Thread: About to try it for first time, but confused . . .

Okay, this is a totally dorky question from a newbie, but I am confused about the at which angle the razor should be held to the skin. I've read several places that 30 degrees is the correct angle, but on one of the manufacturer's instruction handouts it said that first timers should hold the razor at a 90 degree angle to the skin and basically attempt to simply gently scrape the beard off. I realize the angle is going to change depending on where you are (e.g., right under your nose), but I really don't want to blow it and cut off a large chunk of flesh my first time.

Any advice would be gratefully accepted.

At 90 degrees the blade would be in the most excellent position to do some major damage to you. Just one false move and you would have it. 30 degrees is the angle most use with adjustments as necessary with your particular anatomy but most adjustments are minor.

It's usually 30 degrees. Start with just doing the sides of you face. That's the easiest. See how that goes before going on to the other areas of your face.

Something that really helped me was to go to the Videos section of the site (under Main Menu) and watch Lynn shave and then check out the Straight Razor Shave III video by Brian Donofrio under the Links/Great Straight Razor Information. That should really help clear up any confusion.

90 is not the right angle to shave with. You will hurt yourself and get a terrible shave. 30 degrees is the way to go.

30 degrees is the number you are looking for, as the others have said. Don't be afraid, it's not as hard as it seems. These things are sharp, no doubt about that, but they are not so sharp that they will not glide over your skin (for the most part), only cutting the whiskers as they get in the way. This is of course predicated upon good prep, stretching your skin taut and a well lubricated, slippery face, but you'll be surprised at how well it actually works. Common sense tells you that without a guard, the edge of the razor will simply sink into your skin, but that's simply untrue. Unless, of course, you use more than a little pressure. Practice will make perfect, but the first step is the first shave. You will undoubtedly hear this about 47 million times, but get a shave ready razor from one of us here first and avoid the painful experimentation with a less than ready blade. If you already picked one up, have it properly honed. Welcome to the group, by the way!

Jeff

That's right, 30º. Absolutely NOT 90º.

As well as good prep and good stretching, be sure to go very lightly over your skin to make sure you're not going to be prone to nicks and cuts do to pressing witht he blade.

X

30 degreees, or about two spine widths away from your skin...

Well I'd have to say....30 degrees...LOL....yea. We need to hunt down the idiot that wrote that 90 degree stuff....I like to use 30 for the first pass and maybe 40 for the second. 90 will have a good shot at breaking your edge. And just for the record EdlinLA, its a perfectly valid question. Many just use two spine widths as a guide to attain 30 degrees. Try and feel a smoothest cutting point, its noisy too, don't let that throw you.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

And just for the record EdlinLA, its a perfectly valid question.

I didn't say anything about the validity of his question.

The 90 degree angle advise is on the Shaving Tips
from Parkers Knives in the Help Files section under
Shaving. I remember reading this myself before attempting
my first shave. I definately disregared this advise with so
many of you guys saying use a 30 degree angle.

Best Regards,

Terry