Thread: Chin Difficulties

Don't get me started on the chin!!

I'm still a new shaver and am still figuring out how to deal with this monster... but I've found it's largely the application of technique that will see you through the chin. In my experience, very small, light strokes (i.e. buffing) seem to work the best. Using this technique I have started to get a nice smooth chin.

Here's a way too detailed description of how I handle it, in this case, using only my right hand.

XTG - For the right-side of my face:
1) Stretch the skin upwards using the left hand and some alum for 'purchase'. I reach around - sort of over the ~top of my head and pull up from the cheek.
2) Shave XTG, along the jawline toward the chin with shorter strokes. I'm holding the razor with my thumb on the top of the tang and moving forward and downward with the blade angled slightly forward. A slight scything motion can work well here.

XTG - For the left-side of my face:
3) Using the left hand, stretch the skin upward from the cheek (or rear/upward from lower near the jaw).
4) Shave along the jawline as before. This time, I use the more 'conventional' grip (thumb on bottom of tang).

ATG - Stretching the skin downward on the neck, I come up from the underside of the chin/neck area and roll the blade up over the chin with a smooth stroke, or careful shorter ones - watch the blade angle.

Sounds more complicated than it is, but between the XTG and ATG, I get a good result.

Thanks to everyone for the tips and techniques. I'll keep practicing!

Another thing I like to do that wasn't mentioned: Imagine your chin in different "facets" that are flat and shave them separately instead of trying to go over the curves.

I started shaving with a straight razor a couple weeks ago. I still have trouble with the chin, and between the nose and the upper lip too. A re-lather helps, and taking my time does too.

The chin is a tough area, mainly because the angles are constantly changing and the beard growth can sometimes be a bit odd as well..!

To be honest, its really a technique thing and all I can suggest is to leave this area until you feel comfortable handling the razor and only then start to tackle it.

Skin stretching will really help you here, and make sure that the razor glides better over the skin rather than getting snarled up in the hairs.