Thread: Change in direction

For me a shave consists of three parts. First a complete WTG. Next relathering followed by a slow and careful ATG. Except for the area right under my nose. That part is done with XTG.

After about three years, I've got my face mapped out so that I can take care of most of it in WTG passes. These passes go in a number of directions, though, to follow the grain. Some of the passes are quite short, and some are pretty narrow. It's hard to describe without making a video.

If I do an ear-toward-mouth pass, that's ATG. Dangerous pass for cuts, especially on the cheeks because they're hard to stretch really well. I'll puff out the shaving side for the stretch, but even so it feels dicey. I'm usually happy enough with one WTG pass, or maybe a second XTG, which is in an easy direction to move the razor. Coming in from the ears toward the mouth still feels pretty odd. With more practice it'll get steadier.

I also have a few barbs very close to my eyes, and have to go in with the tip occasionally to nick them out. Gives me heebiejeebies. Damn lobsters!

There's no rule written or unwritten that says you have to do a 3 pass shave. If it works for you and you're satisfied with it then that what counts. I usually do a 3 pass shave but on those days when I don't have the time or energy then I do the same as you..WTG & ATG

forgive my ignorance but what does all the above mean
3 stage pass xtg ect

Sorry, ATG = against the grain, WTG = with the grain, XTG = across the grain.

One pass is just that, one pass of the razor over any part. A second pass can be in the same direction as the first one, or at some angle to it. The first pass, which for many of us is the only pass, is most often WTG.

There are more definitions in our wiki, and also a glossary of acronyms.

Thanks for the observations & comments. I always learn something from the list. I haven't tried going from mouth to ear on the 2d pass, but maybe I will.