Thread: Ideal pressure is no pressure.......

So I received my razor back from Lynn all sharpened and ready to go. I have no doubt about it that all issues are mine to figure out.
I've tried a 30 degree Angle WTG to start with. The razor seems to just rake the hair. It cut, but not very smooth.

Here is my question thoughts... I read that when shaving the ideal pressure is no pressure. The blade does all the work.
My experience with double edge is that some pressure is necessary or it won't cut all the hair.

Can anyone give me an idea of how hard to press on this razor using an example.
This may sound dumb but say press a demonstration razor (not used for shaving) against a digital food scale with the same amount of force that you use to shave....

Edit: the spine would work agaist the scale.

I'm afraid that I'm being to cautious with my shave stroke.

Thanks

Justin

Negative pressure or being tentative is not a good thing. You do not want to press hard either because of the possibility of getting a nick or some definite razor burn. I would start with just one side of your face and work from the sideburn to the jaw using light pressure and less than a 30 degree angle. You want the razor more vertical, but not with the spine touching your face. Short little strokes and a little longer strokes to clean up. Don't shave any further until you get comfortable shaving that part of the face and then move on in small sections like the cheek next same side, then the other sideburn to jaw and cheek, then neck and chin last.

That razor is a very nice shaver.

Good luck.

With a sharp razor, only the pressure required to remove the lather from your face is all that is needed.

Originally Posted by Lynn

Negative pressure or being tentative is not a good thing. You do not want to press hard either because of the possibility of getting a nick or some definite razor burn. I would start with just one side of your face and work from the sideburn to the jaw using light pressure and less than a 30 degree angle. You want the razor more vertical, but not with the spine touching your face. Short little strokes and a little longer strokes to clean up. Don't shave any further until you get comfortable shaving that part of the face and then move on in small sections like the cheek next same side, then the other sideburn to jaw and cheek, then neck and chin last.

That razor is a very nice shaver.

Good luck.

Thanks Lynn! Glad you remembered it, and feel that way about the razor. Its very sharp. Scary sharp lol.

If you get some time, take a run down to Cape and I can see what you are doing and maybe help you out. I can also show you how to hone if you want to learn.

Have fun.

You will need enough pressure to keep the razors edge in contact with your skin during the entire stroke.
What I mean is do not start the stroke above the skin, touch the skin, and then pull away from the skin while the stroke is in motion.
That will get you very unsatisfactory results.
Good luck.

When I first started with an SR a few months ago I had the same problem. Skin stretching made it better, but before that I ended up trying different angles and different light pressure with about 1" long strokes. I started back by my ear with about a 30 degree angle, then moved forward at a little less angle, and forward again with a little less angle. I then went to the other side of my face and did the same thing, but increasing the angle from 30. I then ran my hand over the areas to compare how well each angle did and chose what appeared to be the optimal angle. There was still plenty of hair left so I went across the areas again with my new optimal angle and varied the pressures. I wound up with razor burn and a few small cuts, but I also had my beginners angle and pressure. From there it was just small tweaks.

Thanks! Appreciate all the helpful info from everyone. Keep it coming.
I should also note and put it in my profile that I am legally blind in my right eye. Have been since birth. So when I move the razor to the right side of my face I have to flip the razor so that the scales are toward my right ear and use my right hand. Other wise I can't see anything that I'm doing. Anyone else have similar issues?

I think it may depend on your type of beard too. I can glide a razor on my arm hair which is thin, with no pressure at all and it cuts fine.
My beard is thick and course. When I try doing a little dry test on a razor on my face - forget it, like cutting wire.
So when I lather up and shave there is a little pressure. Not bearing down, but a little pressure. You'll figure it out. Have fun!

yep ,, I only have one eye lost the other 20 years ago , I will tell you this as time goes by andyou get more acclimated to how to shave with a straight it really isn't even a problem I have more trouble with my glasses getting in the way . you will figure out the angles in the mirror trust me soon you wont even noticed any blind spots,, oh and I do use both hands good luck ,, tc by the way that's a great offer from Lynn,, one of these days I,m going up there I,m about as far away as you