ATG Angle for the Newbs

Hey fellow Newbs. The ones like me that were having trouble with ATG shaving. Remember this diagram from the Wiki?

See that blade angle for ATG? 5 degrees right? That is almost flat against the skin while taking that ATG pass. I finally got that today and my ATG pass was awsome. Start with the blade flat against the skin and lift ever so slightly as you take that pass. Here is the problem. If your angle is too steep, you will need more pressure to make the cut. More pressure = tearing the hell out of your face. The angle is EXTREMELY important to getting the pressure correct.

And by the way, look at that XTG angle as well. 15 degrees isn't much either.

Good luck,

David

Thinking sometimes in degress can be a problem, in fact if you ask me the 30 degress is a bit steep but that is JMHO

Spine widths is sometimes easier WTG= 2, XTG =1, ATG = almost flat against the skin, but your description is better start flat and lift slightly as you move... That actually works on all the strokes... Great post !!!

I also use the width of the spine as a guide, though I try not to get much further than 1.5 widths on any of my strokes. 2 widths is a little steep for the more sensitive areas like my neck and upper lip.

Glen and BingoBango. Thanks for the spine width tip. Much easier to visualize.

David

I especially like the spine-widths technique because (theoretically- if anyone, ANYONE starts talking calculus and trig I'm going to flip! ;) ) the width of the spine correlates to the angle of the bevel... so in theory on any razor 1 spine width is going to produce roughly the same bevel/skin interface...

Okay, math guys. Tear me apart. I'm ready. *hides*

Great post. Thanks!

Hello, Alembic:

Sound advice from Glen and BingoBango.

I might add that the 30-degree angle is as about as general a number as one can imagine. The world of straight razor shaving consists of a symphony of variations. 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.

Regards,

Obie

very useful, i have been considering against the grain but havent felt comfortable till now against my neck. now with this visualization and thinking just thw tiniest lift off flat against the skin i feel more confidant to take the plunge tomorrow, cheers!

Wow, these angles take a while and lots and lots and lots of practice to get down. I'm finding that steeper angles ATG kinda tens to make the cut more prone to becoming an ingrown hair situation. Anybody seeing that too?

Hello, Salazch:

Against the grain, I especially make sure to keep a low angle, almost flat against the skin. Others may do it differently, though. Do what you feel is right for you. As a rule ATG, I suggest a lower angle.

Regards,

Obie

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.)

Quote:

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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 :)

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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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wrench3047

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

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

Quote:

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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 :)

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

Quote:

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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.

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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! :)