Let the razor's weight do all the work?

[umgowa997]

I'm a new DE user and All the reading says not to press the razor into your skin . . rather to let the razor's natural weight do all the pressing. My new DE is 60 grams, which feels pretty heavy to me after using nothing but plastic disposables. So I just want to make sure I'm doing it correctly when I just let the natural weight of the razor lean in against my skin. Is that right? Are there times when you lift up a little and lighten the load in sensitive areas?

[SilkySmooth]

Let the razor do the work for you. You can also check out mantics videos on youtube or in the shave clinic section.

[dpm802]

You might be interested in learning the "Balance Point" method of holding your razor.

I discovered this process by accident one day, about 3 months into my wet-shaving oddysey. I immediately knew it was something I had to share with others. Many people have tried it, and swear by it.

Span the razor across your finger, and find the center of gravity. This is the point where head and handle are in equilibrium. That is where you want to grip the razor, so that you can "twiddle" it, like you would a pencil.

Use two fingers, three fingers, whatever feels comfortable. (I hold it between thumb and forefinger.) Holding the razor there will give you maximum control, and truly let the weight of the razor do the work. It will be almost impossible to bear down with too much pressure.

This grip works in any direction, whether you're shaving WTG, ATG, XTG, N2S, E2W, etc. The principle is the same, no matter what part of your face is being shaved.

[netsurfr]

You might be interested in learning the "Balance Point" method of holding your razor.

I discovered this process by accident one day, about 3 months into my wet-shaving oddysey. I immediately knew it was something I had to share with others. Many people have tried it, and swear by it.

Span the razor across your finger, and find the center of gravity. This is the point where head and handle are in equilibrium. That is where you want to grip the razor, so that you can "twiddle" it, like you would a pencil.

Use two fingers, three fingers, whatever feels comfortable. (I hold it between thumb and forefinger.) Holding the razor there will give you maximum control, and truly let the weight of the razor do the work. It will be almost impossible to bear down with too much pressure.

This grip works in any direction, whether you're shaving WTG, ATG, XTG, N2S, E2W, etc. The principle is the same, no matter what part of your face is being shaved.

+1 on this method. I also discovered it much by accident but have never thought enough about it to pass it along. Highly recommend it!

[Duggo]

+1 on this method. I also discovered it much by accident but have never thought enough about it to pass it along. Highly recommend it!

I highly recommend this grip. I've been using this grip for months as well. A big +1.

[SRock]

In the beginning I held all of my razors at the end of the handle, and yes let the weight of the razor do all of the work. As time went on and my technique improved, I naturally shifted more towards a balanced grip.

[Ru4scuba?]

Thanks for the tip dpm!

[thirdeye]

You might be interested in learning the "Balance Point" method of holding your razor.

I discovered this process by accident one day, about 3 months into my wet-shaving oddysey. I immediately knew it was something I had to share with others. Many people have tried it, and swear by it.

Span the razor across your finger, and find the center of gravity. This is the point where head and handle are in equilibrium. That is where you want to grip the razor, so that you can "twiddle" it, like you would a pencil.

Use two fingers, three fingers, whatever feels comfortable. (I hold it between thumb and forefinger.) Holding the razor there will give you maximum control, and truly let the weight of the razor do the work. It will be almost impossible to bear down with too much pressure.

This grip works in any direction, whether you're shaving WTG, ATG, XTG, N2S, E2W, etc. The principle is the same, no matter what part of your face is being shaved.

Very well said and right on par....+1

[umgowa997]

Thanks, DPM for the great advice. I just finished shaving using your suggested "Balance Method," and got a great shave. It felt right. When I was gripping my new 60 gram DE by the end of the handle (which anyone's initial instincts would have them do) I just sensed that there was too much weight pressing down on my skin. And indeed I did experience some razor burn around the mouth. This morning I lathered up, gripped the razor with your technique, and shaved around the tender areas. Your method gave me better control, and there was still plenty of weight in the head to bear down on the whiskers. It felt like just the right amount of weight. Thanks again.

[pal]

Now that your questions are answered, I would like to welcome you to the forum. Good luck!