Blade Chatter: What Is It and Is it Real?

[spacemonkey42]

• A blade that sticks and then skips along your face when shaving. Possible for both DE and SE razors though most commonly mentioned as an issue for SE razors, especially when shaving against the grain (ATG) where this can cause a nasty cut. I've seen lots of mention of this definition both in recent on-line materials in shaving "how-to" documents that go back over 100 years.
• A blade that flexes (or vibrates) during the shave. Have seen even more posts referencing this from many sources including B&B members that related it to shaving noise level to marketing materials for various razors touting superior blade clamping. I've even seen a patent that reference reduced blade chatter though it provides no proof or statistics.

Don't see why this has to be an either or question.

Is there a reason to arbitrarily split these two things? They seem like a spectrum of the same thing. If the blade flexes it can make noise, if it flexes too much, it can also bite you and give nicks. I have a lot more confidence in using my razors which provide a rigid blade edge. The only razor I do not feel secure with are my Super Speeds. I can shave with them, but they do not have the rigidity of most other razors in my den.

 

[Lane101]

Is there a reason to arbitrarily split these two things? They seem like a spectrum of the same thing. If the blade flexes it can make noise, if it flexes too much, it can also bite you and give nicks. I have a lot more confidence in using my razors which provide a rigid blade edge. The only razor I do not feel secure with are my Super Speeds. I can shave with them, but they do not have the rigidity of most other razors in my den.

It's possible that these are part of the same spectrum for some razors. They are listed separately based on the way shavers have posted/talked about chatter over the years. Also, a number of the skipping chatter discussions refer to SE razors that are extremely rigid and don't flex yet can still skip across skin, especially when shaving ATG. Given this listing the two separate definitions is reasonable. Suspect that even a well clamped DE blade, with poor technique, could skip without flexing.

 

[spacemonkey42]

If you're skipping without flexing, I'd say that is mostly likely about the technique and the lather, perhaps less about the razor. I wouldn't call that chatter.