Long VS. Short strokes

[Gary H]

I am semi new to DE shaving and I have found that short strokes give me the best shave. Think about it like this when you mow your lawn and run while pushing the mower you will see allot of stray blades still standing same goes for shaving.

 

[barneykiller]

I use long strokes with every razor. For me personally, short stokes are not friendly to my face. Just my own experience.

EDIT: I actually paid attention to my shave and realized that I do shave with short strokes. My error was thinking I had memory.

 

[santamariasteve]

In my observation the conventional wisdom among most experts favors short strokes, coupled with light pressure and proper blade angle. Experiment. But do what works for you![/SIZE]

 

[dpmtherrien]

I think it all comes down to whatever works best for you. I tend to use short strokes all the time, whatever razor I'm using. I've tried longer strokes but I've found that it doesn't work for me at all. If longer strokes work for you then by all means stay with it.

 

[lt114]

It's better to use short strokes for your 1st WTG pass. But whatever pass you are making, with short strokes you're less likely to cut yourself or cause irritation.

For subsequent passes I tend to use slightly longer strokes, depending on the area of my face.

+1

 

[Hen]

This might be a newb question, but exactly what measurement do people consider short and long strokes? I think I do a mix of short and long, being as I do some areas with about 1/4 inch strokes and others over 2 inches. Although those could all be counted as long or short depending on how it is defined, right?

 

[HUF]

This might be a newb question, but exactly what measurement do people consider short and long strokes? I think I do a mix of short and long, being as I do some areas with about 1/4 inch strokes and others over 2 inches. Although those could all be counted as long or short depending on how it is defined, right?

2'' is definitely a long one.

 

[gunterbr]

I am so glad I saw this!
I've been having sub par shaves for the past week and a half, and I now realize its ever since I started rushing and shaving with long strokes. Tomorrow I will use a slow short stroke and see if it makes a difference.

 

[duckdown]

It's better to use short strokes for your 1st WTG pass. But whatever pass you are making, with short strokes you're less likely to cut yourself or cause irritation.

For subsequent passes I tend to use slightly longer strokes, depending on the area of my face.

I pretty much agree with this, and do the same

 

[chilliman64]

I take more time and get a better shave using short strokes. long strokes make me rush and I often get a poor shave.

 

[phillylion]

I use short. I'm not as experienced, but when I started using longer strokes my shave suffered A LOT. I was having a much harder time getting a decent shave. For me, short strokes led to me being about to focus on the angle of the razor better and my shaves immediately improved again when I got "back to basics".

Right. I think it has to do with being able to change your angle with the change in the contour of your face.

 

[salisburyyates]

From my experience it is a matter of prep quality. When my beard is less prepped the drag is greater with a broad stroke. If you do proper prep there is no reason not to do a long stroke - 3 passes should result in a great shave.

 

[tinkersd]

My last shave was 2 day's ago with a Roll-/-Razor and I used a very flat angle, and very short strokes with light pressure. Lots' of rinseing of the blade and it gave me a great BBS type shave. But that was with my Rolls'.
I use longer strokes with a Str8 Razor and lots of beard prep. The more hot water rinseing and face scrubing with my brush the better!!!
YMMV

With Regards, tinkersd.

 

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

Longer strokes can lead to razor burn because of the contours of your face. Shorter strokes lets you control the head a lot better. Enjoy your shave!

+1

...shorter strokes is the way to go! :thumbsup;

“One Razor, One Lather; One Shave at a Time”. CBJ

 

[Stubble]

Tried short stroking it last night (That might be the dirtiest sounding clean thing ever said on this board...) and got some minor razor burn. I think I might stick with the long strokes.

I'm not the type of shaver who slaves for and lusts after BBS. I'm getting a better shave now than I ever got with a cartridge, and that's good enough for me. I just like that I enjoy shaving now, treat myself, and still get a better shave than I historically have prior to DE shaving. Long strokes just feel more natural to me. I love the symphonic aspect of shaving, intuitively altering the angle of the blade based on the sound it's making. It's like the stubble is the conductor and I'm responsible for altering the instrument based on their cues.

Mostly, I just like not feeling the burn of a thousand suns when I splash the Clubman Bay Rum on. heh-heh

 

[Mick]

It is easier to maintain the correct blade angle if you use short strokes. Move your entire arm don't flick your wrist.

You should stretch your skin so that it is taught not tight. move your free hand around to keep everything stretched so that the blade does not bunch up your skin.

 

[jsj_297]

I use long strokes 90% of the time. On my neck, its 100% long strokes up to the jaw line/front of chin. From ears to jaw line full length downward strokes (all WTG mind u) to the jaw line. Cheeks are "half strokes" cause I have some problem areas on the cheek near the edge of my lips with Ingrowns, if I dont shave exactly at the correct angle. Mustache area is short "choppy" strokes wtg 1st pass, then a "windshield wiper xtg/atg type" stroke....The front and sides of my chin are shorter strokes both passes wtg as well. I have no problems with irritation from long strokes. I literally can put the razor head at my lower neck, and stroke all the way up to the jawline, without releasing it, its quite easy imo. Once your hand muscles learn the angles of your face/neck, its kinda natural to glide across the curvature of your areas imo.

 

[Ducati Scotty]

Short strokes are easier to keep on a flat part of your face. The longer you go the more you're likely to try and move your wrist to follow the contours of your face. It can be done but it's easier to keep the proper angle if lock your wrist and just take a short stroke.

Scott

 

[HUF]

While I really enjoy long strokes, blade buffing is probably the safest way to shave.

 

[adductum]

I take more time and get a better shave using short strokes. long strokes make me rush and I often get a poor shave.

I agree long strokes makes one rush,no good.