Its really a matter of getting a good feel for it. The nose itself is fairly easy to slice through. You need a real good sharp blade, and the cartilage will remove easier with less pressure. A dull blade forces you to apply more pressure. I just use a smaller bladed knife that I sharpen to the point I can actually shave my arm hairs w/little pressure. I also use a glass bottle with a small neck, like a beer bottle. I slip the neck through the nostril, and use it as my fleshing board so to speak. I flesh half the nose from one end, then slip the neck through the other nostril to finish it. You can also use a finger to sense the pressure your applying, but you also risk cutting yourself ifyoucut through the nose. But thats how I started out learning the technique.