Thread: Avoiding Nicks and Cuts

I find that when I nick myself it’s because a) I wasn’t paying attention, b) my blade was getting dull and I was using too much pressure, c) I sliced instead of shaved (not enough attention again) or d) I used the wrong blade angle (not enough attention again).

CONCLUSION: pay attention before and during shaving or keep the styptic and bandages close

Got my first real cut a few days back while going across the grain on my cheekbone. I've been doing a ton of OT, and I was rushing the shave. Bad idea.

It happened using a little 5/8 W&B Special. I've read that small razors are supposed to be easier to shave with and therefore learn on, but when I started SR shaving I jumped right in and started using larger razors right from the start. I think I got used to allowing the weight of a large razor to just glide across my face, nice and easy.

With this smaller razor, I think I started using pressure, and there you go, a cut.

Still, I'm starting to like the small razors. They just seem a bit more precise- but they deserve the same respect I give my big choppers.

My two razors are both large, and I’ve thought about getting a small one. But still, what we’re learning is the need to pay attention. My biggest cut was along the chin line, slicing instead of shaving in too much of a hurry.

I think that attention is not the whole story though you do have to have your mind on shaving with a straight while you're shaving with a straight.

You're still developing the autonomous mode or muscle memory that allows you to shave without consciously controlling every movement. Avoiding that slicing motion without actually focusing on it hasn't gotten deep enough yet but it will with practice. The good news is that it doesn't take that long.

Good stretch, pressure light, short strokes, wet lather....

Best wishes for quick progress gentlemen!

Cheers, Steve

Originally Posted by sonnythehooligan

Got my first real cut a few days back while going across the grain on my cheekbone. I've been doing a ton of OT, and I was rushing the shave. Bad idea.

It happened using a little 5/8 W&B Special. I've read that small razors are supposed to be easier to shave with and therefore learn on, but when I started SR shaving I jumped right in and started using larger razors right from the start. I think I got used to allowing the weight of a large razor to just glide across my face, nice and easy.

With this smaller razor, I think I started using pressure, and there you go, a cut.

Still, I'm starting to like the small razors. They just seem a bit more precise- but they deserve the same respect I give my big choppers.

sorry to hear, well, that cut is really somthin' special, actually a badge of honor, we are always learning.
the smaller razor are "easier" to learn with because the angle and as steep in tight places, and limits risk of getting cut that way.

Originally Posted by donjcschilde

One of my hard earned lessons is to not inflate my cheek or upper/lower lip with the razor touching my face. Ditto for skin stretching by hand. Sounds and is stupid, but as a newb, it happened more often than I'd like to admit. Also, if you do change the contour of your face by said acts, do not forget to adjust your razors angle accordingly.

I know this is an old thread but as I read it I thought it was worth repeating.

Last week I puffed my lower lip and moved my chin.

I thought the blade was further out but OOOOPS!

Yep, Tim.
Been there, done that.