[DoctorBeaver (OP)]

I must admit that I prefer a wet shave, but I have used electric shavers on occasion. They all have a thin foil over the cutting blades, so how can they shave so close? Surely they should leave the bristles at least as long as the thickness of the foil.

[dentstudent]

Is there a bit of an hirsute theme going on?

I don't think that electrics are as good either, bit I still use it so I don't look asthough I've been partially decapitated on the way to work. They also reduce that nasty gravel rash.

Perhaps when you shave, you stretch the skin a bit, so more hair is protruding. So when you've finished that area, the skin covers the hair giving a smooth shave? It doesn't last as long as a wet-one though eh?

[DoctorBeaver (OP)]

Wouldn't you feel it if your skin was being stretched?

[dentstudent]

I mean making it more taut. Like across your cheek....

[DoctorBeaver (OP)]

That doesn't sound right to me. If that is the way it works then, surely, running your fingers across the shaved area would do the same & you'd feel the bristles that the skin had covered.

I was wondering if, maybe, each follicle was somehow drawn into the holes in the foil so the blades could cut right at the bottom of the hair.

[dentstudent]

Ah yes I think you're right. I just checked, and the cleaning brush on mine seems to get "stuck" as if it's a one-way hole. (!)

[DoctorBeaver (OP)]

Aaaah, maybe we're getting somewhere. I don't have 1 now to check with.

[ukmicky]

Firstly i think the foil is very thin so the cutters get very close to the skin but i also think they are designed to pull on the hair slightly before they cut exposing the part of the shaft which hasnt emerged from the skin yet. . Once they have cut the hair the hair is obviously release and so springs back underneath the skin.

[DoctorBeaver (OP)]

Micky - that certainly sounds feasible.

[lyner]

But an electric shave isn't as close as a wet one.
BTW, has anyone tried 'shaving oil'? It is fantastic - better than the most expensive shaving gel. A couple of drops is all you need and it's magic.

[DoctorBeaver (OP)]

I've tried oil. You're right, it works well.

[ukmicky]

Wet shaver are definatly designed to pull on the hair before it cuts. As they cut closer they must have superior pulling power which is Something i know alot about.   [] []

[DoctorBeaver (OP)]

Wet shaver are definatly designed to pull on the hair before it cuts. As they cut closer they must have superior pulling power which is Something i know alot about.   [] []

You've been watching experts like me at work, then?

[lyner]

Stretching the skin makes the hairs stick out further so you can cut them shorter.
 The 'instructions' for razors is to go in the direction of the lie of hairs - counter intuitive, possibly.
I find that stretching the skin and then going against the lay works best.

[paul.fr]

A quick question.

the other day i was outraged...outraged i tell y', my brand of razors had gone up to £10 for 4 blades. so i thought what the heck bic razor 5 for a £1.

why do these leave me needing a blood transfusion after every shave?

[dentstudent]

Stretching the skin makes the hairs stick out further so you can cut them shorter.
 The 'instructions' for razors is to go in the direction of the lie of hairs - counter intuitive, possibly.
I find that stretching the skin and then going against the lay works best.

That's what I said!

[lyner]

Ok, ok - so I don't read all the posts carefully.  But I am agreeing with you, so that's  got to be all right.
Btw, do you hairs stick out by 0.4mm or1/64th " ? (Ref, lightning strikes and units)

[DoctorBeaver (OP)]

A quick question.

the other day i was outraged...outraged i tell y', my brand of razors had gone up to £10 for 4 blades. so i thought what the heck bic razor 5 for a £1.

why do these leave me needing a blood transfusion after every shave?

I like the Bic blades. I've got 1 of those nice multi-blade razors but I prefer Bic. Or Gillette twin-blade disposables.