Thread: Scything / Glide / "Slicing" - Tips on how to learn it?

Anyone wanting to learn this must stay mindfull that there is always a downward (or upward component) to the stroke. Always better to scythe less than more, especialy when learning. I've been shaving this way for at least three years and still get the occasional nick. I agree you can still achieve the sweet spot with a shallower angle shaving this way.

Deckard

I am confused with the term "scything" The scything motion that I use is a sideway movement of the razor as it moves forward,a slicing motion, there is little wrist action in the way that I do it. I take short strokes. The razor is almost flat and I can feel the steel behind the edge. I personally use this technique when I am doing my final or touch-up because if I hit a hard hair or bump I will get a slice. Am I not doing it correctly? I am surely getting some kick ass shaves with it. I got Lynn's DVD a while back I guess I need to check it out because I read somewhere that he covers it.


Take Care,
Richard

Originally Posted by riooso

I am confused with the term "scything" The scything motion that I use is a sideway movement of the razor as it moves forward,a slicing motion, there is little wrist action in the way that I do it. I take short strokes. The razor is almost flat and I can feel the steel behind the edge. I personally use this technique when I am doing my final or touch-up because if I hit a hard hair or bump I will get a slice. Am I not doing it correctly? I am surely getting some kick ass shaves with it. I got Lynn's DVD a while back I guess I need to check it out because I read somewhere that he covers it.


Take Care,
Richard

The way I read your description, in my mind you're describing one in the same.

Chris L

Originally Posted by riooso

I am confused with the term "scything" The scything motion that I use is a sideway movement of the razor as it moves forward,a slicing motion, there is little wrist action in the way that I do it. I take short strokes.


Take Care,
Richard

there is shouldn't be wrist action. keep it stable.
Scything is the best way to shave with straight razor.GL

My experience is it is much easier to learn this by waiting for the second or third pass. On the first pass it is easier for the beard to hang up the forward motion leaving only the lateral component causing an instant cut.

Riooso,
If you're getting "kick ass" shaves then it's correct for you.
Scything simple means to slice as you would a tomato with a knife.
It dosn't realy matter about the finer points of technique as long as it feels natural to you.
A purley horizontal movement of the edge, will cut you!
I maintain while learning, stay conscious of moving the blade edge forward at the same time, keep the emphasis forward to stay safe, stay light and keep the blade shallow to the skin without tugging (the whiskers will cut easily). Also keep the skin stretched and use short strokes, I use allum on my finger tips which helps to grip the wet skin and tilt my head when working the neck area.
Go easy and stay safe.

Deckard

I've been mastering the scything stoke for the last couple of weeks. I've included it into my passes since starting only a month ago. Today, I think I performed the best scything stoke of my life, both sides of the neck. The blade just glided, little pressure, and boy, what a wonderful result. I actually think its easier to perform than a traditional N-S pass, and seems more effective IMO

I'm definitely going to keep using this. Rain, hail, or slice....