Thread: technique/stroke pattern?

Hi, I am new and I was wondering if there is a standard set of strokes or technique that is best for straight razor shaving? For instance, step 1 - strt with chops, step 2 - cheek, etc. Ifeel like I am shaving willy nilly and without any technique. Sometimes I start with the cheek and other times I start with my neck, etc. What is the best technique?

thanks

There's no rules set in stone for this.
If you find a way that works for you, then that's the right one

I usually do the first pass WTG. I start with the cheeks, then the neck. After that I do the mustache area, and finally I do the chin.
Then I repeat in the same way going XTG and, if needed ATG.
My reasoning for doing it this way is this:
The toughest whiskers go last, that leaves them the most time covered in lather, which will soften them as much as possible.
In addition, I find that doing this I will after the stretch from over and in front of my ears, always have a clean-shaven area to stretch from, for my next shaving stroke.

Good luck finding your own way with this

You have to do what is comfortable for you, but in the end you'll likely find the scything and guillotine strokes to be the most beneficial, regardless of the type of pass.

Good advice from above. Take your time and enjoy the learning curve. Wiki gives good advice on getting started.

Pabster

Originally Posted by Birnando

..I usually do the first pass WTG. I start with the cheeks, then the neck. After that I do the mustache area, and finally I do the chin.
Then I repeat in the same way going XTG and, if needed ATG...

+1
This is also my routine.

I just shave until I see blood, dab it with the Styptic pencil, then back to shaving.

Shaving technique is probably the most personal part of straights. Stropping, honing, etc all have fairly standard rules to get the best results, but as far as actually shaving it seems to be a matter of comfort and personal preference.

Hello, aramirez:

As these gentlemen have noted, in straight razor shaving one makes one's own rules. Do what works best for you.

Generally, shavers start on the cheeks and proceed. For me, I shave the right cheek, then the left, followed by the neck and, finally, mustache and chin. I usually do three passes following this pattern.

There is no best way for you — only your way for you. Also, as time goes on, you will probably re-adjust and improvise on your pattern.

Regards,

Obie

Originally Posted by aramirez626

Hi, I am new and I was wondering if there is a standard set of strokes or technique that is best for straight razor shaving? For instance, step 1 - strt with chops, step 2 - cheek, etc. Ifeel like I am shaving willy nilly and without any technique. Sometimes I start with the cheek and other times I start with my neck, etc. What is the best technique?

thanks

Be systematic.... there are choices but try to be consistent.

I like to do the big flat areas first. By shaving them first I
have a place to grab and stretch the skin of the smaller more difficult
places. A razor will dull from beginning to end of a shave.
If you have difficult places that want the sharper first part
of the blades shave consider shaving them first or just revisit
the strop for the last difficult bits. I save the difficult bits for
last because the lather gets more soak time.

I start out WTG and do the full right side excluding the mustache area, then the full left side, then the mustache. Then I do an XTG starting on the left side exactly like the WTG pass. Then maybe a ATG and water pass depending. Do what works for you