Thread: Stubble Length Question

Usually do atleast 2 passes, maybe three depending. If I'm using a safety, then not long, but if I'm using a straight I tend to take my time. Was kinda rushed this morning though.

Originally Posted by DaveStauffer

Straight Razors (Dovo, Geneva), Phoenix Artisan Acc., SRD and Colonel Conk soaps.

I strop, then shower.

I only have this problem when I have waited several days. Maybe it is because when you go in the wrong direction at that point it is really bad?

Do you mean by going in the wrong direction you trying to go ATG on the first pass?

Bob

I cant see how the length of the stubble makes any difference to shave quality. The blade is cutting hair - regardless of its length.

A couple of thoughts;

- Your beard lays flat to your skin and with poor blade angle (30deg is just a suggestion) you are getting a scrape rather than a cut. Try lowering the spine & using a brush with good backbone to lift the whiskers

- Your skin is oily. The extra build up of oils means more dirt and less effective slice from the razor. Try a good pre-shave soap to remove oils/dirt which softens stubble and allows the blade to glide/cut better


So, I would recommend on those days with extra growth to use a good pre shave and really run/massage with your fingers ATG. Face lather using a good stiff brush. Do three passes WTG XTG ATG. Experiment with angles remembering to lower the spine each pass.

I am no veteran, but I hope that helps.

Answer to Bob's question, possibility of going ATG at times. Not doing so on purpose, just when it gets longer it seems to lay differently.

Sxot, I like your comment about the stiffer brush. I am shaving right out of the shower though, it's pretty clean and moisturized.

Thanks to both of you, and everyone else so far.

It is a puzzle to me why a few days growth would be harder to shave than one days growth as per Sxot reasoning. The other suggestions have been good like really working the lather into your stubble and that is where face lathering works well. Make sure your lather has the right soap to water ratio. Lather on the dry side tends to make the blade skip and catch. Take your time with a straight razor and if pressed for time go with a DE.

Bob

Originally Posted by DaveStauffer

Answer to Bob's question, possibility of going ATG at times. Not doing so on purpose, just when it gets longer it seems to lay differently.

It may lay differently but it will only exit the skin one way. Map your beard properly then figure out your strokes. Don't modify because it lays differently. Try to be consistent and only change that which is causing a problem

A lot depend on your beard, but I suspect your razor is not as keen as it could be.

How was it honed?

Probably a combination of keenness, prep and technique.

The razor is in good shape, recently honed. It was a prep issue I believe. I was in a rush that day.

Originally Posted by DaveStauffer

The razor is in good shape, recently honed. It was a prep issue I believe. I was in a rush that day.

I tend to agree. A few days beard is softer and easier to shave (mostly). As suggested here - try face lathering. Also, try to shower FIRST, it really softens the whiskers, or alternatively - use a hot towel.

Did it happen only once?

Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that something changed. If you're used to shaving short whiskers, and then shave long whiskers, it's a change that takes you off-balance. Wet shaving, especially SR shaving, is a VERY delicate activity, and extremely sensitive to changes.
Be mindful, try to realize how it's more difficult for you.
And keep us updated :]

I'm still new to this. Been with it about two months.

One thing I noticed the last time (two days ago) and paid very close attention to this time is how fast I am moving the blade. Too slow, well too slow. At the right speed, I can sense the hair being cut. Too fast and it is more like it is being ripped out.

I think there were many aspects to the time I first discussed. Speed, prep, etc.

Something else I have been doing is using a wetter lather. That seems to have improved things considerably.


Thanks to everyone for their help on this.