Thread: How different razors feel...

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Angle or pressure ? I have this BA Wade and Butcher and almost took off my chin with it the first time I used it. I got to a spot I thought was the hairline because I felt some resistance. I shouldn't have kept going as it was where my chin changed angles. Yep watched the whole thing in the mirror, as it happened. It only bled for an hour but I had a spot I had to shave around for a week or so. I have yet to fix up a couple of smilers I have in the repair box. Will pay more attention and stop when I get the feeling I should this time.

I did something similar with my first go of my Joseph Rodgers square point wedge. Point dug into the cheek a little but I didn't feel it and continued the down stroke. Lovely slice for me there. Seeing it happen and still being surprised is quite a sensation. So too is putting a styptic on that bad boy!

After the first shave I gave myself bad burn too. I honestly think I used too much pressure and got away with it. I may need to learn to shave my neck all over again.

You can do some surprising things with angles if you eliminate pressure. I've posted videos on here before of shavers using angles close to 90% and getting away with it because they limited the pressure to nearly nothing. Look at it this way: if your pressure is really as light as it can be, it is just about impossible to generate either cuts or razor burn. If your razor is really shave ready, there is no need for any pressure at all.

I've never given much thought as to why different razors behave differently, I just know that each of mine have a personality that I've had to learn. The most difficult one is my Charlie Lewis frame back but, once I figured it out, it's an awesome blade! I guess I don't have any specific suggestions beyond what's already been stated. The one thing I think I've settled on is that the full-hollow blades are very flexible and need a little more delicate caution while wedges seem to plow on through with less finesse required. But that's just me. 😸

I have 33 razors in my rotation and each 1 has a personality of its own. some are BBS smooth and others are just a little rougher. I do know however when I start which 1 is which and how to handle each 1. I think that's the fun of it for me- it's always a different experience! obviously I like the ones that are smoother but I'll go with anyone as long as I'm 100 percent positive that it is shaved ready!

Everyone else has said here, it sounds like a combination of angle and pressure. One of the things that have helped me with switching razors everyday is keeping a log of my shaves. (yes, I am that OCD!). I list. The date of purchase, honing dates and most importantly the shave characteristics (closeness of shave, razor burn, nicks, slices...etc). Using this I have been able to alter my exact rotation to use razors in an order that has razors with similar characteristics following each other. For example, I don't try and use my Boker shoulderless full hollow 6/8 immediately after my W&B 8/8 Full Wedge. The razors in my opinion, do not shave similarly. One requires less of an angle and a bit more pressure.

I'm working on a log for Pre-shave lotions and oils; soaps and creams; and after shave treatments to try to maximize my comfort.

Originally Posted by Silents

Everyone else has said here, it sounds like a combination of angle and pressure. One of the things that have helped me with switching razors everyday is keeping a log of my shaves. (yes, I am that OCD!). I list. The date of purchase, honing dates and most importantly the shave characteristics (closeness of shave, razor burn, nicks, slices...etc). Using this I have been able to alter my exact rotation to use razors in an order that has razors with similar characteristics following each other. For example, I don't try and use my Boker shoulderless full hollow 6/8 immediately after my W&B 8/8 Full Wedge. The razors in my opinion, do not shave similarly. One requires less of an angle and a bit more pressure.

I'm working on a log for Pre-shave lotions and oils; soaps and creams; and after shave treatments to try to maximize my comfort.

Not THAT, is indeed some OCD sir!

Hey, ESL.
My own preferences have me using the two extremes of grinds - extra hollow and 1/4h and heavier. I love them both. The difference in feel does make demands of my technique, w/ the extra hollow spike points being the most demanding. I do find the angle differs, w/ the EH needing to keep the spine close to the face. Pressure w/ the EH will make things colorful and uncomfortable. The heavies are just the big friendly tools that place little demand. Angle? Schmangle. Lets mow. Pressure? No prob, but don't get carried away. Now w/ all that tolerance in the shave - they still perform incredibly w/ *no* pressure - which is what I try for.
I'd say for the better part of 6 months, I continually thought I knew what 'no pressure' was - only to discover I had a ways to go. During that time, I was more fond of the heavy blades 'cause they were so tolerant.
I suspect a few months from now, you'll be thinking more on how you like or want the particular differences from a particular blade on a particular day.

I find this ironic. Most feedback has indicated that the extra-hollow is less forgiving than the heavy but I'm finding the exact opposite. I was doing great with my 3/4 hollow Dovo and it's not until I am now using this heavy Hart that I am struggling. I'm actually finding that pressure is a big problem with the Hart!

I shaved this morning and I literally was using NO pressure and very small angle. FAR better shave than previously but I do feel like I have started all over again. I stopped doing an ATG pass with it and I focused more on my cheeks than my neck. Again - I feel like I started all over again. Good thing I found it so fun