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

Hey there, folks!

I'm always trying to learn the more advanced shaving techniques, and today I tried my hand at slicing. Overal I had a great smooth shave, I just cut into my skin a couple of times, like I expected. I sometimes ended up making complete horizontal movements, even though I wanted to make a diagonal movement.

Do you guys have any tips on how to improve this technique? I found it to be incredibly useful, and it definitely cuts through my whiskers much easier

Remember that it's more of a gliding movement, if you can visualize that. You are correct that a pure horizontal movement across the skin will produce a cut. Keep the razor flat, only slightly raised from the skin. And a steady controlled grip on the razor. Also, multiple short strokes, as opposed to one long stroke across the face, will help reduce the opportunity for a cut.

It's important to stretch the skin as well.

I think just calling it scything instead of slicing will make a positive difference....


Thank you for the link BTW never heard of it before....

I agree with Glen

Usually slicing is referred to the kind of stroke that will open your face up ie. a motion in which the edge moves lengthwise. Slicing is bad

Although guillotine sounds just as bad, it really isn't

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

I agree with Glen

Usually slicing is referred to the kind of stroke that will open your face up ie. a motion in which the edge moves lengthwise. Slicing is bad

Although guillotine sounds just as bad, it really isn't

Indeed. I prefer the word term scything as well, but I'm just copying the term used on the wiki here I wouldn't want to learn how to cut into my skin After all, I can do that already!

I think I'll change the topic title..

Thanks for the tips, honedright I'll try that. Also, is there a big difference in which way you move the razor? I found that I got cut less frequently when I would move the razor "forward", with the point of the razor leading, although this could also be my lack of practice.

edit: Oi! Did the wiki article just change?

Originally Posted by JJMononoetoe

edit: Oi! Did the wiki article just change?

Yes it did, Lee fixed it already

Dude we are fast...

Originally Posted by JJMononoetoe

Indeed. I prefer the word term scything as well, but I'm just copying the term used on the wiki here I wouldn't want to learn how to cut into my skin After all, I can do that already!

I think I'll change the topic title..

Thanks for the tips, honedright I'll try that. Also, is there a big difference in which way you move the razor? I found that I got cut less frequently when I would move the razor "forward", with the point of the razor leading, although this could also be my lack of practice.

edit: Oi! Did the wiki article just change?

Point leading forward. It's a strictly linear movement combining a forward motion (point leading) and edge across the skin with the heel held higher relative to the point. Scything suggests an arc, or pivoting, component which I do not incorporate when I shave. At least one of the older barber manuals teaches this method and that is how I learned. It takes some practice though

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Thank you for the link BTW never heard of it before....

?!?!

Originally Posted by sicboater

?!?!

Come on Rob ...

Lee and I fixed it with a quickness, we are fast that way LMAO...

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Come on Rob ...

Lee and I fixed it with a quickness, we are fast that way LMAO...

-Rob