Thread: First (real) ATG Shave

Ok so I have tried against the grain shaving before and... well... it was really rough, both literally and metaphorically.

I decided to try atg again now that I have become a little better at stropping, shaving with the grain, and have purchased a much better soap. I must say, this is the closet shave I have ever had before. My only complaint is that it was still a little uncomfortable. When I went against the grain after two passes with the grain I still had some slight tugging at my beard. Does anybody else experience this? I want to blame it partly on my beard and mostly on my technique. My barber has told me that I have one of the heaviest corsest beards he's ever seen. I have to shave against the grain because my beard is also very dark, so if I don't get a very close shave, stubble is still very visible.

So what say you? Do any of you experience slight tugging at the beard when shaving atg?

I think you have the right idea and with more shaves your technique will improve but have you tried doing another pass with the grain? with a course beard that could help also let the lather sink in a little longer to soften the whiskers and maybe add a hot towel to your routine as well. I added the hot towel for the 1st time today and my face was very smooth im thinking the towel helped

Originally Posted by sickonblues

Ok so I have tried against the grain shaving before and... well... it was really rough, both literally and metaphorically.

I decided to try atg again now that I have become a little better at stropping, shaving with the grain, and have purchased a much better soap. I must say, this is the closet shave I have ever had before. My only complaint is that it was still a little uncomfortable. When I went against the grain after two passes with the grain I still had some slight tugging at my beard. Does anybody else experience this? I want to blame it partly on my beard and mostly on my technique. My barber has told me that I have one of the heaviest corsest beards he's ever seen. I have to shave against the grain because my beard is also very dark, so if I don't get a very close shave, stubble is still very visible.

So what say you? Do any of you experience slight tugging at the beard when shaving atg?

You could also try doing the 2nd pass across the grain...