Thread: So I tried to go X the Grain.....

Juan,
For my cheeks, I usually take my free hand and place it in front of my ear. I then pull up and back. I move my jaw (side, down, out, etc) to get the right angle for the spot I am working on.

I agree that experimentation is the best way.

While there is much to be said about a beginner learning a prescribed pattern to go by, they should step outside that pattern after awhile to see what can be done to improve. We all have different growth patterns, hair thickness, and facial sensitivity, and coordination. Only by experimenting can one find what works best for your individual face.

thanks guys i will surely try it, just gotta wait till whiskers grow again

Originally Posted by milehiscott

I recently began shaving with a SR for the first time ever. I'm using a Dovo 5/8 "Prima Klang." The first 5 shaves, all straight down, went well, no blood, no whiskers.
So I tried to go X-Grain. Not so good. I touched the razor to my face 2 times. I got 2 cuts. Not nicks, cuts. Being the wise individual I am, I stopped. I decided I should give my shinny new septic pencil a try. I had been warned that it "may sting a little." I now realize that "sting a little" means BURN LIKE THE FIRES OF HELL! (ok, I'm over it).
So I reviewed the grips page in the Wiki. After my face healed, I tried a completely different grip with great success. I shaved down with no blood, no whiskers and XG with no blood and even fewer whiskers!
Now, about the goatee....

All good advice from previous threads. One thing that helped me was to concentrate on blade angle. We all know the edge is sharp and worry about that. Concentrate on where the spine of the razor is while shaving. That will allow you to calculate and compensate blade angle better. Always start with the spine against the skin first. Then slowly adjust the pitch of the blade while shaving. As you get better, you will learn your face. Go slow.
Hope this helps.
Mike

Modine, thanks for the tip. I've been hovering over my face to get the angle, then put the blade on my face and scrape a few times, then start over. Your way may save some muscle fatigue.

Originally Posted by markevens

I agree that experimentation is the best way.

While there is much to be said about a beginner learning a prescribed pattern to go by, they should step outside that pattern after awhile to see what can be done to improve. We all have different growth patterns, hair thickness, and facial sensitivity, and coordination. Only by experimenting can one find what works best for your individual face.

Well put, sir. **golf claps**

I'm really new here and X the grain on my neck scared me to death. The first time did the same as you and cut my self, especially on the right side. I did several different things and it is much better now. #1, I have a very very dull razor to practice. Bought it for civil war reenactments and never used it because it is so dull I can't even slice my thumb with it. It is great to practice with and get the feel of how the blade moves across my neck. #2. Stretch the skin. I think this made the biggest difference for me. #3. I too place the spine fist then move to blade flat with skin then form the angle I want. I think this slows me down enough to 'not hurry', but it works for me. It also causes me to get a little of the lather on the back side of the blade. Don't know if this helps but it doesn't seem to hurt either.

The cuts, nicks, weepers, and razor burn are all signposts that guide us to the narrow way: a good shave. They are inevitable and are gifts from the shaving gods. Those that learn from them become straight shavers. Those that don't are doomed to a life of meaningless shaves.

Originally Posted by milehiscott

After my face healed, I tried a completely different grip with great success. I shaved down with no blood, no whiskers and XG with no blood and even fewer whiskers!
Now, about the goatee....

Yep, it's ALL in the grip. I'm not a person that's good with his hands. Terrible handwriting, not particularly good with tools. I had shaved with a Feather for two years. Blood every day. I always blamed the Feather. Too sharp, or not enough give, or whatever.

But when my DOVO straight came in late November (2010), I did a wise thing. I reviewed all the videos I could from expert shavers. Then my wife and I trooped into the bathroom, and we worked together to completely alter my grip. It was hard work.

Now, my palms stay toward my face at all times. When shaving the left cheek (if you've right-handed), elbow should be pointed out 90 degrees, like brushing your teeth. When shaving the right (near) cheek, elbow should be pointed straight down to the floor. This is all from my observations.

My blood flow has dramatically lessoned, however, so I think I'm onto something. What say you, guys?

Originally Posted by jimrobb

My blood flow has dramatically lessoned, however, so I think I'm onto something. What say you, guys?

That sounds like a good measure of progress!!