Thread: Blade angle on the acute side?

I was wondering, ive found it to be a little easier to make the angle more acute on my upper lip when going ATG, i dont know if its because the blade isnt sharp enough to cut the hairs just by touching it, or if its because thats just the prime angle for that area of the face, but i know if i go for a 45, or even 35 degree angle it feels like the blade hits a brick wall, and if i push it... it hurts like hell... lol anyone care to share their technique with going ATG on the upper lip?

Originally Posted by Warlockdlx69

I was wondering, ive found it to be a little easier to make the angle more acute on my upper lip when going ATG, i dont know if its because the blade isnt sharp enough to cut the hairs just by touching it, or if its because thats just the prime angle for that area of the face, but i know if i go for a 45, or even 35 degree angle it feels like the blade hits a brick wall, and if i push it... it hurts like hell... lol anyone care to share their technique with going ATG on the upper lip?

I find that success ATG on the upper lip comes from the following (assuming your blade is good):

1. A nice close WTG pass
2. A nice close XTG pass
3. An acute angle like you are describing
4. An oblique stroke (instead of straight up, the blade is angled slightly and has a bit of outside to in movement)
5. Moisture, wet lather. (ATG on the upper lip is the last thing I'm shaving and I'll often relathre there if I don't feel that I have the appropriate lubricity)

I shaved 8 hours ago and I'm still BBS smooth. I'm sure I'd pass a cotton ball test ATG but I don't have one handy and don't want people staring at me in my cubicle.

Originally Posted by Warlockdlx69

...anyone care to share their technique with going ATG on the upper lip?

Watch out for your nose!!
I never do ATG on the upper lip.
Best to avoid! Try XTG if you must.

My technique on the upper lip is quite advanced and not for the faint-hearted..... I grew a moustache

James.

ive never had any issues with my nose... im very careful... but if i only do WTG and XTG i always have rediculous amounts of stubble... why you think my blade catches it has a lot to catch onto...

Originally Posted by Jimbo

My technique on the upper lip is quite advanced and not for the faint-hearted..... I grew a moustache

James.

thats very encouraging............. thanks.....

Originally Posted by Warlockdlx69

thats very encouraging............. thanks.....

Hey man - "helpful" is my middle name

James.

Originally Posted by Warlockdlx69

ive never had any issues with my nose... im very careful... but if i only do WTG and XTG i always have rediculous amounts of stubble... why you think my blade catches it has a lot to catch onto...

If you have ridiculous stubble after ATG and XTG passes, I'd say that your first two passes aren't close enough. That will come in time.

ATG on the upper lip is tough to do and I don't feel the need very often if ever. Why don't you try to pull the side of your mustache toward your ear. This will make the hairs stand up and will make your downward pass much more effective. If you still don't feel that this is close enough then do this same pull and go sideways on the mustache and maybe add a little upward motion to it. Even with a very sharp blade, there will be a fair amount of resistance if you go directly ATG in this area and you will have to drop the blade angle and be very careful not to cut your nose at the top of the stroke.

Originally Posted by BrianP

If you have ridiculous stubble after ATG and XTG passes, I'd say that your first two passes aren't close enough. That will come in time.

I agree with this statement. Skin stretching, a good blade angle, and confidence are very important. The better you get the fewer the passes it should take to get a close shave.