What does a good shave sound like?

[VonMises1881]

My newbie mind drifted to this question as I was completing my second wet shave tonight. Not the second shave today, my second one ever.

I had two thoughts. First, a wet shave with a properly prepared face should be almost silent, with the blade neatly slicing the whiskers that are standing up and softened sufficiently to allow the sharpness of the blade to do its thing in relative quiet.

Second, a wet shave should have that familiar light scratching sound to it, especially when shaving against or across the grain with the razor slicing through the hairs and giving off that somewhat sand-papery sound. Now that's the sound of success! I figured.

I was able to hold both of these conflicting thoughts in my head simultaneously and somehow agree with both. Very Zen-like I suppose but I'd much rather know the correct answer so I can adjust my technique accordingly.

 

[Jatte]

depends,
my gem is super loud, and so is my singing razor but i just hear a light scratching noise in my de's

 

[Johnnie Walker]

My Merkur HD sounds like your running your fingernail ATG on your face, a crisp snappy sort of sound. Very odd sound to hear after living in Mach3/Fusion land for so long, over my own screams it was hard to hear anything.

 

[giantcanopy]

Soft but crisp and almost crackling sound against grain .

But musical timbre varies with blade mileage and the adjustment on my fatboy

Ryan

 

[mdunn]

depends on the razor with me.

especially with straights, ive a gigantic full hollow that is super loud

 

[dpmtherrien]

To me its just a nice soft scratching sound that really lets you know those whiskers are gone for a day or so. I find its very relaxing and soothing. Makes you really enjoy the experience.

 

[tsmba]

You might think it would be silent, but I notice a distinct sound when I have the angle correct. When the sound goes away, that's a clue that I'm using too much pressure.

 

[Gruder]

I'd go with the second of the two options you propose. The important part is to try to replicate the sound made on an easy pass (say, your cheek) in more difficult places while you're zeroing in on correct technique/razor angle. Good luck, and keep us posted!

 

[justice strike]

AARRGHHHH THE BURN!!!

atleast, if you use a sharp razor.

 

[richmondesi]

I've not experienced a silent shave, and I think that, if I did, I would probably be honing my razor. Some shaves are quite loud, and some are not. But, there is always a very reassuring, easily discernible sound. Cheers

 

[philamac]

I'd go with the second of the two options you propose. The important part is to try to replicate the sound made on an easy pass (say, your cheek) in more difficult places while you're zeroing in on correct technique/razor angle. Good luck, and keep us posted!

Never thought of it that way, good thinking.

The noise probly depends too on thickness, density and length of your bristles. Apparently your stubble is as tough as copper wire of the same thickness, so I suppose it should make noise when cut

But silence as your razor goes over your face? Then it's not cutting anything.

 

[Bertilak]

It should be quiet without hearing things like "DAMN!", "Ouch!", "Arrrgh!", etc.

 

[Shane]

It sounds like four angels singing a C Major chord.

 

[FFJim]

To me its just a nice soft scratching sound that really lets you know those whiskers are gone for a day or so. I find its very relaxing and soothing. Makes you really enjoy the experience.

I have to agree, when I don't hear anything, then I know I am not getting an adequate shave. A fact that is usally confirmed by my wife, who usually asks if I plan on shaving for the day...

 

[Trint]

Isn't this one of those occations when you hear it you know it. So when in doubt your not in the groove.

 

[_JP_]

All I know is that I've always enjoyed The Song of the Blade.

 

[Stubborn Dutchman]

I aways try to focus on the sound. When it is crisp I know I am doing things right. This holds for the first three passes which result in a dfs. The mandatory fourth pass is much more subdued and gets me to the BBS stage!

I think you guys have taught be enough to do the deed in only three passes, but I enjoy shaving this way so much I ain't about to change!

 

[Tolduonce]

Here are some other responses.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=86435

 

[Jethro1984]

I can only speak to DE as I haven't tried any other traditional shave type yet. I get a scratchy popping sound with my DE's.....someone else mentioned it sounds like running your fingernail ATG, I agree with this assessment.

 

[Koss]

Out of all my razors so far, I like the Futur's sound the most.

The pleasure I get from hearing it reminds me of how I feel when I hear a British Triple Triumph engine. Mmmmm. . Zen.