Thread: Honestly ... can an older looser face expect a good straight razor shave?

I think this is my 3rd post here. The 1st since actually having a real razor in my hand the last hour. Since my first post 2 cheaps from China and eBay have arrived and since I didn't realize they were not shave ready or apparently good for maybe scraping paint I've only practiced with them. Today I received from a kind member here, Utopian, I would have to suspect extras of his to try out and see what a real razor is like. I'll get to the "older looser face in a moment." In the first 5 minutes I was awarded a real bleeder, deep .... in my index finger! haha! I flipped the razor too fast and it caught my index. It took about an hour to get that under control. So I got back on the horse, pressing tissue paper and razor firmly to stop the bleeding while I shaved. I've gotten to some hard places and only a couple small nicks.

But as I'm going about this I wonder if this might something more for those who have tight faces yet. I'm in my 60's and I have loose skin that rolls along in most places rather than pushes back. I got to thinking about the older men I remember growing up. Seems the faces were more grizzled and unshaven as they got older. Does having the wrinkles and loose skin make for more of an effort or for results not so good as could be.

It's a hard thing sometimes to admit the ravages of age. But I wonder if older loose faces ought to stick to safety razors? What's your thoughts. Think of my face like ahhh .... an English Bulldog.

I am in my late 60s. No big deal.

First, a map of your beard growth would be very helpful. Having the map will tell you the proper direction to stretch while you shave WTG.

For the present, forget about BBS. Just go for a close, comfortable one pass shave. Start SLOWLY.

I make no blade passes without stretching my skin.

Good luck

Originally Posted by rolodave

I am in my late 60s. No big deal. First, a map of your beard growth would be very helpful. Having the map will tell you the proper direction to stretch while you shave WTG. For the present, forget about BBS. Just go for a close, comfortable one pass shave. Start SLOWLY. I make no blade passes without stretching my skin. Good luck

OH! WTG BBS? I remember whem BBS stood for Bulletin Board Service pre internet. But I have not a clue now? lol

Thanks. I received the razors this a.m. I've shave near totally once. Only a minor nicks which I think are almost invisible. I did however suffer a nice cut to the index finger when I moved the blade around. An hour later I started the shave again. I surely know what you mean by knowing your face. I think I know every direction my beard grows and it's many and varied. At least to me. Someone told me the importance of stretch and you have reinforced that. It's all good advice and I do appreciate it greatly! Thanks! Jack ":-Dx

Like Dave I am over 60 years of age and have little trouble shaving with a SR. The key for us old buggers is to stretch those plentiful amounts of skin while shaving. You can stretch your skin by puffing your cheeks up, putting your tongue between your lower teeth and lower lip and for your neck look up and over to the right or left depending on which side you are working on. Your free hand can also to used to stretch the skin further too.

As always make haste slowly because SRs will show you who is boss if you are not paying attention.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

Like Dave I am over 60 years of age and have little trouble shaving with a SR. The key for us old buggers is to stretch those plentiful amounts of skin while shaving. You can stretch your skin by puffing your cheeks up, putting your tongue between your lower teeth and lower lip and for your neck look up and over to the right or left depending on which side you are working on. Your free hand can also to used to stretch the skin further too. As always make haste slowly because SRs will show you who is boss if you are not paying attention.Bob

Bob, if we could mass produce masks that looked like what you just described about our faces when shaving we'd be millionaires during the Halloween season! ";-Dx lol

Yea, it ain't a pretty sight to behold but it works.

Bob

Stick at it jackdashack!! Stretch, stretch, and try to stretch some more. You'll get there. Just don't give up. Good luck.

I understand older and looser.
I share my shaving experience with SWMBO. I have her assist in the skin stretching. She just grabs a slab where I point and backs up until the face geography is a plane. Couple buffs and she lets go. Sometimes there is a slingshot effect and my head jerks a little...
Seriously, endeavour is pretty fun. I think every face, young or old has its own road rules. Part of the fun is finding out what those are.
Good Luck!

Originally Posted by wayne394

Stick at it jackdashack!! Stretch, stretch, and try to stretch some more. You'll get there. Just don't give up. Good luck.

You got it Wayne ... I've done one pretty complete shave. Took it slower as I went. Found it wasn't nearly the stress when going slow. ":-Dx jack

Originally Posted by WW243

I understand older and looser.
I share my shaving experience with SWMBO. I have her assist in the skin stretching. She just grabs a slab where I point and backs up until the face geography is a plane. Couple buffs and she lets go. Sometimes there is a slingshot effect and my head jerks a little...
Seriously, endeavour is pretty fun. I think every face, young or old has its own road rules. Part of the fun is finding out what those are.
Good Luck!

WW234 no place for Thanks or Like showing on your post? But thank you and I LIKE it! lol Jack ":-Dx