Thread: Effect of blade angle?

I posted previously asking for advice to catch an awkward bit on my neck (with a swirly growth pattern) and received suggestions such as scything, buffing, pulling the skin in different directions and a cold water rinse. All of these have improved the situation (thanks guys) but today I tried a much steeper angle of about 50˚on the final pass.

Even though I didn't do a post cold splash pass today (time restrictions on a pre-work shave) the steeper angle appeared to catch the little hairs better than normal, which has left me wondering what effect a steeper angle has?

If the hair is laying away from the blade a shallower angle, and if laying towards the blade then a steeper angle will cut the hair at the optimum angle keeping it more aligned with the cut.

Perhaps they had assumed that you had already tried different angles..

Many thanks,

Don't get me wrong I'm not criticising the previous advice, and I had tried angles between about 5-35˚ its just useful to know how a steeper angle effects the cutting.

I had not previously tried a steeper angle as I had heard that there was more chance of cutting yourself with one.

Blade angle corresponds to blade aggressiveness for me. Managing the trade-off is something everyone will experiment with personally to find the best angles during shaving

50 degree angle you almost digging the ground. it is too much for the face.

When you use a straight you are continually adjusting not only the angle but the type of stokes. That's one of the reasons a straight gives a superior shave. Eventually it becomes automatic and you don't even think about it. When we recommend a 30 degree angle that's just a jumping off point as you begin using a straight. Depending on the geography of your face you'll find areas where you need to use a steeper angle which is more aggressive or a shallower one to suit the circumstances.