Blade Angle question

[rawface]

Hello all,

After devouring all the how-to's, vids, etc, I'm using about a 30 deg angle w/ the straights for the first pass, wtg. I found that w/ a full hollow, when the blade runs into heavy stubble, it bogs down, flexes, and I'm afraid I'll give myself a 2nd mouth if I keep going. I don't have that prob at all w/ a wedge or 1/4 hollow. I'm hearing even heavy beards can be mowed well w/ proper technique. One suggestion was to lay the blade much more flat against the skin when heavy resistance is encountered. Is this the normal solution? If so, I've been keeping the 30 deg. angle when I need to let it go. After all, - blade angle control should one of the better features of a str8.

I appreciate your kind help.

 

[Bertilak]

Hello all,

After devouring all the how-to's, vids, etc, I'm using about a 30 deg angle w/ the straights for the first pass, wtg. I found that w/ a full hollow, when the blade runs into heavy stubble, it bogs down, flexes, and I'm afraid I'll give myself a 2nd mouth if I keep going. I don't have that prob at all w/ a wedge or 1/4 hollow. I'm hearing even heavy beards can be mowed well w/ proper technique. One suggestion was to lay the blade much more flat against the skin when heavy resistance is encountered. Is this the normal solution? If so, I've been keeping the 30 deg. angle when I need to let it go. After all, - blade angle control should one of the better features of a str8.

I appreciate your kind help.

I tend to favor a shallow angle and to raise the spine "as needed", or "as effective", generally in WTG strokes.

Also, a slight "slicing" action makes a big difference. It especially helps avoid getting "bogged down" in heavy growth and at low angles.

The slicing action can be achieved in two ways that are actually the same thing, just envisioned differently. First, think of a guillotine. The blade moves in a straight line but the edge is slanted. Second, think of slicing a tomato. You wouldn't try to slice a tomato by pressing the blade straight into it, would you? These two things are actually the same -- they are just different ways of picturing the situation where the direction of the stroke is NOT perpendicular to the edge of the blade. But it *is* the same situation, except with the tomato we carry it to more of an extreme. Don't actually go to that extreme when shaving.

The thing to be careful of is not to overdo this. You still want the stroke to be *nearly* perpendicular to the blade. As you gain skill and confidence you can be a little more aggressive with this (more of an angle). Being clumsy or over aggressive with this can give you a nasty cut.

 

[Alacrity59]

The full hollows are a bit scary at first but I've really developed a preference for them. Softening the beard with good prep is always a big part of comfort and also helps with getting through the beard with minimum resistance.

One of the big keys for me is to think of cutting whiskers but not really touching the skin . . . but gliding over the skin.

For me too shallow an angle tugs the whiskers too much and to large an angle scrapes the skin too much. I think my comfortable angle is a little less than 30 but probably a lot less on the against the grain . . . to the point where I have to consciously increase the angle a bit.

Happy shaving!

Mike

 

[sffone]

+1+1 on what the two gents above said. Bottom line, experiment with angle and don't worry with trying to keep a constant angle. But, initially, try keeping the razor closer to the face, and then increase the angle as you get more comfortable and confident. I prefer the full hollow, but, as with any blade type, it takes a little orientation. Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

 

[rawface]

The counsel about the scything and guillotine stroke is well taken. I started using it some a couple wks ago, and use alot more now. I've been too rigid about maintaining 30 deg, rather than changing as the resistance increases.

'Hard to say enough, how much your help is appreciated. At 11-12 wks, I love shaving - for the first time since the teen years. I repeatedly think I'm getting it, only to find tons more I'm still pretty ignorant of. I've loved the wedges & 1/4 hollows, but a few times/wk will use a full hollow. I find I can duplicate all the moves, but it takes more care, more time, etc. I'll loosen up on the angle and see how it goes. Again, Thank You!!