Thread: ATG or XTG - Some people just can't do it?

I haven't used a shavette, but there seems to be plenty of people who like them. I would like to get one eventually and try it out for myself.

Originally Posted by RezDog

For me the key to getting a nice smooth and irritation free shave is no pressure, and good skin stretching, and a low blade angle, this of course is in coordination with a good lather and prep. I use noxema as a pre shave as it seems to work well and it is very inexpensive. I do not have a long prep, as if I mess about too much then my skin get irritated from that as well. I also start with my against the grain pass. If because of time constraints I will do a single against the grain pass. It took me a quite a few shaves to find the perfect combination of passes and prep to get to a close comfortable shave.

I can't get a real smooth shave unless I shave ATG. Until recently, I haven't be able to shave ATG with a straight. Even after reducing pressure, there was still too much pull/drag. Yesterday when shaving I tried using even less pressure and working on my angles. I was able to get a much better shave than I usually get with my straight and shave ATG the grain without much discomfort. It was almost as good as the results I can get with my DE razor. I also didn't have as much irritation as I usually do after a straight shave.
So, it does get better over time. You just have keep working on it.

forcetrainer,

Comfort over silky smooth. I believe in that. I would rather have a comfortable shave rather than frying my skin just to get a silky smooth one. If your face cannot tolerate against the grain or across it, don't do it. I prefer to enjoy my shave every morning rather than suffer post shave skin irritation.