Thread: Scything motion

Speaking with Jimmy, Im aware that this is a topic which has been covered before. I'm just wondering if there are any new perspectives or techniques out there since the last thread ( which was before my time here but which I still read (Thanks Jimmy!))

I have only conciously tried this motion one time. It was maybe after 7 or 8 really nice shaves with a straight razor and I was feeling particularly confident (****y). That lasted about 15 seconds. HAHAHA. I do believe a combination of things occurred. I believe I let my angle become way to large (steep) and simultaneously moved the blade in a parallel fashion on my cheek at the end of the motion. I have a really nice scar on the cheekbone of my right cheek I haven't conciously tried this motion since, but have been getting fantastic shaves on a very consistent basis.

So what I ask of all of you is a little advice for a guy new to the art but who is on the upswing of the learning curve. Like I said, there is a thread started by Jimmy aprox a year ago. But there are many new members and experienced members who may not have been able to contribute to that thread etc. I have spoken to a few guys in PMs about the topic but maybe its something we can all share and learn from.

Thanks in advance for any input and suggestions.

Leave scything to a day when you can shave for a solid month with not cuts or nicks, and feel very comfortable with your moves. Just enjoy the shaves and add a new technique one at a time. I personally use scything sparingly because if you have a little patch of tough stubble, and your razor catches, you will cut yourself, goodly by God!

I will agree, that as techniques go, it is one of the best. I can't get a BBS shave without it and use it almost every day during my ATG pass on my neck and XTG pass along my jaw line.


Take Care,
Richard

Definitely called an advanced technique for a reason, so waiting as Riooso said is the way to go.

Like all shaving, a light touch, short stroke and shallow angle are the keys to getting it. Personally, I try not to turn the toe into the motion. Instead I almost rotate around the pivot pin so the edge doesn't get a lot of sideways motion. This may be more of a rounded guillotine motion now that I checked the wiki.

I still think the biggest tip for any technique is, "Do what's comfortable and works for you." If you can get a close, comfy shave that's all that matters. Who cares with the motion is called?

I think here may be where the ladies have an advantage - we have enough distance from what we're shaving to afford a little more control.

I've been doing what I believe to be a scything motion since my second shave. I have spots where the hair grows in funny directions,and it's impossible to go straight sideways on something like your leg - you'll wind up burying the heel directly into your calf. The only way to go ATG in those spots in with a scything motion.

I generally flatten the blade even further, and put one finger on the spine, to sort of "scoot" the blade along.

Originally Posted by MistressNomad

I think here may be where the ladies have an advantage - we have enough distance from what we're shaving to afford a little more control.

I've been doing what I believe to be a scything motion since my second shave. I have spots where the hair grows in funny directions,and it's impossible to go straight sideways on something like your leg - you'll wind up burying the heel directly into your calf. The only way to go ATG in those spots in with a scything motion.

I generally flatten the blade even further, and put one finger on the spine, to sort of "scoot" the blade along.

I saw an old Western movie where a lovely lady was shaving her legs, in a bathtub, with a straight razor. Very interesting.

I have only shaved three times now but I actually preffer the scything motion over anythign else. I have a deep passion for sharp things and an utmost respect for them as well. Perhaps I'm somehow higher on the learning curve than most beginners but it all relates to the level of confidence you have.

I was talking to my barber about shaving and he told me to use a scything motion. I didn't use it much at first but have found myself naturally going to it, especially under my jawline.

I use a scything motion under my jaw line as well. The hair grows side ways so it's really the only way I've figured out so far to get the little buggers chopped down. At first it scared the crap out of me, but now I'm pretty comfortable with it.
There are still some spots that even the scything motion doesn't catch, so I've been toying with some different strecthing, head positioning to allow me to go truly ATG from my right ear to my left under the jaw line and on my neck.

If I ever figure it out, I'll post something up about it.

yeah, my barber when I talked to him about shaving was all about the scything motion - immediately started doing a motion with his hands with the movement "toward the toe." repeated it like a mantra, I think that's how they taught it in barber college. really helps if you can get it right, but takes training to get it in all the different places/motions/angles...

If you follow my "Do What Comes Naturally" method you will end up with a scything motion. There is no need to make shaving difficult, don't worry about WTG, XTG, ATG, just do what seems most natural.