Thread: Shaving against the grain.

doc, when I go against the grain on some parts of my face/neck I have the scales straight out with the blade like a Japanese razor. Other parts it is at a 90 relative to the blade. Depends on where I'm at logistically speaking.

I use ATG (following WTG) where it works and I don't use it where it does not. For example I've never had any luck with ATG on my upper lip with a straight or a DE so I don't go there ATG. Mess with it and you'll figure out what will work for you and what won't.

I don't see why you can't do ATG on the face or neck - face in particular. The grip you use is less important than the angle of the blade, skin stretching and a light touch. Keep the spine less than one spine widths off your face. In fact, if the spine touches it's not a deal breaker. Use the lightest touch you can while keeping the razor on your skin and the skin taut.

You could try XTG first, though, it could work with a little less irritation. Still the same rules apply.

Weepers, IME, are from too much pressure. Once you dial in on the light touch, weepers will be a thing of the past. (Just yesterday I had a few stray whiskers hidden under my chin and I touched them up XTG with a drop of water, no problem. You've just got to get that light touch down pat.)



EDIT: Just noticed Jimmy's recent post... Some parts might be too tough for ATG, but IMO cheeks and neck are fairly reasonable to expect it to work. They're wide, flat surfaces unlike your upper lip or chin which are tougher for ATG. For those ares I stick to XTG.