Thread: The Angle of the Dangle

I know, I know the rule of thumb for razor/face angle is 30-45 degrees. For months I've been shaving with that angle, trying to keep it consistent while adjusting for the curvature of the face, neck, cheeks etc.

This week I began shaving with an extremely acute angle. I believe its probably no more than 10 degrees. And ...

Results are BBS. Going against the grain, especially under the nose, and neck, is a breeze now.

I don't know why this seems to be true for me. Could it be the angle at which hair grows out of one's skin? Some hair grows straight out at a 90 degree angle from the skin, and some probably much steeper. I think mine grows pretty steep, because once I switched into the 10 degree angle or so, my shaves became very very good. Even the Pinaud is not burning me any more!

I'm glad I broke this golden rule, so to speak. Everyone's face is different: so you identify the most likely variables to affect a shave, tweak them, and see what works. This worked for me. I'm glad I did it!

The bit about a 30 degree angle isn't really a golden rule; it's more of a guideline that should be tweaked. Typically, a larger angle is harsher on the face and a smaller angle will pull. But the pulling depends on the angle of your hair (which is affected by how much you stretch), as well as the actual razor you use.

So, it's a good thing that you took the time to tweak your angle, and I'm glad you've found what works for you.

When I shave with a wedge against the grain, I keep the blade flat on my face. I don't know why it does, but it works well for me. Except when the suction between my skin and blade traps the razor from moving...

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

When I shave with a wedge against the grain, I keep the blade flat on my face. I don't know why it does, but it works well for me. Except when the suction between my skin and blade traps the razor from moving...

I'm guessing it's because the angle between the hair and the blade is reduced when going against the grain. Whereas a 30 degree angle to your face might approach a 70 to 80 degree angle to the hair while going with the grain, you need a much lower blade to face angle to achieve the same blade to hair angle against the grain.

The "30 degree" guidline is a horrible suggestion, it is WAY too steep an angle.

I think someone just pulled that number out of the air, since it sounds pretty good. Horrible advice.



The blade should be no more than 1-2 spine widths off your face. I too started with trying for the 30 degree angle (using the razor scales as a point of reference) and my shaves were uncomfortable and I got many nicks and cuts, and my edge wore down quickly. Since going low, the shaves are great, and no nicks/cuts to speak of...

Originally Posted by Seraphim

The "30 degree" guidline is a horrible suggestion, it is WAY too steep an angle.

I think someone just pulled that number out of the air, since it sounds pretty good. Horrible advice.



The blade should be no more than 1-2 spine widths off your face. I too started with trying for the 30 degree angle (using the razor scales as a point of reference) and my shaves were uncomfortable and I got many nicks and cuts, and my edge wore down quickly. Since going low, the shaves are great, and no nicks/cuts to speak of...

Huge +1 here I learned at 1 spine width about 15-18 degrees and have ended up at about 20 degrees, that is my most comfortable, for years....

i actually just read about reducing the angle so gave it a try after doing a refresher honing and good stropping. it was much better. best shave i have ever had, not perfect by far but the best so far. now i get less scraping and nics. i thought before that the scraping was normal to a certain extent, but now i know a bit better.

Yeah, get rid of that 30d rule... I am another one who goes for 1-1.5x spine width or less....unless I am really trying to hit a problem spot ATG and then I will go up to about 30d, but that's an exception.

I found that when I tried to pay attention to blade angle I had so-so results but when I moved to the "what feels good" angle, which I suspect is somewhere between 15 and 30 degrees, I get great shaves.

Since the hair's angle is constantly changing-depending on WHERE you are shaving, I really think you should concentrate more on feel then the actual angle.

I find if you use short strokes, taking your time and concentrating on the sensation the razor is giving you-you won't have to consciously think about ANGLE.

Its like riding a bicycle, once you actually GET IT-you won't even have to think about it. It's one of those moments that REALLY get you hooked on using a Str8. RESPECT the edge-but don't fear it. Let the razor do the work. You'll know-if the shave is uncomfortable and you'll blade is up to the task-your technique is wrong.PRACTICE,PRACTICE,PRACTICE