Thread: What part cuts on a blade?

I've seen many videos, and it's hard to tell exactly where the cutting is done. When I shave (being very new) one of two things happen, One: I shave a large width of area with the middle, usually on cheeks or two, I shave tiny widths with the very edge of the rounded blade. This is leading to micro abrasions to my skin. Is there any right or wrong part to use?

not sujre i understand your question correctly, but all along the edge cuts.

Hi,

Basically you shave with the part of the blade that does not feel like it will nick you. I shave my cheeks with the front half and sometimes am able to get the entire blade on my face. However, I usually use the middle to start under my nose but then lead out to the toe end as I go down to the corner of my mouth.

I'd say you use the part of the blade that fits what you are shaving.

- Mike

Sorry, to clarify, the portion along the width of the whole blade that's doing the actual cutting of the hair. After all you can't have the whole blade in contact with your skin at once! Or maybe you can!

You use the entire edge,heel to toe on the differant contours of your face,at least you should be.

The entire length of the blade is responsible for the "cutting". However, it's you that manipulates the portion of the blade that actually does the "cutting". For instance, if you want to cut near the corners of your mouth you may choose the toe. If I want to cut around my goatee, often I will use the heal, because I choke up on the tang for extra control.

Hi Kippo.
My thoughts would be that there is no right or wrong, and also that this is actually a question that deserves quite a detailed answer, as it depends on a few factors.

The Blade

I feel the blade has a lot to do with what part of the blade is used. A blade with a smile will possibly mean the middle of the blade is used more than the toe or heel. A blade with a spike (esp an 'aggressive' spike) will mean the user will shy away from using that part of the blade. A blade with a square heel will mean that part of the blade can be easily used, whereas one with a less defined heel will mean it won't be easily used. I've seen some very old razors where there is really no heel at all. Also, the width of the blade will determine what part can easily be used. A 4/8 or 3/8 makes using the heel (for me) more difficult, whereas with a wider blade one can use the heel easier.

The Part of the Face to be Shaved

I used to have a goatee until just a week or so ago. Used to LOVE using the heel on my 5/8 Burrell to cut in around the goatee. In fact, it became the overriding factor in my next purchase. However, now that I've shaved off the goatee, I use the heel much less. I use the toe to shave the corner of my jawline, but generally concentrate on using the 'belly' of the razor's edge.

So I don't think there's a wrong or right. It's what works for you, and when you have a range of razors you'll find (if they are diverse in style) your shaving style will change. The 'problem' with having many razors is that you have to remember how to use each. If one had only one razor (or one style; or even a seven day set) I suspect one would be more practised (though it could also be less exiting). However, when you say you shave with the very edge of the rounded blade, do you mean the toe? How rounded is the toe? Do you think it's digging in a bit? If that causes cuts (or micro abrasions) then try to back off on using that area.

I'm only new to SR shaving (6 months) so others here will likely have better advice based on years of experience.

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

Hi Kippo.
My thoughts would be that there is no right or wrong, and also that this is actually a question that deserves quite a detailed answer, as it depends on a few factors.

The Blade

I feel the blade has a lot to do with what part of the blade is used. A blade with a smile will possibly mean the middle of the blade is used more than the toe or heel. A blade with a spike (esp an 'aggressive' spike) will mean the user will shy away from using that part of the blade. A blade with a square heel will mean that part of the blade can be easily used, whereas one with a less defined heel will mean it won't be easily used. I've seen some very old razors where there is really no heel at all. Also, the width of the blade will determine what part can easily be used. A 4/8 or 3/8 makes using the heel (for me) more difficult, whereas with a wider blade one can use the heel easier.

The Part of the Face to be Shaved

I used to have a goatee until just a week or so ago. Used to LOVE using the heel on my 5/8 Burrell to cut in around the goatee. In fact, it became the overriding factor in my next purchase. However, now that I've shaved off the goatee, I use the heel much less. I use the toe to shave the corner of my jawline, but generally concentrate on using the 'belly' of the razor's edge.

So I don't think there's a wrong or right. It's what works for you, and when you have a range of razors you'll find (if they are diverse in style) your shaving style will change. The 'problem' with having many razors is that you have to remember how to use each. If one had only one razor (or one style; or even a seven day set) I suspect one would be more practised (though it could also be less exiting). However, when you say you shave with the very edge of the rounded blade, do you mean the toe? How rounded is the toe? Do you think it's digging in a bit? If that causes cuts (or micro abrasions) then try to back off on using that area.

I'm only new to SR shaving (6 months) so others here will likely have better advice based on years of experience.

I use a Dovo Prima Klang (Extra Ground Hollow). I mean I cut myself using the tip of the blade. (sorry need to brush up on terminology) where it ends. My blade has a rounded tip. Gosh I'm new.

I move around and used different parts of the blade to hit different parts of the face....(Not sure if I'm making sense)

I use whatever fits best and is most comfortable with me holding it. Some parts it's towards one end, other parts of the face I am using the middle of the blade. Not really a right way and the entire edge should be cutting equally.