Thread: Baffled by needing many passes

One of the first things you'll hear is that you rolled the edge on your blade. And who knows, maybe you did. But when I first started and was having trouble, it wasn't that I rolled the edge. The blade was never really shave ready in the first place. That was the first problem. The second problem was one of being a little too timid with the blade. I had a tendency to allow the blade to glide over the beard rather than cut through it. Its a matter of simply getting the right feel for what you're doing. Shaving with a straight is very different from the other methods and has a completely different feel. Only after my razor was sharpened by someone who knew how to properly hone a razor did I finally get my groove going. And what a difference it made. Unless your angle is at 90 degrees I can't imagine needing four passes for passable shave. I would start with your razor and be sure its up to the challange. Then you know that whatever is not going right is a technique issue. Its like when you have a problem with the TV, the first thing you check is to see if its plugged in. But like others have said, don't expect great shaves right away. I would also recommend a paddle stop. Its helped me focus on running the blade over the stop correctly without worrying about how tight I'm holding the stop. Later I may upgrade to something more tradtional but for now this has eliminated one variable that could ruin my chances to succeed. Basically, try to neutralize as many equipment issues as you can so you can focus only on the shave itself. But start with the razor and be sure its ready.

What great replies! Thank you to everyone! Based on the comments, I'd say about the only additional piece of info I can offer is that I encounter very strong resistance when I get to a part where my beard is thick, say, for example on either side of my chin. It feels like I would actually have to really shove the blade when going ATG. From everything I've read, that isn't good. Thoughts?

I'm a year into Sr shaving and finally feel like I've "got it." Practice practice. Atg- lowest angle possible.

Also, are these 4 passes wtg? I didn't see it mentioned.

Originally Posted by medicineball

What great replies! Thank you to everyone! Based on the comments, I'd say about the only additional piece of info I can offer is that I encounter very strong resistance when I get to a part where my beard is thick, say, for example on either side of my chin. It feels like I would actually have to really shove the blade when going ATG. From everything I've read, that isn't good. Thoughts?

Do like you parents told you and don't shove anyone, including your razor. Pull the skin tight away from the direction the blade is moving and angle the edge so that the spine is laying flatter against your skin. But if you're finding that it it wont budge, again, you may need a sharper edge. But if you're new to the experience, don't go ATG until you've got some of those other issues corrected and you're more comfortable using your razor. Save the ATG for later or rely on your DE (or whatever razor you used prior) for that final ATG pass.

Reasons why the ATG pass may be experiencing resistance:
1. Razor is not truely shave ready, it is hard for noobs to know because noobs must learn how to strop the edge while they are learning how to use the razor correctly and the edge must be stropped before each use or it will not stay shave ready.

2. Pre-shave prep did not soften the beard adequately, or the beard is beginning to dry and harden before the ATG pass. Try rehydration by wetting your brush tips and rebrushing your face or relather before ATG passes. Try a shower/shampoo/conditioner immediately before shaving and do not let the lather or beard dry before finishing all your passes.

3. ATG should be tried only after major beard reduction. Trying ATG against normal beard growth before major reduction by WTG/XTG can be expected to show resistance. ATG is for final finishing and should be used only after successful WTG/XTG passes. You should be able to 1st get a reasonable shave using WTG/XTG only. It takes a while to develop proficiency with the straight because you will need to find out what works for you while paying attention to blade direction, blade angle, blade feel, blade sound, skin stretching, and hair growth direction.

I know what you mean. My first couple of times, my shaves looked bad. It is most likely your technique. Just keep trying, but not so many passes you're tearing up your face. After you get it, and you will get it, it will take less and less passes to give you a good shave.