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.

Originally Posted by JP5

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.


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.

It did take me a while to learn the how and when. It took some experimenting to get there. Some of my shaves where I tried different techniques left me knowing I was not going to try that again. As I have gotten much better, I have revisited some of those. I cannot go against the grain in my mustache area, but the rest of my face loves it. We each have our unique face and perceptions. It is through trial that we find the perfect shave. I am glad you are finding your way.

Originally Posted by RezDog

It did take me a while to learn the how and when. It took some experimenting to get there. Some of my shaves where I tried different techniques left me knowing I was not going to try that again.

That's definitely the stage where I am right now. One or two shaves after posting this message I tried to concentrate on a few of the keys points, especially the blade angle and stretching. My angle was super low, pressure consistent but very light, and a good bit of facial stretching and contorting to figure out how to keep skin in different places taught. Paying attention to all of these variables had the added benefit of slowing me down, and that resulted in probably the smoothest shave I've ever had in most places. Razor burn was almost nil, so I would consider it a success. My chin is still a challenge, but I don't think I'm alone there!

The one variable I'll get some more feedback within the next few shaves will be the number of times I've used my blade. My last shave was #4 on the blade, and I'm thinking the edge mellowed a bit after a few uses. I don't know if shave #5 will be pushing it, but I'll keep going until my face makes it known I need a new blade

Once again, thanks to everyone for all the great feedback. This endeavor has turned shaving into a challenge for me, and it's made it a lot more fun. I now find myself taking a shower at night and shaving right before bed so I can spend as much time as I want experimenting and really going for the super smooth feel!

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.

Originally Posted by Obie

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.

Obie - I wholeheartedly agree. The quest now is trying to figure out 1) what I can tolerate comfortably and 2) how far can I push what is tolerable through better technique. Over the past week I've definitely proved I can tolerate more than I thought when I really focus on my technique, and I expect that to get better. With that being said, I'm sure I'll find that sweet spot of balance between comfort and smoothness as I get more familiar with my face and technique.

Originally Posted by forcetrainer

Obie - I wholeheartedly agree. The quest now is trying to figure out 1) what I can tolerate comfortably and 2) how far can I push what is tolerable through better technique. Over the past week I've definitely proved I can tolerate more than I thought when I really focus on my technique, and I expect that to get better. With that being said, I'm sure I'll find that sweet spot of balance between comfort and smoothness as I get more familiar with my face and technique.

Right you are, forcetrainer, better technique will expanded your opportunities. With experience you will find the sweet spot. Still, make sure not to push too far, because the straight razor is sassy and will always remind you of it. In the meantime, the basic rules apply: no pressure, about a 20 degree angle and strategic skin stretching. Of course, proper preparation with a good brush and quality soap or cream are understood.

I'm still a greenhorn when it comes to straight shaving (only about 25 shaves), but I have found that lather and prep make the biggest difference in my shaves from one day to the next. Any time I nail the lather and preshave (which is a handful of times at most), I get smooth shaves with no tugging in any direction. I only go N-S and S-N because of how I can fit the blade on my face and neck. This ends up being WTG-ATG on my cheeks and below my chin, and XTG-XTG on the rest of my neck. I have had a couple of shaves with zero irritation and weepers, but whenever I don't I can always identify something in my prep or lather that was lacking from my best efforts.