What is the 30 degree angle for double edge razors?

Hey everyone I was wondering what does the 30 degree angle for a safety razor (DE) look like? Is it different with a Vintage Gillette TTO razor than modern razor like a edwin jagger de89? Thanks!

 

The shape of the head can change the angle you hold the razor handle at, but the blade angle should remain the same. Personally I would start out with more of a "ride the cap" angle, and then adjust to to find the best comfort/efficiency ratio after you get comfortable with the razor.

 

also the more experience you get you realize you don't always have to have the perfect angle as long as you get the no pressure issue figured out. PN mentioned ti ride the cap, I fully agree with this, also don't forget to ride the cap if the blade gets too dull but your trooper enough to finish the shave session with it lol

 

The 30 degree angle, which you _can_ find pictures of on-line, is a rough guideline for the angle that a _double edge_ safety razor blade should have when it touches the skin. Again, it's not for a SE razor like a Gem, a cutthroat straight razor, or even a hybrid, like the Rolls Razor. Specifically, it's for the Gillettes and their clones.

Riding the cap is the easiest way to start to find the edge. Use this as a visual example. With a blade installed, set the razor on the back of your hand or arm. Slowly tilt the razor one direction, and watch the blade. When the blade touches skin, you have now obtained an angle that will cut hair effectively. Some people claim that you should ride the cap AND the guard bar, but that's rather silly, because not all blades were exactly the same width - thus some would protrude more than others. Once you're comfortable with that angle, you can experiment with others, but it's the simplest one to use. Remember - NO added pressure! You hold the razor to your face. Don't push! That's the number one mistake I've seen/read about from people moving to DE's from cartridge and electric. Both require shoving.

 

But when I tilt the blade how do I tell when its on my face when I have shaving lather on it? A lot of angles cuts hair but also scrape so I don't know the true angle without a certain feel.

 

Just give it a try. It's something you can only learn by doing. Rather, use these tips as a starting point. You must find the angle that best works for you, and that is learned by feel and outcome.

 

What @Bama Samurai just said. You have to try. A shaving mirror is helpful, as is more than one days worth of stubble (so you can see it)

When I suggested using your arm, that can give you a feel for how much you're tilting. You could even put some soap on your arm and shave it lightly (maybe the underside, so it's not visible), or even your leg. As long as you're using a light touch, even if your angle is bad, you won't cut yourself. You'll just scrape. Cuts happen from sideways motion.

 

Great second paragraph ideas. Your thoughts on blade width are also so true. This technique minimizes the "realized exposure" of the blade, moving as far away from scraping as possible for its starting point. It renders the "scary aggressive DE razor" category quite manageable, like Fatip, the razor that made me learn to go low on the angle.

 

Is the 30 degree angle an absolute? My Weishi came with a paper manual, where it says to hold it at 45 degree angle to the skin...

 

I do not think anything is absolute in this hobby. I do not think a 45 is that good of an angle but it might work for others. You have to learn what is right for you. With the cap on your skin you can adjust the angle to where it is best for you. It becomes something you do without thinking over time.
Love that Avatar,. The Rabbit of Seville is a favorite of mine.

 

Thanks for the reply. I really i am not sure what angle i follow. I just know that i naturally found an angle where it always cuts. But, i can't measure it all the time. I just go by instinct... I love the Rabbit of Seville too!

 

Looks like you are well on your way. Outstanding.

 

It's shaving. Don't over think it.

 

I got caught up in the angle when I first started shaving. The best advice I can give you is don't worry about it, because you'll know when it's right. Start out like they said above. If the blade isn't cutting as well, you need to adjust. At that point, you can try moving the handle up or down to see which way works best for your face. It's not a set rule. It's more of a suggestion.

 

Yeah, it's what i ended up doing...I can't stand there measuring the angle of every stroke. I don't intend to transform shaving into a science. As long as it cuts without cutting me, i am good with that. I really didn't have any trouble to find cutting angle. It was very natural. Maybe i am not using optimal angle, but, as long at it cuts and i don't bleed, i don't really care.

 

Amen.

 

Here's what I've seen as how to get the best angle. 30° or whatever. I put the head against my face then tilt down just until I feel the blade. And don't use as much pressure as in the pic.




Herm

 

Simplicity.

Herm

 

Thanks for the illustration, Herm!