Question on straight technique

[mikromicke]

So I have a question on straight shaving technique: No, it's neither why my lather is slightly pink after my first pass, nor when my bleeding will stop (got the down to just crappy technique) but how much of the actual blade do you use while shaving?

I've noticed that I'm almost only using the top third of the blade and was wondering if that's the way to go or if I should try to engage the entire blade against the skin at the same time?

 

[holli4pirating]

You should use whatever parts you find easiest to use. Yes, using the whole blade will likely increase time between honing, but you shouldn't make yourself uncomfortable just to get a bit more out of the blade (imo).

 

[Chimensch]

To improve your technique you will need to learn to use all of the blade. The reason is that the blade is straight but there are no perfectly flat places on your face, they are all curved. In general, it is easier (and less irritating) to use the heel of the blade on the side of the curve closer to your hand, the center of the blade on the top of the curve and the toe of the blade on the side of the curve farthest from your hand. Imagine, for example, going XTG on your chin. The bottom of your chin is closest to your hand, so you would use the heel of the blade; the center of the blade on the point of your chin and the toe on the upper part.

 

[mdunn]

I use it all - just keep at it, with practice you can get to using the whole blade.