Shave by Feel

So, I raced bikes for most of my life. Since I am old, predating HRM and such tools I always had a good feel for RPE [Rate of Perceived Exertion].

With technology advances my coaches would continue to stress the importance of knowing what LT, MHR etc. FELT like vs what your wattage, HRM, etc. may be TELLING you.

I have noticed that I do something similar with shaving. I don't focus on what the proper blade angle looks like, how the blade should be positioned visually but on what it should actually feel like at the optimum angle.

Seems to me that doing this has helped me more easily find the appropriate blade angle without much concentration and regardless of individual razors.

Not sure if anybody else does anything similar but would be curious to get your thoughts.

That's pretty much how I do it, Kevin. I can hear when the razor/blade combination is cutting at the correct angle and no longer give it much thought.

For my DEs I run by hearing/feel a lot as well. My shavette is a different matter though, I just try to keep the angle as low as possible.

I wonder though, does "feel" include when you get nicks?

Kevin, I agree that shaving by feel and other feedback like sound is the way. I roast coffee more by sound than by any visual cues or even strict adherence to time. Coffee beans when roasting go through a first crack and second crack that is fairly distinctive although it does vary by varietal. first crack is like loud snaps and sec on more like quiet crinkling.
Mark

Well said Kevin! I use the K.I.S.S. Method :-)

I also agree that going by feel is the best way to shave or do anything else really. As soon as a thought about doing something or how to do something enters your mind, a mistake is usually made.

I also believe that feel and hearing is the best way to get a great shave. Everyone has different contures to their face and with women, their legs. I have never gone with the angle approach, I just start out a bit slow and wait for the feedback.

I have noticed that I do something similar with shaving. I don't focus on what the proper blade angle looks like, how the blade should be positioned visually but on what it should actually feel like at the optimum angle.

Seems to me that doing this has helped me more easily find the appropriate blade angle without much concentration and regardless of individual razors.

I think you are spot on, here!  When I first started traditional wet shaving, I was constantly trying to keep a visual on the blade angle.  This lead to constantly getting rough shaves!  Once I settled down and just felt the blade and the razor, things got much better.

I am in the "drive by feel/sound" camp as well. I immediately know if I have to adjust the angle based on the feel and sound and I know when the blade is spent based on the feel/tugging. It doesn't take but one attempted pass to know for sure!

I have noticed that I do something similar with shaving. I don't focus on what the proper blade angle looks like, how the blade should be positioned visually but on what it should actually feel like at the optimum angle.

Seems to me that doing this has helped me more easily find the appropriate blade angle without much concentration and regardless of individual razors.

I think you are spot on, here!  When I first started traditional wet shaving, I was constantly trying to keep a visual on the blade angle.  This lead to constantly getting rough shaves!  Once I settled down and just felt the blade and the razor, things got much better.

Sounds like we are all sort of using the same approach which will hopefully help some of our newer shavers.

It is a bit odd doing something where most often you are faced with a reflection not using it as a point of reference.

Thanks much Rob!