Thread: Newbie in need of technique advice- under the jaw

I use a hand towel for extra "purchase" (grip) when I do skin stretching. I always do it on ATG passes and find it very helpful. If the razor won't cut whiskers under those conditions, the sharpness of the blade is immediately suspect. If your cartridge razor will cut those same whiskers in an ATG pass and your straight won't do it, the blade needs work.

Yes, some of your issues are probably technique related. Ineffective stropping could be a culprit too, which can give the impression of a somewhat sharp razor that's not quite there. Please don't think I'm putting you down, from the sounds of it you're doing great. Just practice and experience, that's all it takes.

Something else to consider: whenever possible try to go XTG instead of ATG. IMO the goal is to get a great shave going WTG and XTG only. It is possible but it does take time and practice.

My jaw line is very pronounced, the skin wraps around and goes upward underneath. I use stretching of the skin, buffing, and a straight grip on the razor to get around this tight curve. By buffing I mean leaving the blade in contact with the skin and drawing it back to retrace the cut, doing that usually reapplies the lather off the blade to the skin. The straight grip is holding the razor with the sales in line with the spine so I can turn it easily under the curve of my jaw.

Hart, I have a pronounced jawline as well. I will give that straight grip a try and see if that helps out too.

Ryan82, no way am I put down by the critique. I certainly appreciate the comments and I'll take a look at my stropping. At least I have a free honing buying from SRD. I'd hate to think I have to use it already, but it might be time.

You also might try one of these. I use the later one.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...atg-grips.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...ml#post1028821

+ 1 on Ryan82's XTG suggestion. I've been shaving with many varieties of tools for more than 50 years and ATG has never worked for me with any of them. I have a fairly dense and stiff beard, and if I go ATG, even with a cartridge razor and no pressure I get razor burn, which I never get any other time. I use the WTG and XTG passes, coupled with a few creative scything or diagonal swipes for follow up, and get a fine shave that last 14 hours. That's all I seek.