Thread: A firm hand prevents cuts.... observations of a newbie!

In the week I've been shaving with a straight, one thing really stands out. The easiest way to cut myself is to be afraid of cutting myself! Seems like a smarmy cliche, but it's true. If I use more definitive strokes and a firm hand, my shave goes fine. If I'm tentative, I nick myself every time.

absolutely true, because when you are tentative the razor will move in whichever direction is easiest for it. which unfortunately is along the shaving edge, not across it.

Use a firm grip but not stiff.

I'll just remind anyone reading this thread of JimmyHAD's signature line, which includes the following.

An old barber told me to hold the razor securely but lightly enough so that is if it pulls the razor will flex in your fingers and be less likely to nick. He also told me to never force it if it does pull. Following that advice I have rarely gotten a nick.

Originally Posted by carazor

In the week I've been shaving with a straight, one thing really stands out. The easiest way to cut myself is to be afraid of cutting myself! Seems like a smarmy cliche, but it's true. If I use more definitive strokes and a firm hand, my shave goes fine. If I'm tentative, I nick myself every time.

Yep. Open razor shaving may not make gentlemen of all of us, but it sure makes us more manly.

And now you know why.

Ive been thinking of it as "Shaving with a confident stroke motion" by preplanning maximum stroke length. Only making adjustments in angle during stroke. But stoke length can be and should be stopped at any time an unsure moment arises. Atleast it works for me so far....untill i forget and get a nick.