Thread: Against the Grain

Originally Posted by keenedge

One thing I didn't see you mention was stretching. When I do my ATG pass, I pull down on the neck skin to make it taut. That helps a lot. Then using a fairly flat angle, take short, small strokes on your way up. It takes some practice. I'm still working on my left hand.

+1. When I first tried it I didn't have much luck. I just went with the grain and the results were fine so I didn't give it a second thought. However, I decided to change my technique a little and the next thing I knew it was easier than going with the grain. I think stretching is very important, but I think you also need to know the limits of your skin. I go at it and don't care whether it cuts my face up - and funnily enough it rarely does.