Thread: ATG Angle for the Newbs

Honestly, I don't even suggest going ATG but if yer going to try, most people do best with a low angle of attack

I've been thinking that my occasional problem is being caused by to steep of an angle, but still sorting that out. Everytime i shave now it's fairly smooth. Occasionally as the hair grows back out it is uncomfortable to run my hand accross my whiskers. They seem sharper and cause slight pain running my hand against the grain. Have any of the subject matter experts ever run into this? Do you think it's caused by angle or something else i.e.; prep, not enough kryptonite in my shaving lather? (A beautician i was dating years ago claimed I must have superwhiskers when she was shaving me. she went as far as getting a green handled shavette and using green shave cream.)

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Honestly, I don't even suggest going ATG but if yer going to try, most people do best with a low angle of attack

Agree
should be None guys.

Thanks for the original post. It's great to have beginners share their experiences in such a useful way.

Couple of thoughts in addition to what wsa said already.

First, props and kudos to Bart of coticule.be fame for the diagram and explanations in the corresponding Wiki article. One of the best we have.

Second, once you feel sufficiently comfortable (ie you won't slash your jugular) try not to look at the razor, but feel it. Lost my glasses, so I had to rely on that technique once. Scary at first, but it helps you achieve two things: minimise pressure (always good) and concentrate on the aural and tactile feedback of the razor. It's there, but we often succumb to the temptation of ploughing through the whiskers instead of letting the edge do its job. Especially for the ATG pass.

Regards,
Robin

PS Steamed halibut with a vinaigrette of gherkins and sour apples is actually quite good.

Thanks, great thread! Posting a reply for future reference.

Originally Posted by wrench3047

....Occasionally as the hair grows back out it is uncomfortable to run my hand accross my whiskers....

I noticed that, too, and as my technique's improved that stinging has gone away.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Honestly, I don't even suggest going ATG but if yer going to try, most people do best with a low angle of attack

+1 - if you can get a really close shave without ATG there's no point in doing it. Risk vs. Reward and all that.

Originally Posted by Obie

...After all, the process is personal, since one shaver is different from the other. After some practice and tryouts, adopt the patterns and razor angles that work best for you.

Certainly true, Obie. Not only are the angles going to be different for everyone, but I find the angles are different for me on different parts of my face and also depends on how my skin's feeling for the day. JoeD's signature is a spot on, "If you do what you've always done, you'll always get the same results" or something like that. Basically, keep trying new things until it feels right.

First time against the grain yesterday. Thanks to this thread I got my first true BBS. Not quite everywhere as I was working against the grain on my neck but failed to do so on my cheeks (a side swipe didn't manage to do it entirely) ---> so yeah I just really wanted to thank this thread because without it, it would have been a while till I did the research and became comfortable with taking that kind of angle on the neck. Great shave, I am very satisfied and chuffed with myself.... Cheers!