Thread: ATG and sharpness question.

im very new to this, but what seems to work for me is to lay the blade a little flatter, and make a very consciuos effort not to put any pressure to the blade, almost like lifting it off my face for the atg pass when trimming above my mustache (this is the area i get the most nicks and rash and this almost lifting action seems to be helping me). seems less is more as it works much better for me. take it with a grain of salt, this is only my 3rd week cutting myself

Be aware that everybodies skin is different. I cannot get a comfortable ATG pass as I have to exert too much pressure for the razor to cut the hair. This causes burn.
I think that some peoples skin and hair just react differently.
I am unfortunate that my hair grows thick and very flat to my skin, making an ATG pass uncomfortable, but necessary in order to get a smooth shave. It would be unacceptable for me to leave it out as I would look terrible.(I look like I missed out loads of spot on my face as it doesn't matter how many times I cover an area the hairs seem to embed themselves into my skin and the razor just skims over them.)
I chased after this ATG pass for so long and in the end I just gave up trying to find a comfortable way. Nothing works for me, so I put up with the discomfort rather than looking shabby.
Give it time though, you might find the solution for you

I've found that the success/comfort of the ATG pass is very much dependent on the success of the WTG and XTG passes.

I'm getting very close to BBS in my first two passes, which makes the last ATG pass very comfortable.

I'm toying with the idea of dedicating a week to only doing two passes (WTG and XTG), just to see how much I can improve.

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm just feeling the disappointment that follows a mediocre result. I know an ATG has to be possible with my beard because my DE can clean up the dregs with minimal effort. When I get a really good result followed by a bad one it's somewhat discouraging, I know I need to keep at it. Of course, I want it all now! I know, that's probably too much to ask.

If you get good results from a DE you will probably get there with a straight, just give it some time and practice. I don't get a comfortable ATG with a DE either, so I think thats my problem.
Keep at it and you'll get there

Thanks Nick. I assume you've tried different blades in your DE? If so you've got one tough beard.

It takes very good prep for success in this area. It also takes a very sharp edge and correct application. Feel for the direction that the hairs are still leaning after the wtg and xtg. Then go atg however you have to do it. This was my hardest area and I can get bbs now in the area along with the rest of the shave.

Monte

I find that I have to go ATG to get that baby skin shave... I think that a sharp razor is a must. Before I started using str8. I was using the gillette atra plus... (It's a very OLD model that only have two blades.) When it starts to get dull, I know it when I go ATG with it cause the blade pulls at the hair . I've only had a few shaves with my Lynn honed Dovos so I haven't experianced the pulling effect when I go ATG. I'm hopin since I only shave every 5-7 days that I won't need any honing until next year.

When I do ATG for upper lip and chin area, I have to do a scaling/lifting motion ? I have to keep the blade relatively flat to get the correct angle so I can get close to the base of the hair.

Try using a preshave oil. Take a hot shower before shaving and lather up good.

I feel your pain. It is only recently that my ATG passes on my chin are becoming comfortable and close. For me, this has to do with experience and technique. I've found that just using a scything motion from the wrist allows me to go ATG on my chin without pressure and digging into my skin. It has taken me 6 months to get to this point and I am still experimenting. I have also noticed that if I relax my arm and just use my wrist/hand for the motion my shaves are much better and less bloody.