Re-learning what I already knew

[Reformation Student]

In my quest for the perfect shave I've tried many different techniques. Some I've kept, others I've thrown out. I've had an opportunity to read my old barber manual again from the Texas Barber College. Here's a couple of things that are currently helping me:

1. The angle of the shaving stroke isn't straight down. It's down and moving from tip to heel. Sort of like this: / Now this may not seem like a big thing but it has helped me go from 3 passes with touch ups to 2 passes with touch ups, and has eliminated any irritation (especially on the one corner of my chin that always gets irritated). I use this when doing my second ATG pass as well and that's where the real benefit of this stroke come into play.

2. Stropping placing the blade fully flat on the strop at an angle such that the entire blade rests on the strop (tip to heel). Taking a grip where the thumb is on top of the shank (which would be the side if the razor is held vertically) with the other fingers wrapped around the other side of the shank. This grip gives me greater control of the blade movement and the amount of pressure used on the strop. It also helps in turning the blade over for the return trip. From this grip and position, all I do is slide the razor straight down the strop, flip and straight up again.


I had learned about these things early on but got away from them while trying out different things. I'm going to stick with them from now on though. Two simple technique changes yielding great rewards.

[Flatfish]

Not having used a straight razor, I have to confess I don't really know what you are talking about.
My main reason for writing this reply is that your post has been on the site for a while and no one has responded. Its happened to me in the past and it makes you feel like Billy No Mates. My problem is I sometimes talk rubbish or ask stupid questions. Does anyone else feel like that sometimes?

Anyway, your post will now have at least one reply against it.
Keep posting
Best wishes
Kristian;)

[Reformation Student]

Thanks, but I hope I wasn't posting gibberish or rubbish. Although I do tend to state the obvious sometimes.

I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

[jnich67]

You're making sense. I've also read and to some extent agree, that if you're not as comfy making that "slicing" stroke, you can angle the blade, then draw straight down - so to speak. I'm open minded about differing views on this.

While stropping, I keep my thumb on the corner of the tang closest to the edge side. This allows me to control the "torque" a little better.

Jordan

[Reformation Student]

You're making sense. I've also read and to some extent agree, that if you're not as comfy making that "slicing" stroke, you can angle the blade, then draw straight down - so to speak. I'm open minded about differing views on this.

While stropping, I keep my thumb on the corner of the tang closest to the edge side. This allows me to control the "torque" a little better.

Jordan

Jordan, you're right about angling the blade and drawing straight down. This might even be safer for someone who hasn't tried the "slicing" motion yet.