Thread: Avoiding Nicks and Cuts

A question related to the topic, but not about a cut that occured. It is about avoiding it.
When shaving against the gran, how should it feel on the skin (and the razor)?
I have experienced a slight pull and a traction, which felt wrong and potentially dangerous.

Does anyone know why or how to avoid it?

Sry if it's OT but it looked like a place to ask

When you shave against the grain, your blade angle needs to be lower than it is for with the grain, so the razor spine needs to be a little closer to your skin. That should improve the cutting.

Im new to straight razor shaving (about a month) and so farI have my share of nicks but haven't needed a transfusion . My worst nicks are the lower right corner of my neck (my right) Any ideas?

Try pulling the skin up or sideways. Use the about one inch from the tip with light pressure. I use a diagonal strop back to front then front to back. Works great on my neck.

Although, I've no experience yet, I think, that first of all, the blade needs to be perfectly sharp. According to my research, depending on your razor, it's the angle (blade to skin) as well. Most importantly, patience, including the concentration on what you're doing, no rushing. Than, of course, the way, you move the razor. Straight movement, no side to side movement, like cutting a piece of meat.
To be honest, I'm afraid using my straight razor yet, due to being scared of getting nicks, and cuts. However, I will overcome that scare soon!

You forgot one of the most important factors in shaving - PRESSURE. If you are really interested in learning the best way to shave with a straight razor, go to YouTube and watch GeoFatBoy from Shave Nation. He has without questions the best quality video's and his technique is excellent. I still like to go back and watch them. He also is fantastic if you send him questions on getting back to you with the right answers.

I'm new to the forum, too. I cut myself pretty good early on with straight razor shaving by not paying enough attention. Since then I am quite careful, but when I get around the chin if it is not going well I switch back to my safety razor to finish.

when I began I never thought I’d master the chin but after 6 months now I rarely get cut Watch your blade angle and pressure ...be patient and you’ll eventually get it Promise

After just a month of SR use (and nothing else) I can tell immediately when I've made a mistake. I can tell before the blood even shows. I cannot say "cuts hurt" but it's a "pinch of sorts"....I know I've messed up and I'm cut but it doesn't hurt enough for me to stop. Sometimes I shave right over the cut on the second pass, scraping up a bit of blood.

I think the razor is so sharp it doesn't even hurt. In two to three days I am completely healed and ready for the next shave which is my normal schedule of shaving anyway, every two or three days.

Last shave resulted in no cuts.

Originally Posted by alschepis

when I began I never thought I’d master the chin but after 6 months now I rarely get cut Watch your blade angle and pressure ...be patient and you’ll eventually get it Promise

I appreciate the feedback and your experience. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's shave -- Saturday and I have plenty of time!