Stubble Trouble

[DrumZalot]

A question for all of you men into single edge razors. I am relatively new to the world of single edge razors so far a few shaves in I have been doing good ... I think. I have a few Gem 1912 razors and two Gem G-Bar razors. No matter how I try I end up with stubble. Using two different methods I have shaved with the razor's head flat against the skin and another with it slightly angled away. After 3 passes I still end up with stubble. I have noticed that against the grain the blade tends to tug on the neck most especially on the upper lip. On the upper lip I only do with then against the grain due to tugging.

Currently I am using a CVS Pharmacy single edge blade it's quite smooth and I have to yet cut myself. I feel that I should press a bit down with the razor to alleviate stubble. My experience with DE razors tells me that pressing down is a bad idea but I don't know what else to do. Is there a single edge razor blade you can recommend that might help alleviate stubble? Maybe the razor blade I am using is not sharp enough? My facial hair is quite thick.

 

[dcobranchi]

I have excellent luck with Treet SE blades. But I think the CVS are the same blade.

With the 1912 you can press in (carefully).

For the upper lip GEM suggested turning the razor sideways and going E-W/W-E.

 

[doctordial]

I had the same problem today. I like to shave everyday so there really wasn't anything to go wtg to shave so I just started shaveing atg. I was thinking about investing in a alume block so I can pull the skin on my face a little so I can get the stubble to stick out more. I just shaved twice today to pick up what I missed the first time I shaved.

 

[DrumZalot]

dcobranchi, from what I have read I too believe the Treet and CVS blades are no different. I will try to press lightly the next shave around sometimes it seems that the razor is a bit on the light side.

doctordial, I have read that a few guys have trouble with stubble so I guess I am not alone on this one. I should check out a Gem Micromatic. I know that there is a thread on tips for using a Micromatic but it still seems intimidating. The 1912 is so far a solid razor.

 

[doctordial]

I've been using an EVER-READY 1924. I usually get great shaves from it. Maybe it's just bad blade. I'm just curious because I've only been using a single edge for about a month now. What razor are you using?

 

[BBS Kirk]

I hear you, Gents. I also have a thicket of a beard. I can get BBS on my cheeks, but on my neck, if I do ATG, I get the Burrrrn. Everyone is different. I use a 1914 Ever Ready and it does great.

Kirk

 

[DrumZalot]

doctordial, I am alternating between a Heavy Flat Top and a 1912. The G-Bar looks great but it's quite mild, the 1912 works better for me. The CVS blade is very smooth I will try another. Everything has been great except for that annoying stubble that is left. The 1924 (which I don't own currently) looks like a good step up in aggressiveness.

BBS Kirk, for some people the 1914 is a bit more aggressive then the 1912 that's another model I should be looking into as well. The upper lip has always been troublesome for me only the most aggressive razors (like the Fatip) makes this area easy. Having thick facial hair and sensitive skin is such a problematic combination it's something I have dealt with forever.

Thank you all for the input.

 

[doctordial]

I just changed to a new blade and whatya know VIOLA!!!!!! Nice clean shaves are back with no stubble. This thing is going to make me switch to single edge razors permanently, but I'm fighting it.

 

[DrumZalot]

doctordial, that's great there is nothing like a smooth clean result! Ironically, I chucked my old blade this morning and will use a new blade next time. I think I'm just playing it far too safe on the neck and upper lip. On the next shave I will add a complete thorough against the grain no areas skipped. I've never tried the GEM Personna stainless steel single edge blade, I can't find them locally unless I order them.

Don't fight the SE conversion lol. Even if I am a beginner to the SE world and need to get my technique down tight I can see these are great performers. I haven't gotten nicked or cut once they are super smooth razors. I still recommend them to friends. It would be great if they were still being manufactured with new heavier models most especially a wider selection of razor blades.

 

[Dave Deluxe]

The magic of the SE shave happens with the "against the grain pass", if you are not doing that then you are missing the wonder of SE shaving (including above the lip).

 

[Mick]

Stretching your skin with your free hand will let you cut closer which should resolve your problem.

You can practice with no lather and not shaving. Use your off hand (which ever one you do not hold the razor with) on your dry face and pull one direction. Use your other hand and move it toward where your pulling hand then away from it like you would if you were shaving.

This will show you where you need to pull from in order to get your beard to stand up more so you can shave closer.

You don't need to pull your nose past your ear, just keeping your skin taught is enough.

While shaving try to shave the areas where you will need to place your free hand first so that it can start to dry before you put your hand to your face. Keep your free hand as dry as you can so you can pull/stretch. You can also rub your finger tips on an alum block to give it more holding on wet/damp skin.

 

[White Tuna]

The magic of the SE shave happens with the "against the grain pass", if you are not doing that then you are missing the wonder of SE shaving (including above the lip).

I have mixed results with the against the grain pass above the lip. I am new so I do keep trying.

 

[DrumZalot]

Dave Deluxe, you are right at this point I have managed to do against the grain on the neck and the cheeks. The upper lip I am working on slowly but getting there.

Turtle, thank you for the tips. I have the habit of stretching by pulling the upper lip down using facial movement and it wasn't good enough. This morning I tried an OCMM (of all things) for the first time. I pulled the skin using my hand and made sure I could feel which direction made the hair pull up the most and it worked! Since I've only been using SE's for about 3 weeks I am still a bit more cautious. First time with the OCMM and nailing the problem I had gave me a nice DFS. I'm confident with a few more rounds I will attain a BBS. The OCMM was super smooth a great shaver rivaling my 1912 models!

White Tuna, use Turtle's advice it worked great. I am finally getting the same results I do with a DE.

 

[neatokino]

For the upper lip, try 'blade buffing' (do a search... I think there's even a you tube demonstration). It's the best way I've found to get a good clean smooth filtrum-to-the-base-of-the-nostrils shave. With a light touch, it is easy!

 

[DrumZalot]

Neatokino, thank you for the tip. With my DE I do buffing on the upper lip I haven't tried it with an SE. My transition to SE shavers has been a little bit more slower because the blade is more intimidating since it's thicker somewhat like a board. The angle is different the feel is different from my DE so I end up being far too cautious not approaching it like a DE. The SE carbon steel blades I am using seem so mild and quite forgiving.

 

[Dave Deluxe]

"The upper lip I am working on slowly but getting there"

When doing the upper lip area, whether it be SE or DE, use a very small/very light "stipple technique", picking at the stubble (ATG), similar to what a impressionist artist might do on a canvas. This takes the stubble down to where you can gradually increase the length of the strokes and get incredibly close. It will take a little practice but will yield a very close smooth upper lip shave.

 

[DrumZalot]

Dave Deluxe, interesting I see what you mean by the "stipple technique" (especially since I have dabbled in painting). Another suggestion I am going to add to my SE arsenal. Thank you.