Thread: Nicks, Cuts & Beheadings (missing ear parts count too)

If you really want to try straights but have these reservations go slow, start with small areas and finish with your current tools. Read Lynn's thread to beginners and take his advise. I'm sure it's a sticky in the beginners forum and there is a bunch in the WIKI.

Good luck!

Slow down. As you approach your face with the razor, approach the last 3 inches in slow motion and begin the shaving stroke as lightly as possible with only fingertip pressure. Keep the razor's spine within one or two spinewidths of your skin. This should minimize nicks and cuts.

Let us know how you make out.......JERRY

I have never "cut" myself with a straight, and I think it's because of the great info I gleaned off of the old Yahoo group that preceded this site.

In particular I remember one bit of advice that the razor is a push cutter, not a slicer. You should never move it along its edge while you are shaving.

I have had, and occasionally still have, little pin sizes spots. When they happen I don't feel them at all, and they are never present after I splash cold water on my face at the end of the shave.

I have styptic that I have never opened. I got it when I started based on the advice on the old forum. I still keep it around just in case.

I've cut myself a few times, but since the blade is so sharp, you don't feel a thing, but you do know blood is on its way. And if you ever behead yourself, it will only happen once (that's the good side of it).

It may seem obvious, but the most important thing is to concentrate on what you are doing and not let your mind wander.

I've cut myself more than I'd like to admit...

I'd say not paying attention the toe of the blade, a dull/poorly stropped blade, bad choice of pressure (too light and the edge skips, too hard and you remove large swaths of skin) and bad angles are the biggest culprits for me. Still, I think you really have to go out of your way to get a nick bigger than a 1/2".

Happy New Year Kempster,

Originally Posted by Kempster

how bad is it "actually" when you began....Has anyone heard or seen anyone actually "gash" their face or take a "chunk" of skin out!...I like hearing about how much fun it was and that it was much easier than ya'll thought lmao. Thanks.

I can't say that starting to shave with a straight was easier than I had expected. I accepted the fact that I would cut myself and this put me at ease somewhat. I ended up paying the price of admission (no scars) but it was most definitely worth it.

The moment you let your mind wander off of the razor's edge, it increases the probability of drawing blood. Using a professionally honed razor, go slow with no pressure and pay particular attention to the tip and heel and their proximity to your nostrils and earlobes. I've seen pictures of gashes on this forum but as far as taking a chunk out of your face, I suspect you won't get that far as it will probably hurt a great deal if you cut below the epidermis. But anything is possible.

Good luck and, again, go slow.

Of course the guys who really messed up and are missing major body parts or are deceased now can't relate their stories. Just kidding.

Just remember if your are worried about injuries and start to frett about it you can be guaranteed it will happen. Just keep a positive attitude and respect the razor and you'll be ok.

The worst cut I got was the second week I was shaving. I thought I had it all down pat and was overconfident and sliced a 1 inch piece of my lower lip area. No stitches but it bled like crazy and left a scar.

I am a newbie too, I was also very nervous when I first started but I found as soon as I quit being so tenative my shaves started to get far more comfortable. The edge is very sharp and so it must be respected just dont be afraid of it. I am about 12 shaves or so in and have yet to cut myself, although since I said that I will probably lose some skin today when I shave. Good luck and enjoy.

You have a lot of advice already...yes, I cut myself bad on one occasion, a half inch cut over my left cheek, the heel of the blade sunk deep below the cheek bone, and yes, it bled for a long time. Out of this accident I learned four things which I pass along to you:

1. Respect for the blade. Yes, it is sharp, and will cut you mercilessly
2. Concentrate. Keep your eyes on the blade, don't daydream.
3. Do not consume alcohol before you shave...do it after to celebrate your accomplishment.
4. Do not hurry. If you are, do like me use a DE. Most of the time I shave at night when I am not in a hurry and there are no distractions or lastly, don't shave at all; leave it until the next day.