Thread: Thick Stubble Shaving

I will agree that the blade angle made a big difference as well, shallow works much better on thick beards. I also find the the less hollow the blade the better the shave for me. The 1/4 hollow le Grelot for me is the silver bullet.

Crom

Now I really want one!

I agree about less angle and sharper blades--mine have to be super sharp to get a good shave w/o using too much pressure--which in addition to irritation will dull an edge faster than anything. I was guilty of this for a long time!

You already got lots of great pointers. I think whatever advice you try to follow, from another heavy black bearded challenge, here is my .02.
1.patience. the amount of passes you can get to tame the beast is a combination of a very smooth but sharp edge.
2.patience. technique of skewing the blade, (scything) as it is called by many here. The more types strokes you perfect the less you will irritate your face by repeating the same stroke over and over the same way.
3.Prep!!!!!!! I shave after a hot shower, this get my beard softer than shorter preps and good cushioning soap.
Patience because people like us with heavy beards need more time to develop results and don't think it is going to happen so quick, but that is the fun. Better than golf, a lifelong sport you can do for the rest of your days!!!!
Mike
PS I don't think you have to use a brush that does not feel awesome on your face. Remember, you are going to have to do the job with a higher degree of skill with a better preped blade and you don't want your skin to get beat up in the process. It will get better!!!!!MUCH BETTER

one more thing that helped me with to get the scything strokes down. Before you settle for a heavy grind like a wedge, which I do love, keep in rotations some full hollows. Let the razor do the work and don't force it. Getting good on full hollows will make your wedges devine and the edges will holds up better too.
Mike

The reason I started using a straight razor in the first place is because I have a beard, and I needed a good razor to shave the thick hairs around it. I keep all of my razors, soap, stones, and strops in the bathroom, so they can be at hand to always be sharp, because if they are not, they simply won't cut through my stubble. For me, a sharp blade, everytime, is the key to cutting through the thick hairs. I will sometimes hone my blade half way through shaving to keep it sharp all the way through. I have found that using the hot, damp towel treatment beforehand really helps to soften up the hard stubble, and helps you to get a closer shave with a straight razor.

I've been focusing on making sure my blade is sharp. Stropping correctly sure does help! My shave prep was already good but I did find that shorter scything strokes worked best. Both of my main razors are full hollow so from you guys have said, I just need to find a wedge and I'll be in heaven!

Originally Posted by paulwjax

I've been focusing on making sure my blade is sharp. Stropping correctly sure does help! My shave prep was already good but I did find that shorter scything strokes worked best. Both of my main razors are full hollow so from you guys have said, I just need to find a wedge and I'll be in heaven!

A quarter hollow might be a nice one too. Much easier to sharpen and maintain than some wedges. If you damage edges easy a wedge take more time effort and skill to get going, you can get the best of both worlds with heavier blade, but does not have to be a complete wedge.
M