Thread: length of stroke

Originally Posted by 32t

Not judging one person but I wanted to show someone that is not considered an "oddball" in this venue.

What Lynn's doing there is hardly chopping & it is featherlight contact. You shouldn't have any trouble if you can replicate that.
The buffing being discussed is a separate technique to overlapping strokes.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

What Lynn's doing there is hardly chopping & it is featherlight contact. You shouldn't have any trouble if you can replicate that.
The buffing being discussed is a separate technique to overlapping strokes.

He is lifting between strokes. Chopping is a course term i agree. But lifting between stroke leaves open the variation of angle and pressure.

Originally Posted by 32t

He is lifting between strokes. Chopping is a course term i agree. But lifting between stroke leaves open the variation of angle and pressure.

Lifting between strokes brings with it no more danger than any other method, in well practiced hands. In fact, I would contend that it is the longer strokes that pose a greater risk to digging in, changes in pressure etc etc.

I feel confident in saying this because I use both short and long strokes when I shave. Short strokes mainly on the face, long strokes mainly on the head. I have videos of both if you would care to watch them. They are posted here at srp, or you can search for the Jimbo-srp channel on YouTube. The two videos in question are titled head shave video and shaving routine. The are both crap videos, but they do show various stroke types and lengths if you can see them through the gloom....

Good luck to you.

James.

Originally Posted by 32t

He is lifting between strokes. Chopping is a course term i agree. But lifting between stroke leaves open the variation of angle and pressure.

There are a few factors to consider but no one said it was easy or everyone would do it. Ultimately you have to do what works for you but the fundamental principles of optimally sharp blade, good prep & lather, light touch & low angle must underlie all your strokes.

Originally Posted by 32t

He is lifting between strokes. Chopping is a course term i agree. But lifting between stroke leaves open the variation of angle and pressure.

At some point, you have to lift the razor off your face, whether its to clean off excess lather or rinse it or change grips...you might as well get used to it and learn to do it right.

a razor is an inanimate object and once that it has cleaved a hair which for all practical purposes is also inanimate the action is done. Cleave the hair is the point.
How is this best done and in the least steps?

This made sense when I wrote it. I hope it does to you also.

First pass WTG, long strokes. Second pass XTG, shorter

Originally Posted by 32t

a razor is an inanimate object and once that it has cleaved a hair which for all practical purposes is also inanimate the action is done. Cleave the hair is the point.
How is this best done and in the least steps?

This made sense when I wrote it. I hope it does to you also.

electrolysis

no hairs take the least strokes to cleave

Originally Posted by LameBMX

electrolysis

no hairs take the least strokes to cleave

Ummm . . . sorry my friend. The electrolysis needle has to be inserted (slid) into the base of each individual follicle. THOUSANDS of little strokes!

Nay -- WAXING does the trick with one good yank!

Namaste,
Morty -_-

No. You're not alone. Ive seen old barbers use longer strokes. I do also. You must have excellent technique and an ultra sharp razor but I was surprised to find how close I can get and even BBS with just a few strokes as opposed to buffing away to get everything. Nothing wrong with that if that's what you like but I prefer a BBS shave in as few strokes as possible. Like I said, the technique and the razor have to be superb though.