Thread: Absolutely Flat on the Face

When I was going through my razors cases I came across my Shumate 25 box. The advise on the back goes against what most people here say
"In order to secure the keenest shaving edge possible to produce Shumate razors are ground extremely thin, but they will remain sharp and continue to give a perfect shave if held flat on the face. In shaving hold this razor ABSOLUTELY FLAT ON THE FACE."
At the moment I am unable to test this as mine needs a run through the tumbler then the hones, but regardless what are the thoughts on this. So far with my limited experience it does not sound like a good idea.

LockOn,

With the razor flat on the face, the cutting edge is around 90 degrees to the whisker being cut, which is what is 'generally considered' the optimum angle of blade to whisker.

I have found that some razors when used this way tend to have quite a bit of 'suction' arising from the lather, so I tend to use the razor slightly less flat on the face, generally about one spine width's worth.

Have a play and see, and let us know what you think

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

I did not know it was the optimum angle I was told something like 20-30 degrees. From what I read that angle seems to be the most used. Thanks for the response.

I also read 20-30. I'm gonna try more flat.

Be careful not to be confused when talking angles.

1. There is the angle of the blade in relationship to the face. This is the 20-30 degree angle that is often recommended.
   
2. There is the angle of the blade to the whisker. This is the 90 degree angle mentioned by Phatman.

A razor held flat against the face would be at 0 degrees to the face but 90 degrees to the whisker.

If a razor spine was held at a 90 degree angle to the face, the edge of the blade would come straight onto the face at a perfect right angle, a good way to cut yourself if you are not careful.

It is far easier just to remember to keep the spine of the razor one or two razor widths off the face.

(In relationship to the face, 20-30 degrees slices the whisker and 90 degrees scrapes the whisker.)

Happy Shaving!

LockOn, Balrog,

+1 on DLBs explanation, which is much clearer than mine

A lot of straight razor shavers use the 20 - 30 degree angle when shaving

Some also use shallower angles for the second and subsequent passes. I tend to have the blade flat on my face when going ATG.

Safety razors tend to be used at angles that result in the blade cutting the whiskers at 90 degrees.

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

I generally lay the blade flat against my face/neck. There is the problem of suction, but the shaves are more forgiving and closer. I normally have to use a fair bit of pressure on the blade to move it against the force of the suction. The pressure is applied to the SPINE of the razor to get it moving forward (no pressure for the edge into the face). Buffing helps with glide but it is hard to tell where you have shaved since the lather isn't scraped away.

For WTG I never found 'absolutely' flat to be very effective. I still find, depending on the razor, that 1-2 spine widths is optimal, seems to "dig in there" a little better. For subsequent passes I do end up lowering the angle, for reasons outlined in the wiki.

Originally Posted by LockOn

So far with my limited experience it does not sound like a good idea.

I think it is a very good idea to start with the razor flat on your face and then slowly increase the angle in your shaving strokes until you find the sweet angle that works best. Learn it by feel and you will progress more quickly

A good rule to not forget though when experimenting with angle is to shave lightly - don't use much pressure at all or you will feel it later

FWIW If you think about the bevel angle, a 20-30 degree razor angle would have the bevel sitting pretty much flat on the skin, therefore giving a 90 degree cutting angle in relation to the whisker.
This would also explain why heavier grinds seem to need a slightly steeper angle to work effectively and full hollows etc seem to work better with a shallower angle.
I don't know but it seems to make sense to me.