ATG and sharpness question.

I'm shaving yesterday with my DOVO and it's very comfortable WTG. I started an ATG pass under my chin and was having problems with grabbing and just not cutting right. Consequently I ended up with some redness. I'm going to try my Wapi today and see if it does the same thing in an attempt to see if it's my technique or a razor issue. I know the ATG pass is difficult and maybe best reserved for the experienced, but with my tough beard it seems to be the only way to get a close shave, and that's why I keep at it. What are everyones thoughts here?

i have the knowledge of what i can do and what i cannot. without drawing blood, i cannot go ATG under my chin, on my chin, or mustasche area. however i have a light beard and so only doing the WTG and XTG pass do well for me in those areas. everywhere else i can make the 3rd ATG pass.
maybe just for the lust for the impossible, i try with everyshave anyway for the ATG on the chin and upper lip. and it never fails that i bleed everyshave. so even though i can make it with 2 passes, i cannot shave without trying for the 3rd.

keep trying, maybe one day we will get it.

vgod

It took me a number of months to be able to shave against the grain. Assuming the blade it keen, you may want to just take it slow. Try to improve each shave and see if it doesn't get better. Practice.....

Jordan

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!:cry: I know, that's probably too much to ask.:nono:

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.

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. :)

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 another post I claimed success. That day I had 2 days of growth and a new scary sharp wapi. I did WTG, XTG, and finished with ATG. Everything felt right. Earlier today the ATG grabbed under the chin and I knew if I forced it bad things would happen. For you guys who have tackled the ATG all I can say is way to go! Dare I say we could use a system similar to Karate. If we did I think I'd be a white belt!:bow

Yeah I've tried most blades available now, but it still isn't the perfect shave it should be. I got good results from a shavette, but with the problems also associated with them.

My problem is not only tough hairs, but the fact that they seem to develop their own grooves in my skin. They grow below skin level, very flat against the grain, in little valleys that remain untouched by the razors edge. For me it has been a puzzle to get a good shave.

For nearly 2 years I have struggled to find a solution and this now is my best choice. It is the most enjoyable option, but not necessarily the closest. It works and I like it, which is better than any other method I have found.

I have yet to find anyone who shares my problem but I am sure it is the reason for my problem. The areas of my face where the hair grows in a less strong grain pattern(more outwards) are the areas that are BBS every time without effort or pain. the areas that are more flat tend to miss hairs, get excessive burn and ingrowns, and grow back quicker.
As I always say, don't forget that everybodies hair is unique and you can't just take a formula to shave by and have it work for you. It is a long process to find the best option.

Well guys today I had an excellent shave. I think my stropping was part of the issue after-all. I used my Lynn honed DOVO after stropping 80 laps, carefully. When I shaved I lead with the point and it made a world of difference. I also made some clean up passes with water only. This made stretching those problem areas easier! I got a little excited at one point and nicked myself!:D I didn't think a shave this close and comfortable was possible and I've used every other shaving tool imaginable in the course of my life. I can't wait to try again tomorrow! I'm convinced a proper strop and the technique of leading with the point made a huge difference. Thanks Lynn for the sharp DOVO and for SRP!:y

LOL @ "White Belt"!!

Being a "No Belt", I think I like the idea just the same. Thanks for this thread. It's quite informative.

From someone who has yet to shave with a straight, I'm getting lots of good info, and will take some time lurking before posting too much. ;)