Thread: Odd cut - ouch!

I've got about 60 shaves under my belt (figure of speech, gentlemen) and am doing well...with a great deal of help from the fine people who frequent SRP.

But his morning, using a professionally honed blade, I cut my cheek while on a simple with the grain pass that anyone could do with closed eyes. The cut didnt come from heel or toe, but somewhere along the blade between ends. It seems that the skin was opened in a small jagged line...and pulled back some (sounds worse than it is). I cant figure out why...and wonder if it had something to do with the skin condition there. Every other nick I've received was earned by some carelessness, a small gamble, etc. Not this. Happen to you experienced guys?

The razor is an Original Wapie. It has not been used much and should not require anything more than stropping (was stropped before use). Yet I also noticed that it was pulling and less comfortable than my own hone jobs. The type of blade accounts for much, I know. But I am also thinking....just maybe...perhaps...even a professional honing can be less than perfect. With my work I have the benefit of hone/test/hone/retest etc. I think that can account for something?

Anyway, best to all,

Jim

What angle were you holding the blade at? It sounds like it may have been a bit to oblique. At least, that would be my first guess.

I know that there is some variation in different peoples honing results, and even among different peoples skin. A particular razor may be shave ready to one guy, and totally uncomfortable to another. Lot's of variables there.

Aside from the angle, as Joe mentioned, it could also have been a case of too much pressure. Those are my first two guesses.

Not oblique....pretty much parallel to floor; thanks for your thoughts, gents.

Originally Posted by jleeg

Not oblique....pretty much parallel to floor; thanks for your thoughts, gents.

Do you really mean paralell to the floor? And if so, do you mean the side (the cheek) of the blade was paralell to, or that the edge was pointing at the floor.

I'm confusing myself here trying to figure out what you mean. Don't blame yourself, I'm easily confused.

even professional hone guys can't get it right every time, they slip up too and send one out less than perfect. doesn't mean that's the case, just saying that it does happen.

Red

Were you keeping a 30 degree or less angle to your lathered mug?

Did you have any skin flaws at that spot?

Is there maybe a microscopic chip in the blade?

My initial thought is too much pressure and the wrong angle.

No worry, just get a few red towels.

Originally Posted by joesixpack

Do you really mean paralell to the floor? And if so, do you mean the side (the cheek) of the blade was paralell to, or that the edge was pointing at the floor.

I'm confusing myself here trying to figure out what you mean. Don't blame yourself, I'm easily confused.

haha, WOW. He does in fact mean parallel.