Question on blade angle.

[Rick Sparks]

Dear Abby,
I've shaved with a straight razor (I honed it all by myself Dad!) twice now. Just a small patch of my right cheek the first time. This morning, my whole right cheek. Pretty good results. One tiny little nick this morning. Anyway, I'm holding the blade just a little less than 90º to my face. Probably something like 70º. But if I'm reading other posts correctly, 30º is a pretty common recommendation. If 30 is the correct angle, I guess I'll give that a try, but why am I getting a good, smooth shave at 70 then?

Puzzled in Pawtucket.

 

[professorchaos]

No idea why you are getting a good shave at that angle. Perhaps things will get even better when you change it up? I think of angles as a general guideline rather than a rule. My blade angle changes depending on the pass and what is being shaved. By and large, I tend to keep the blade as close to flat against my skin as possible. The spine is lifted only enough to allow the edge to cut, rather than skip over, the stubble.

 

[leighton]

Increasing the blade angle is a normal "quick fix" for dull blades.

However, a higher blade angle won't not cut. It depends upon a lot of factors. However, it will dull the blade quicker and should cause more irritation than a lower angle.

Thus, a lower angle isn't necessary, its just better.

 

[Bertilak]

No idea why you are getting a good shave at that angle. Perhaps things will get even better when you change it up? I think of angles as a general guideline rather than a rule. My blade angle changes depending on the pass and what is being shaved. By and larger, I tend to keep the blade as close to flat against my skin as possible. The spine is lifted only enough to allow the edge to cut, rather than skip over, the stubble.

What he said.

The attached picture might help. It comes from http://straightrazorplace.com/srpwiki/index.php/Shaving_passes#Basic_schaving_passes.

As the professor says, don't get hung up on exact angles. It is the principle that counts.

 

[Rick Sparks]

Thanks. This all helps. Especially the pictures.

 

[mdunn]

and if in doubt, get the spine closer to your skin

 

[riooso]

Good pics on the angle. One has to realize also that as you lay the blade down you have the option of using more pressure. It is a delicate balancing act but I found it is the only way that I can shave a certain part along my jaw line without irritation.


Take Care,
Richard

 

[AFDavis11]

You'll get more cutting power with higher angles, but you'll wear the edge out quicker.

I think you've discovered one of those odd factors that guys who shave with straights never quite understand about guys that "can't get the angle right".

There is a LOT of room for error.

 

[Seraphim]

The flatter, the better in my book. Only have the spine off of your face by about the width of the spine itself for your main 3 passes (or however many you prefer). At that angle, you should get zero cuts/nicks, and a comfy shave.

If after you mow down 98% of your whiskers like that, and want to then "clean up" any stragglers, then going to a higher angle may be called for.

Give it a try.

 

[Chimensch]

The flatter, the better in my book. Only have the spine off of your face by about the width of the spine itself for your main 3 passes (or however many you prefer). At that angle, you should get zero cuts/nicks, and a comfy shave.

If after you mow down 98% of your whiskers like that, and want to then "clean up" any stragglers, then going to a higher angle may be called for.

Give it a try.

Totally agree...

 

[SavantStrike]

Totally agree...

+2

Acute angles make for comfy shaves! I usually do my WTG passes at 15-20 degrees, or less, and only break out the 30-50 degree angles on my upper lip where I need them.

 

[riooso]

+1 Straight blade angle in a nutshell!


R

 

[SiBurning]

What he said.

The attached picture might help. It comes from http://straightrazorplace.com/srpwiki/index.php/Shaving_passes#Basic_schaving_passes.

As the professor says, don't get hung up on exact angles. It is the principle that counts.

The flatter, the better in my book. Only have the spine off of your face by about the width of the spine itself for your main 3 passes (or however many you prefer). At that angle, you should get zero cuts/nicks, and a comfy shave.

If after you mow down 98% of your whiskers like that, and want to then "clean up" any stragglers, then going to a higher angle may be called for.

Give it a try.

As with everything on B&B, the advice in any thread seems totally contradictory proving that there is no One True Way (tm), and YMMV.

 

[Bertilak]

As with everything on B&B, the advice in any thread seems totally contradictory proving that there is no One True Way (tm), and YMMV.

But I found pretty pictures!

 

[English]

I think that you are very unlikely to cut your face at an angle below 30 degrees. But more 30 degrees + and the risk gets greater.

Once the blade is on my face, I never get nicks. (Never say never). But if I approach my face at an angle greater than 30 degrees, the chances of a slight nick are very high.

Any way, apart from safety, the closer the spine to your face, the more comfortable the shave.

 

[riooso]

The pics are just a guide. I have found that when I shave now I just go by feel. It is like driving, you learn what is right for what you are doing. For instance, when you are going ATG you want a shallow angle because if the angle of the blade is to steep the blade will follow the shaft of the hair and dig in, so to speak. Not good! Most people have trouble going ATG on the neck and that is because it is usually the softest skin with the toughest beard.

Another point should be made and that is the shallower the angle, and still get the job done, the easier shaving is on your face and the blade. A constantly large angle also is hard on the delicate edge of the blade and will cause premature dulling.

Take Care,
Richard