On my chin area where the hair seems especially dense paying attention to angle etc. A WTG pass doesn't even seem to do anything as far as beard reduction. No amount of stretching, pulling, seems to work. I don't have this problem anywhere else. I keep checking blade angle, just don't seem to get any reduction on a WTG pass. The XTG passes are a bit better. Anyone else experience this?
You might need a sharper blade, or perhaps even a stiffer blade like a SE. My entire beard is quite dense & coarse. I've found that 3 passes wit a DE equals about 1pass with a SE. I'm sure you'll get some more recommendations from others but you also may need to do some extra prep on this area too. Good luck!
This is going to ruin my reputation here at the Shave Den (not that I have one)... Have you tried using a little pressure? (cue screaming and mass panic) Depending on what my setup is and how long it's been since my last shave, I sometimes have to give 'er a little mustard to mow down the growth in that area. On me, that area seems to have tougher hair than the rest of my face, or maybe it's some other factor. Either way I have had to resort to using a bit of muscle to get the job done, otherwise I get the same "skating" effect you describe. Nothing crazy mind you, just enough to get the job done.
Man I've heard so much about this razor in the past couple weeks it's making me itchy to get one...a bit on the pricey side though. Put it on the list!
Are you using a mild razor? It sounds like an angle issue to me, curves, especially the chin can be tricky. A more aggressive razor is less dependent on correct angle so it's a possible solution. Another solution might be extremely short "strokes". They won't look like strokes, but that's what they'll be; strokes maybe 3/8" long. Even with a mild razor this approach works. Another solution would be an aggressive SE or DE razor. I have no problems with the chin with any of mine. Another solution could be an adjustable set to a higher setting. A slim set to 9 is absolutely magical. Old SE razors that will do the job are relatively inexpensive, an OCMM would be one I'd suggest. I know there are aggressive DE razors, but I can't suggest anything I haven't personnally used. When I wanted an aggressive DE I went directly to a Slim. A slim adjustable can be had for not much $ either. If you're using a mild razor, an ultra sharp blade can make one give an easy shave similar to a more aggressive razor. A Feather, Mep Prep or Gillette Yellow are blades that I consider ultra sharp. The last 2 are also smooth and last awhile.
There is another way that'll only cost you postage. I have a "Traveling AutoStrop- CONUS" thread going in safety razors. The AutoStrop is a semi-aggressive SE razor. For the price of postage, sending it to the next person in the queue when you're done with it, you can try one and not buy the razor and blades.
The only Razor I've been using is the Lord L6. I got one of those stubby little Gillettes (Tech?) in the grab bag I ordered, I could try that. I was kinda thinking that I might need to try something with a little more "bite." Money is a bit of an issue I will admit. I would need some guidance on where to find such a razor. I'm still pretty new to the DE shaving world. Something to consider, though with the price tag. I might want to wait until I have more razor-smarts. The simplest solution thus far, and it's definitely worth trying, as is starting to look around for a more aggressive razor. Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm going to have to start doing a little research. Though, I'll admit I'm a little unsure how to start finding and buying the vintage razors.
Ebay has some vintage razors, you could also try antique shops or flea markets. Have you tried using a feather blade yet? Those things can slice through some hair, and I really liked it with my L6.
Something you can do that won't cost you any money is to try blade buffing. This usually gets most of everything if you go WTG with it, make sure you don't use any pressure or you will rip your face off lol... http://youtu.be/TQco5PWc2JU
"Skating over stubble" for me is a sure sign of blade dullness and/or insufficient razor/blade aggressiveness. If I use a forgiving blade, such as Persona IP Red, in my EJ DE86, which is a rather mild razor, such "skating" is predictable. Using ultra sharp premium blades such as a Feather or 7-O'Clock Yellow fixes "skating" in a hurry, but there are lower cost blades I use that can add needed sharpness at a lower cost, such as Supermax Super Stainless, Voskhod, or even Dorco 301. For me, buying lower cost blades and changing them after 3 shaves is my "skating" prevention program. In the meantime, more emphasis on prep, face lathering, preshave oil, shorter strokes, and hand stropping the blade may mitigate some "skating" until you can get the blade/razor fix squared away.
If it's an aggressiveness issue with the razor the travel Tech won't be the answer, they're about as mild as a razor gets. But try it, maybe something about the razor will click for you. You can always take the blade out and use it in the Lord.
I have experienced this when I do not have enough lather on my skin going XTG. I stop and grab my brush adding some lather and then strech the skin as I make the pass again. This seems to work for me.
Yes! I have experienced this. It's usually a tough area to shave even if everything's going well. BUT, to make sure everything's going well, start with a really sharp razor. Razors I use are usually finish honed on a Shapton 30,000 grit stone so they're really sharp. I go XTG first, not second, as that's what works best for my beard. Ha! I know what you mean. We're all guilty, sooner or later, of trying to shave with a less than optimally honed razor. When that happens to me, I also use a little pressure but am also careful to take short strokes. That seems to work and also minimizes the size and depth of the cut into your skin and the amount of flesh taken off.
