, it helps that my nose is upturned. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Kyle76
I wonder if LX_Emergency can chime in with his video
exhibiting such a technique. I employ it with great
success.
- Scott
The coup de maitre is a bit scary the first time or two because of the angle. Counter intuitive to what one should be doing with something so sharp around one's face. Someone had posted a video, LX perhaps? Do a search.
The move works. I would suggest a 5/8ths blade for the first try rather than the 7/8ths I used. :)
Here's my secret to a BBS upper lip.
CAREFULLY!!!
X
Its taken me months to get X's technique down, but it does work. You really have to pay attention to the feedback from the edge of the razor. Thanks X! :yQuote:
Originally Posted by xman
Jordan
The upper lip isn't tough but as X says you need to be careful. I do both with the grain and against it and get a nice smooth upper lip most of the times. I say that because I dn't want to jinx myself and cutoff my nose..:roflmao
+1 for LX's video, works great for me. :tuQuote:
Originally Posted by sebell
No problem. Keep that link handy and pass it on.Quote:
Originally Posted by jnich67
X
I used my thumb on my nose, nail down, thumpad pushing my nose up then the fear of lopping my schnoz off was replaced with fear of my thumbnail dulling my edge.
This has been my toughest spot as well. Up to now, I've just gone with the grain and dealt with the stubble. I've tried a few times to go counter-grain but the hairs tend to pull on the lip, even if I try to make the lip taut (which is NOT easy for me).
I'll try this technique. God willing, I'll have a clean lip that is still attached to my face. :)
Wheres that video?
+1. X? We know you love to perform!Quote:
Originally Posted by IsaacRN
Jordan
"Quick Coup de Maitre video", by LX:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Axk4AvwfrEc
No video cam, sorry.Quote:
Originally Posted by jnich67
X
Well, this morning I tried a combination of the Coup de Maitre and a try at against-the-grain on the upper lip as pointed out above...using the free hand as support on the blade.
The Coup de Maitre was surprisingly easy and effective at getting the lip cleaner than I have been getting my old way. However, the counter-grain pass was very slow going and often had a lot of pulling. Part of this was time, I didn't work up a super-thick lather today. I stopped after one side since I was getting a very red lip which thankfully subsided quickly.
I can feel the difference - the one side is close to BBS, but the other has some stubble, although much less than normal for me. I caught some videos on youtube regarding wet shaving and I picked up yet more tips to get better lather. I'll put up the links if anyone's interested.
Thanks for the help here, guys.
I used to do the coup de maitre but have found a way that suits my own top lip area better.
First, I do a XTG pass from lateral to medial (face to midpoint under nose). I usually stretch the skin by my cheeks horizontally backwards (towards the ear). It's surprisingly effective.
Next I go ATG. I stretch by putting one finger at the corner of my mouth, just where the moustache growth stops naturally, and pull up towards my eye. Interestingly, this really makes the hair protrude even further and at an angle that points SE (on the left) and SW (on the right), so to go ATG I go upwards diagonally.
To avoid burn or red dots I find you need a very sharp blade (scary sharp) and minimal pressure. For sharp blades more pressure is needed and it tends to give me low-level burn.
I do own a cam and could video, but the facial contortions and stretching would give you guys ammo to rip the piss for months! :rolleyes:
Exactly X's experience. (that's a triple X statement:eek: ) :DQuote:
Originally Posted by majurey
X
I shave in a straight line from the nose to the mouth, straight down. I put the razor up against my nose with the blade at the top of the lip area and the spine on the nose, so the blade is basically at 90 degrees. Then I lightly start shaving down, lowering the spine on my nose until I reach the 'proper' angle near the end of the stroke. Works for me, YMMV.