What is technique and how do you develop it?

Discussion in 'Safety Razors' started by theguitarshaver559, Feb 8, 2017.

  1. RyX

    RyX DoH!

    I thought that was what styptic and bits of TP were for...
    I've been doing it wrong?

    Seriously, though; Cartridge razors have dumbed down shaving. They have guards, bumpers, training wheels. They pivot for you so there's never a care for the angle of attack. I'm not knocking them to be mean. They have their place. We have members that prefer them, and some folks take them when traveling to keep the greedy fingers of Airport Security off their fine razors.
    The Technique OP asks about starts with forgetting the cart style of shaving; pressing the blade(s) against your face. That the "no pressure" technique the DE shaver learns. Along with Riding the Cap, Beard Mapping, Pre & Post shave, Lather Making... Wow! I've learned a few thing in the last 19 months.
     
    gorgo2 likes this.
  2. gorgo2

    gorgo2 geezerhood

    No. In fact, here's me in my stypic tank after using the 1924.

    [​IMG]



    Then I'm happy to be a dummy! :)
     
    RyX likes this.
  3. John Beeman

    John Beeman Little chicken in hot water

    A good book is
    LeisureGuys Guide to Gourmet Shaving by Michael Ham
     
  4. Eeyore

    Eeyore Well-Known Member

    You got one of the best beginner razors, in my opinion.

    Congratulations!
     
  5. theguitarshaver559

    theguitarshaver559 Active Member

    I enjoy DE razors better than carts. That's just me.
     
  6. FranklinFurter

    FranklinFurter Well-Known Member

    Technique involves the ability (eventually muscle memory) to use the wrist to adjust the shaving angle of the fixed head of a DE razor rather than relying on the swivel head of the typical multi-blade razor. It also concerns the correct amount of pressure (lighter is better) to apply to a DE razor.

    Long story short--there is a very good reason why many vintage Gillette razors are now considered "mild". With the correct technique, these razors will give a bbs shave. A more "aggressive" razor, with a wider tolerance of blade exposure and gap, may also yield a close shave, even while using relatively poor technique, but does so with a much greater risk of cuts and nicks. A so-called mild razor was designed to provide a superb shave when used with a proper technique.

    My thinking is most DE beginners would be well served to use a mild razor while focusing on developing a good technique. This is essential because the contours of the face require adjustments if a close shave is the preferred result. In time, this becomes muscle memory.
     
    Demidog and RyX like this.
  7. RyX

    RyX DoH!

    Well stated, Sir! You've shaved a time or two?
     
    Demidog likes this.
  8. FranklinFurter

    FranklinFurter Well-Known Member

    Yep, began in the mid-1960's with a $1.00 super speed w/blue tip.
     
    RyX likes this.

Share This Page