What’s the secret for not nicking yourself?

Been shaving for about a month now and nick myself every shave. When I watch utubes those guys never nick themselves. Is there a secret I’m missing out on?

 

Don't use a blade .....

But really practice and good blades.

 

Soft hands

More specifically, the ability to feel and ride the edge of a razor.
This got driven home mostly after I started shaving with a straight razor. I still occasionally see blood, but that's pretty much weepers, or lapses in attention, or distractions.
A sense of feeling the edge against the skin, and let me say, the best shaves came after this was developed. Accross the gambit straight, de, se, (have never used a shavette, do I couldnt say there)

 

What razor and blade do you use?

 

It's like driving a car, be careful, watch your speed, and keep an eye on your mirror. With me it's short strokes and very little pressure. You will be alright as time goes by.

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Looked at your profile is that right, you are 7 years older than me, I started shaving in 1958.

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A light hand and practice. But even then, sometimes nicks happen.

 

Merkur Futur Adjustable Safety Razor

7 O'clock SharpEdge Double Edge Safety Razor Blades

 

Enrico.... don't use a blade..I almost fell off the chair reading that.

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Was a good one.


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If you are nicking yourself, you are using pressure on the razor, like a cartridge user is accustomed to doing.

You cannot use pressure with safety razors, and if you transition to straight razors, as you have been posting about wanting to do so; you will most certainly cut yourself to pieces by using pressure on the razor.

 

The Futur has a reputation as a potentially mean hombre. Be sure you have it dialed way down. Maybe pick up a milder razor to build confidence and technique...?

 

1. Angle
2. Pressure

In that order, imo.

 

The best advice I was given about finding the correct angle for a safety razor, was to start with the top of the cap against my face with the handle parallel to the floor and rotate the handle down just enough to feel the blade cutting whiskers as I started the stroke.

The technique works with any safety razor I use. It really helped me avoid nicks. I don't own a futur, but do have a toggle and a fatboy, and also agree you may want to dial it down a bit. Oh yeah, and use no pressure.

 

I don't own one, but I'm interested in the Futur & Chinese clones. Aggressive from what I read. From my experience with aggressive Gillettes, the Red Tip, and the Fat Boy, it's what HE said;

There's an in depth discussion about linked in my signature below - Ride the Cap.

The blades you are using Gillette 7 O'clock SharpEdge. Yellow packaging? I've tried them and they remind me of another favorite blade; Feather Hi-Stainless. They are thought to be among the sharpest blades around. There's a trick I've used when shaving with a shavette. Gently dull the end tips of the blade on a kitchen knife sharpening stone. A practice know as muting the tips. It's sometimes done to straight razors with pointy heel or toe.
The other big thing is unlearning cartridge habits. With bumpers, floppy rotating heads, & lube strips they require pressure to make contact. A DE safety razor requires technique and relearning of habits. A lighter touch and proper angle.

 

If I end up cutting myself, it is mostly because I am rushing and not paying attention to what I am doing.

 

Time, technique.

 

Beat me to it! I was gonna say "don't shave!"

 

1. Time
2. Angle
3. Pressure
4. Technique
5. Don't rush when your shaving in the bathroom, the more you worry about spending too long shaving in the bathroom chances are you'll nick yourself if you rush too soon.
6. Don't forget to smile at the camera and say Cheers 'NICK' I bloody screwed up my face.


7. If all this advise above doesn't help you, than grow a beard and get over it and become a Redneck Lumberjack.