Thread: Scything

Lately (I've only been shaving with a straight razor for 9 weeks or so) I've started using a scything motion. I find it very effective. Before, I was essentially using a 'straight down' stroke on most areas. I found the hair just above my jawline difficult to remove completely; needing a ATG to do so completely. I don't really like to do more than one pass; I'd rather get it all done in one pass, if possible. After 're-mapping' my face, I decided a scything stroke on that area especially would in effect bring to bear more of an XTG pass; though it's at this stage a bit difficult to make sure I stop at the right spot to stop cutting into my goatee. However, I'd just like to 'report' that it's been very effective these last few days; it's resulted in a much closer shave in that area without the need to use a ATG pass or a second pass at all. I HAVE also used another pre-shave treatment (Oscar shave oil) so I'm not ENTIRELY sure it's all down to the stroke; but i think it is...Just wanted to share that...

Carl...,

"In the end, it is all about the shave" Those are words Lynn Abrahms told me a while ago that ring truer and truer each day, week, month, years of shaving. Scything effectively lowers the shave angle and slices whiskers instead off chopping.

Less irritation, closer first pass, and edge will last longer as stresses on edge are lowered as well. That is not my opinion, that is simple physics. Most importantly, your shave is becoming better and will continue to do so. Good shaving techniques are an art no doubt, but more importantly, it is the ultimate luxury a man can afford himself with each shave.

so glad to hear you are getting better shaves using more advanced techniques. Awesome!

If you do a forum search for 'scything' you'll find a few older threads on the topic. All of them recommend it but I consider it an advanced shaving technique. All of them also got into the semantics of whether it is actually the same stroke made with a genuine scythe or whether it is better defined as a 'guillotine' stroke. I don't know which it is but I use it ..... took me a year to get it.... I'm a late bloomer .... and it works very well. IMO the edge must glide on the skin slicing the whiskers. Any pressure into the skin and blood is soon to follow.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

If you do a forum search for 'scything' you'll find a few older threads on the topic. All of them recommend it but I consider it an advanced shaving technique. All of them also got into the semantics of whether it is actually the same stroke made with a genuine scythe or whether it is better defined as a 'guillotine' stroke.

Carl, I hope you got a free afternoon and lots of patience for contradictory opinions and the odd flare-up.....

Originally Posted by Ryan82

Carl, I hope you got a free afternoon and lots of patience for contradictory opinions and the odd flare-up.....

It is amazing how serious guys can get about their pet shaving stroke, tape or no tape, which bevel setter, finisher .... natural or synthetic. Good thing our bunch is on the internet where they can't do each other bodily harm when the debate gets heated. You'd think we were talking about the debt ceiling or spending cuts.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

It is amazing how serious guys can get about their pet shaving stroke, tape or no tape, which bevel setter, finisher .... natural or synthetic. Good thing our bunch is on the internet where they can't do each other bodily harm when the debate gets heated. You'd think we were talking about the debt ceiling or spending cuts.

Yes, but this is more important than any debt ceiling or dumb political issue.

I don't know what to call half of the techniques I use to get a shave. I just do it.

Hi, all great replies, and thanks for the positive words. Anyway, I'm calling what I'm doing on the jawline scything; where I sort of pivot the blade from the tang rather than a stroke that is perpendicular to the length of the blade; if you get my drift. As I said in the first post, only thing is the stroke for me hides the blade as the blade moves BEHIND my hand. This isn't a problem except i need to judge when to stop so I don't run into my goatee. All in all, though, I'm happy I'm able to do this sans blood at this stage...

I've used scythes for years, laying waste to unruly yards. The verb itself scares me. I understand all the good reasons Kingfish lists, but my love of the scythe's perfectly evolved ergonomics and stunning destructive potential blooms into fear of letting such an action anywhere near my face.

I look to the scythe motion for some areas; above the jawline like you Carl, and at times on my neck also. I just find that sometimes it feels right to use it, other times I leave it on the bench because I know that it is going to cause more problems. Each day shaving is different, just love it!

Sam