please help the new guy!!!

[mercera]

I'm brand new to wet shaving with a DE, I've got a 1960 Gillette flare tip, use the cheap VDH shaving brush and soap from walmart, and have used Derby, Personna Red, and tonight I used a Astra blade. I have had only 5 shaves with the razor with good results (other than cutting my nose in the same place twice). I'm doing 3 passes; first with the grain, and the across the grain both ways.

Here is the problem, my cheeks and lip get a REALLY good shave but my jaw-line (which is pretty sharp) and the bottom of my chin are only getting a so-so shave at best... I was hoping that you guys could give me some pointers on how to get a closer shave in those areas.

Thanks, Andy

 

[luvmysuper]

Keep your lips together, but drop your jaw like you were opening your mouth. This will flatten out your jaw line so you can do some cross passes there or some blade buffing in the area.

 

[jay67212]

I lift my chin and pull my head back to make the skin tight. I do this on almost all the passes.

 

[intotheforge]

Take your hand without the razor. press on the sideburn on the side you are shaving. pull up to stretch the jawline skin up to a flatter area. Works decent for me. I struggle with the same areas though.

 

[dieselfuel79]

I find this works for me- Instead of lifting your chin (which I think is messing with your angle) stick your neck our and your chin forward. That should solve your problem. "Bullfrogging" as Phil mentioned may also work.

 

[justinjohnson86]

I'm brand new to wet shaving with a DE, I've got a 1960 Gillette flare tip, use the cheap VDH shaving brush and soap from walmart, and have used Derby, Personna Red, and tonight I used a Astra blade. I have had only 5 shaves with the razor with good results (other than cutting my nose in the same place twice). I'm doing 3 passes; first with the grain, and the across the grain both ways.

Here is the problem, my cheeks and lip get a REALLY good shave but my jaw-line (which is pretty sharp) and the bottom of my chin are only getting a so-so shave at best... I was hoping that you guys could give me some pointers on how to get a closer shave in those areas.

Thanks, Andy

You have the exact same set up as me (with the exception of the year razor, I have a 1961) Flattening your chin helps out a lot to get that chin area. I usually make my chin taunt and use my tongue to flatten/pull up the bottom of the chin. For the jawline, the help of my other hand to pull up the skin just above the jawline usually helps.

Have you been able to get a really good lather with that set? I'm having only the slightest problem but since I melted the soap into the bowl it's been working 10x better.