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I'll be starting with a straight razor pretty soon, and was hoping a poll on this subject would give me an idea of what I'm likely letting myself in for! I'm curious as to whether getting a fairly deep cut is pretty much expected at some point down the road, or whether most people have managed to avoid it with studious care.
I'm intending this poll to encompass every aspect of straight razor shaving, so it could be a cut from shaving, handling, honing, or indeed juggling.
Deep? Not likely shaving. Long is possible, I gave myself a couple of 1 to 1 1/2 inch long cuts starting out. They bleed like crazy, but nothing was deep enough to be concerning.
Juggling razors can cut you to the bone, literally. I tried once and cut myself pretty good. That was instinct kicking in, to try and grab a razor that I was dropping. Its hard to overcome the desire to protect that razor you love so much, as its heading towards the floor.
The second week I started I cut myself pretty good but nothing ever requiring stitches or professional help. I've cut myself more on my hands handling the razor than my face. But that was years ago.
Just hold the razor with a light touch so if the skin/whiskers stop it the razor will flex in your hand rather than cut. If the whiskers don't want to cut ..... IOW if it is pulling, don't force it. Just start the stroke over paying attention to skin stretching and angle. Like tbs said, watch your stretching hand when maneuvering. I've also cut my hand when reaching to grab a stretch with the razor poised in the opposite hand. Usually getting in a hurry. Hurry and straight razors don't mix well.
I'm not entirely sure this poll is a particularly useful thing for you at this point in your development - I think this is the wrong thing to focus on. I do understand it is a concern to most people. However, cuts are the exception not the rule, and I would therefore advise you to concentrate on more useful things such as learning proper grip, safe handling of the razor, correct angle, correct stropping, lathering and prep and so on.
Play the percentages: learn the 99% things, and worry about the 1% if or when they happen.
James.
Got myself a couple of times just as I was starting out. If I recall it was with a Sweeney Todd straight razor, I had sharpened it myself and you had to use some force to make it cut hairs :nono: I think it was all the cussing and swearing emanating from those experiences that drove me back to google some info and I landed here. Much smoother sailing since :rock:
BTW - JimmyHAD's advice is gold, I took it to heart early on and it has proven a great aid, and Jimbo's comment above is rock solid and spot on. just my 2c!
Cuts usually are the result of failing to pay attention to the task/razor at hand. Small nicks or weepers are par for the course when starting out. I don't think you should pysch yourself out just getting started though. I've nicked my earlobe a few times, carelessly caught the edge of my nostril from time to time, but nothing major a stypic pencil couldn't handle. Heed the advice given within and save your toilet paper for other uses. :)
I second Rearden's thoughts. I've had my fair share of nicks and weepers, but I've only had one incident that I would consider a 'cut', and that occurred when I wasn't technically shaving. I simply got careless as I was bringing the razor away from shaving my upper lip and down to the sink. Instead of bringing it down through the safe corridor of air between my face and the mirror, I brought it down directly onto my chin. So just be careful and pay attention - if you aren't, that's when the legit cuts happen.
first shave i cut myself 2 times , in identical spots but one on each cheek ... now yesturday i was sanding a blade and i dont know how but i cut my finger on the side ... thank God for finger nails cause thats what stopped the blade ..lol..
If you ever cut yourself more than just a tiny nick, something has gone terribly wrong.
hehe.... I think my worst cuts have been to my fingers as well... :)Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
Other than digging a spike point into my cheek a couple times most cuts have been superficial. A cut that's a 1/4" deep is very excessive(!), and probably means you should stay away from straight razors :roflmao
Yikes, just realized it said DEEP and not LONG. Retacting my vote for "1/4 deep" to "nicks/little cuts". My 2 mishaps were extraordinary long, but luckily also shallow.
:fim:
BTW, I totally agree with Ryan, 1/4 deep is indeed excessive. I'd even call 1/8 excessive.