Thread: scything motion

Scything graphic didn't take the first time, trying to post a link...

http://straightrazorpalace.com/compo.../limitstart,5/

Josh

Originally Posted by jaegerhund

I've notice the term scything used to describe the correct stroke when shaving with a straight razor. I suppose this means to act like a scythe ---which means I guess to use a propeller type motion with a slightly scooping action. Is this correct? This came to my attention when I noticed that using this type of motion ---slightly pivoting around the handle/tang pin --- allowed me to shave the third pass/against the grain very well. Any comments?

Is there a slight scooping action? I've seen these graphics before but wasn't sure about the scooping action. Thank you Josh.

The only scooping-type action that I'm aware of is the coup de maitre, which is a scooping action under your nose to catch the hairs at the corner of your nose and upper lip. Gotta be really careful with that one though...

I'm talking about a very slight scooping action --I believe this is in line with scything -- i.e., using a real scythe.

Kinda like a shearing action?? Your approaching the whisker with forward motion, but slicing through it with a little lateral movement too? I guess this helps for a smoother feeling pass with the razor, as your not attacking the growth in just one direction?

I'm new to this pea but I suppose you're correct ---instead of pushing through the hair , by using this motion you are slicing as well as pushing ---all I know is on the against the grain pass, the results were dramatic for me. Usually when I try the third pass, the razor skips, bumps, and digs in if I use a straight push through ---but with the scything motion and pivoting slightly around the tang/scale pin, the razor seems more stable (maybe being anchored around the pivot point) and I was successful and --well --encouraged.

Nice one, i'm glad your making good progress. I'm hoping my new norton 4k/8k will sort me out a bit!!

Good luck pea -- I haven't got into the honing thing yet --- those nortons can set you back a few quids, dollars or even meals!!

I hope we all understand that the Cutting Angle displayed by Josh and the Scything motion which started the thread are two different things. I've never really had a need for the scything thing because the Cutting Angle works so well. It simply cuts easier. think of trying to cut a loaf of bread with a stright down push vs. a forward sawing action.

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