How do I know when I'm ready for ATG?

Maybe it's just that I have a particularly well sharpened razor (Thanks again to the member who gifted it to me. It seems in such great condition I almost question what he said as kind of a reason for gifting it). Otherwise maybe it's just my tough skin. I raked the crap out of my face ATG with just water to get it smooth when I used a multi-blade razor. In any case, my first three shaves weren't a problem at all. I haven't nicked myself or had razor burn throughout either 3 of them. I did manage to go around the end of my chin just fine this last time, which I'm pretty happy about.

I feel like I'm getting a pretty close shave going WTG, but not BBS. I did go XTG on my cheeks this last time too, and that went fine. I've read that ATG is a lot more dangerous for cutting yourself, though. Should I feel OK trying ATG on my cheeks just to get used to it, or am I in danger of slicing myself and should wait until I get more practice before I try it? I feel like this is a dumb question since I would logically be the best person to decide what I should do, but I don't want to go cutting myself either.

Also, my home-made strop works awesome! :beer2: I used a strip of leather with no scars or markings and a very fine suede texture. I could tell it actually did refine the edge after my first and second shaves. Thanks for all of the help with my strop questions.


Jeremy

If you get comfortable shaves XTG you're ready for ATG. Start above jaw line, if that works go to lips and below jaw line.

Up to you, when you feel you and your razor are ready, go for it. If you have made a XTG pass only once, it may be a few weeks until you are ready.

When you do ATG really stretch the skin, I mean really stretch the skin. Taut skin, good lubrication, short strokes and a low blade angle have been very important for my ATG pass.

Its up to you. I did not do the partial learning that people suggest and my first shave did my whole face, the second I added ATG over my whole face. Its definitely a much steeper learning curve, but honestly, its a question of how comfortable you are and how careful you are and how little you care about cutting yourself.

I say go for it. But I'd add a few things that helped me ATG, assuming a sharp razor. first, I never cheat myself out of using good lather for atg. Second, skin stretching is very important for my success under the chin especially. Third, I use a bit shallower angle like 15 degrees, or even near flat with some of my hollow ground razors.

It has also helped me to try to map out my beard to find out exactly which direction ATG is for my face. For example on my cheecks, ATG is straight up. Under my chin it is at a diagonal (almost follows a line from my shoulder up to the middle of my chin.

Finally, one thing I've really enjoyed after all my shaves is to hold an ice cold wet towel to my face for a few minutes, then I dry off and use aftershave or witch hazel.... Wow, I'm rambling.... Good luck

I also modify my grip on the razor when I do ATG-- I hold the tang on the sides vs. top and bottom so that the razor can "give" a little if it hangs up a bit on the pass. I also do shorter "buffing" strokes at first, then finish up with a longer stroke. Not sure if someone mentioned it in the above posts, but you can also make the blade angle shallower-- almost touching the spine to the skin.

-Chief

Everyones right. When you have facility with the blade and doing a practice ATG stroke feels good then you know your ready. If it still feels not quite right don't do it.

Its all about confidence, if you feel that you are in control go for it. Its kinda like riding a motorcycle, never ride outside of your limits. For shaving, this would be mental limits. On my first shave, I felt very comfortable, and I did WTG and XTG passes on my first straight shave. I'll probably do ATG if I have time tommorrow. Oh, and also if your face is used to straight shaving, then go for it.