Thread: I keep cutting myself with one of my razors

I have two razors, my Torrey (thanks, Shooter), and my Dovo. I usually alternate which one I use every day. Recently it seems like I'm nicking myself almost every other Dovo day, but never on Torrey days. This makes me think it's not me but the blade. I looked closely at the blade but nothing looked wrong with it. Still, I'm no expert. I was wondering if this was indicative of a particular problem. Is it time to hone? I only seem to cut myself on my jaw or the tip of my chin (the places where my hair is thickest and the angle is hardest). The nicks are usually small, too, just inconvenient.

If there is nothing wrong with the blade then I would doubt it is the problem.
Blades with different grinds will handle differently and that could be your situation.
I'd suggest skip the Torrey days and use only the Dovo and see if you get improvement.

I wouldn't mind guessing that the blade on the Dovo is more flexible than that on the Torrey and it's deflecting inwards on the thicker hairs and into your skin. You might need to use a slightly shallower approach angle in those spots or try to stretch the skin away form the awkward parts and onto a flatter part of your face.

Originally Posted by mainaman

I'd suggest skip the Torrey days and use only the Dovo and see if you get improvement.

I agree, try the above advice and see what happens. If the cuts persist for more than a handful of shaves it is most definitely the blade. Usually the first signs of edge deterioration are irritation and weepers, followed by pulling/tugging. Micro chips are the likely culprit. If this is the case it is time for an immediate blade touch up.

I would look at the blade under a loop or magnifier. There could be something there, that you won't see with the naked eye.

Are the razors the same size?
Are the razors the same grind?
Are the scales similar.

In addition to sharpness, any of the above could be an issue. I have a Dovo Black Micarta and the scales are different than any of my other razors. The scales are more rounded and thicker. It always takes me a moment to get used to how different they feel in my hand. Going back and forth from a full wedge to an extra hollow ground razor also requires a conscious effort on my part to adjust to how differently they feel as they shave.

I am one that enjoys using a wide variety of different razors. That said, I will admit that it is easier to stick with one razor for a week or more until I get really comfortable with that razor. Changing all the time does require more thought, concentration, and work on my part.

Of all my razors, I love a 6/8 Thiers-Issard Le Grelot the most. Not only does it shave well but from the first moment I picked it up, it seemed like a natural extension of my hand and arm. It is hard to explain but, for some reason, it feels more natural than any of my other razors.

Try to isolate and analyze all tbese different elements to see if you can find out why the Dovo is not working for you.

Good Luck and Happy Shaving!

Probably...

The only real culprit is the difference in the razors.

I guess there's a pretty good reason for "7 Day Sets" being the exact same razor.

I too went down this well travelled road and having three razors very different found myself plowing my face into a meat grinder in the early times. All three of my razors were very different and shaved very differently. I never let my hands and fingers learn the muscle memory necessary to get a good shave.

I found this by accident - when I decided to use one razor only for a month before switching - and it was then when I discovered every blade has it's own peculiararities.

Even now - when switching - I take it slow, so my fingers remember how the new razor performs.

I can take Grand-Dad's Larkin into the fray with gunzablazin, but if I do that with the Clover hunks of flesh fall into the sink.

Slow down... take the time... use the beginner's touch with an unfamiliar blade. Straight razor shaving is something you ease into, not get shot out of a cannon into like the net at the end of a violent explosion.

Thanks, guys. I'll definitely try using just the Dovo for a while and report back.

If you are experiencing your cuts in areas where you are placing the blade against your skin,
then the culprit may be variation in sharpness between your blades. If your blades differ in
level of sharpness, then shaving with the less sharp of the two can set you up for issues
when you go to the sharper blade. I've gotten "surprised" that way, and it could be happening
to you.

I would take a better look at the polished edge on the blade, look for a line that doesn't wipe away. I had a micro crack on just the polished edge of my razor once that would cut me occassionally. I bread knifed it out (at a 45 degree angle not 90 as suggested by Lynn) and re-honed it. I got the razor used so I have no idea how it got there and I wissed it apon initial inspection of the razor. At first after stropping it apeared as just a fine leather fiber (I use the suede side of my leather to strop) but it ended up being a micro crack.