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Thread: Bouncing Blade

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    Junior Member noonshyne's Avatar
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    Default Bouncing Blade

    I am an old dog trying to learn a new trick (str8 razor) I am 68 and have tough, gray stubble on my chin. I started with a Parker Shavette to find out cheaply if my vision problems would allow me to attempt a straight razor. The first of the year, I decided it was a go and purchased a Boker from WSP and a Dovo from SRD, so I am confident as to sharpness.

    My north/south pass below my lower lip causes the blade to bounce. I then give up and use a DE for that pass. The second pass n/s is better. I have used different soaps. I keep a fairly steep angle and try a light pressure ( yeah, I am a little afraid of the blade still). I do not have this problem on other areas of my face and neck. Any thoughts? Appreciate it.

    s/Chuck Cunningham

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    Truth is weirder than any fiction.. Grazor's Avatar
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    Most everyone has a problem with that area when they start. It comes down to practise and technique and will slowly come together for you. Another issue can be your stropping. That can make a big difference to the quality of your shave, and something that takes time to master. It is a good thing to respect the blade and use light pressure. Nothing wrong with cleaning up with your DE while you learn, best of luck.
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    Senior Member blabbermouth
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    Sounds like an issue with blade angle,experiment with less angle.
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    Senior Member blabbermouth tintin's Avatar
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    i had the same problem when i started. i found that east to west works for me starting first in the middle(that is on the ball of my chin) and then when i do the left side of my face i do east to west toward the middle. the only place i do north south is from my lip to the ball of my chin and then the under side of my chin. also don't try to take it all off in one pass. do some experimenting and you will find what works for you.
    welcome to SRP!
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    Senior Member blabbermouth edhewitt's Avatar
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    Have you looked at the direction of growth in this area? Coming in from the sides or slightly diagonally across may work better.
    A shallow angle would be better (spine close to skin). Try breaking it down into little areas, the hair on my chin grows in at least 3 directions.
    Last edited by edhewitt; 01-28-2015 at 08:51 PM.
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    Senior Member blabbermouth Substance's Avatar
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    Welcome to SRP Chuck
    I have a goatee so don't shave the lower lip but for the fools pass (ATG on the upper lip) where the problem can be similar I have found that if I tighten the lip with some mouth contortions & have the blade near flat against the skin works best
    also the blade must be sharp any dulling will cause the blade to try bounce rather than cut
    hope this helps
    Last edited by Substance; 01-28-2015 at 09:12 PM.
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    illegitimum non carborundum Utopian's Avatar
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    You can also try shaving that area with the heel of the blade. The shorter distance from the point of contact to your hand will should allow for better control and less bounce.
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    Senior Member blabbermouth 10Pups's Avatar
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    There is also a chance you took some edge off with your strop unless your sure it is as sharp as when you first used it. I know you said you were sure it was sharp because of where you bought it but stropping has a learning curve too. Just throwing that out there for you to consider. You'll get the hang of it all and you don't have to fear the edge....just respect it.
    Good judgment comes from experience, and experience....well that comes from poor judgment.

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    Senior Member blabbermouth RezDog's Avatar
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    There are spots where a dry lather will do that for me. Dip the tips of the bush in water and rework the area to get rid of the sticky lather. That is of course presuming that all of the other things are bang on.
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    Senior Member Txshooter38's Avatar
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    Wow....as usual you came to the right place for answers. Everything above is great advise in my opinion and has helped me. I shave my chin in small sections for sure. Practice Practice, small strokes, wet lather, shave at an angle....and everything else above and it is going to get easier!!
    Go find an adventure.....

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