Thread: First time ATG .......first real cut

So I've shaved a couple of times since my first post.
Things seem to have improved significantly. I realised that my angle of attack was too shallow around the chin, giving rise to the lack of cutting power. I also figured out that XTG is easier there than WTG.

- My stropping was too slow. So I sped it up, and the razors sheem sharper.

- 2 x WTG is not necessary over the whole surface of my face. As has been suggested, concentrating more on the problem areas gives me a closer shave.

At this point, the first WTG pass is about the same in efficacy as one WTG pass with a Tech.

To eliminate variables, what I'm going to do is:
1) Send one of the razors to be professionally honed.
-- It will certainly answer the question of whether razor sharpness is causing an issue.

2) Change more to a second XTG pass where needed. I think that a little more practice will improve the outcome of my shaves to the point where the clean-up with the DE is unnecessary. That's the current goal.

I appreciate everyone's input. Your comments have helped troubleshoot my straight razor experiments.

i can say be patient you will get there. it takes time to face get used to new blade and hands stop shaking. gl.

Sending a blade to a honemister is a good choice. Be aware of you angle at all times. Have someone watch you and mention when you angle gets out of tolerance. Also, don't use any pressure on your blade to your skin. Having CarrieM watch me and mention when my angle got too steep or shallow really helped a lot.

A sharp blade works wonders. If your shaves are now improving, perhaps it was sharp and your technique is improving. Either way, you are on the right track. I have one blade honed by Lynn and I sort of use it as my benchmark for sharpness. If another blade gets too dull and Lynn's blade does the trick in the same spot, then I know that blade needs a touch-up.

Originally Posted by Joed

...Be aware of you angle at all times. Have someone watch you and mention when you angle gets out of tolerance. Also, don't use any pressure on your blade to your skin. Having CarrieM watch me and mention when my angle got too steep or shallow really helped a lot.

Joe,

You and Carrie should be the spokes-couple for straight razor shaving.

Cheers,

Ogie

Originally Posted by xman

I would say rethink doing two XTG passes in different directions, but only for the chin where you have trouble.

Keening up the blade might help, but make sure you shave with the toe leading. That'll help cut easier.

If you like a heavier DE, I'll bet you like a heavier straight as well. Try a quarter hollow or a wedge.

X

+1 on the quarter-hollow grind.

-Chief

I'm not sure what direction XTG is for you on the chin, but for me I can get great results there using horizontal strokes aimed in towards the centre (cleft) of the chin. You need a few strokes because the blade is touching a rounded area not a flat, but if South-North strokes on the chin aren't working for any reason, horizontal ones will get the job done, just takes a bit more time.

Originally Posted by Oglethorpe

Joe,
You and Carrie should be the spokes-couple for straight razor shaving.
Cheers,
Ogie

Thanks Ogie. I don't know about a spokes couple though. A lot of great people on this site have helped us over the past year. We're just trying to help keep the knowledge flowing to those that ask. A special Thank You to all of you here on SRP that have helped us along.

Thanks for the tip about shaving around the chin. I figured that out myself over the last couple of days. I actually got a really good shave under the chin today. The only area with much stubble left after the 'straight' portion of my shave this morning was on the underside of the jawline. I think some skin stretching may take care of that.

As for getting another razor---I'm sure that will happen eventually. At the moment, I'm going to stick with what I have as razors are not cheap (unlike DE blades). When I have more experience, I'll go ahead and get a quarter hollow or a wedge.

I received a razor from a honemeister........shave ready. It was really sharp, but not appreciably sharper than the one I was using myself. It is likely that the razor I was using went through sharper and duller moments, depending on my stropping technique. A few laps on a barbers hone took care of the edge.

Anyway, shaving with the fresh razor (A 6/8 Torrey, 3/4 hollow ground....it sings while stropping!!) was good, but actually less comfortable than the Wade and Butcher I was using. The W&B is a 9/16 I think. It is also much stiffer, and I found that it dealt with my beard better than the Torrey.

It could also be that I am very used to using the W&B, and need more time with the Torrey to evaluate it. However, I have a full hollow ground Holler that is also shave ready that I also don't find comfortable.

Maybe the comments above suggesting the trial of a wedge are on the money, and my beard needs a heavier razor...more wedge-like.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to buy one for a while. However, that will give me time to evaluate the Torrey fairly.

On a positive note, my technique has been improving steadily. I've been able to get quite close without doing a bona-fide ATG pass. I found that I was using short strokes, like I would with a DE. When I started using longer strokes where possible, the shave immediately got more comfortable.

Shaves are getting closer.

Welcome Yohannrjm , and Congratulations !