Thread: A Couple Ponderings...

I was just wondering...

1.) Why do you need WTG or XTG at all if your beard isn't too long? Forgive the reaching analogy, but if my lawn isn't too tall, I don't have to do any "grass reduction" before the blade can handle it. So is it just the time and lather from the first passes that preps the whiskers for the ATG pass, or is there another reason for the WTG and XTG? Maybe just the zen of it? With my, now retired, Mach 3, I had to reduce with multiple passes because the blades would quickly clog, which obviously is not an issue for a SR.

This morning, I was short on time, so out of the shower, I massaged the lather in by hand, stropped, applied more lather with the brush, and then went directly for ATG. It worked fine, but I only had a day of growth. I did do WTG to straighten up my sideburns, but that's it. It saved me some time and was still a CCS. Thoughts?

2.) Why would the method of shaving make the whiskers grow back any faster or slower? I have read the theory that each SR pass cuts a different angle, so the beard doesn't actually grow slower, but it feels softer. This doesn't make sense to me because it seems that the tip of the whisker should have the angle from the last stroke that reduced it to size. I imagine taking a paint brush and cutting it with scissors three times from three different directions. I would be left with all the bristles having the same cut angle from the last cut. Then again, maybe it is an inadequate analogy.

Could it be the prep that somehow affects the growth rate? Is it all a load of bunk? The only time I remember actually significantly increasing the time between shaves was with a lift-and-pull type of razor, leaving the hair below the skin's surface. I don't believe this changed the growth rate, just made it take longer for the hair to reach the point where I needed to shave again.

-ADAM

Originally Posted by AdamN

I have read the theory that each SR pass cuts a different angle, so the beard doesn't actually grow slower, but it feels softer. This doesn't make sense to me because it seems that the tip of the whisker should have the angle from the last stroke that reduced it to size. I imagine taking a paint brush and cutting it with scissors three times from three different directions. I would be left with all the bristles having the same cut angle from the last cut. Then again, maybe it is an inadequate analogy.


-ADAM

The way I look at this is on a micro-scale if you look at the hair cut in three directions it would still have some remaining angle from each swipe. Instead of one clean cut you have three angles cut into it resulting in a more rounded bevel at the tip of the hair instead of a chisel bevel from only working in one direction.

If the bevel left by each cut remains, then does that mean that BBS shaves do not leave the hair at skin level?

I guess this is all just semantics. So you don't think it actually affects growth rate either, the hair just feels different?

When the guy who introduced me to DE shaving (after 40 years of shaving with a 'good news' 2 blade) told me he did 3 passes I looked at him like he was from the moon. He explained the gradual stubble reduction multiple pass technique. You can get a passable shave in one pass but if you want a smooth irritation free shave the multiple pass method is the way to go. IMHO.

Thanks, Jimmy. What do you think about the growth rate? Does the implement and technique affect the rate at which the hair grows back, in your opinion?

What is the real difference???

IMHO the real difference between SRs and every other type of shaving is the ability to adjust angle and pressure even the "finish" of the edge to fit exactly to your face.. No other type of shaving gives that much "adjustability"

Going ATG on the first pass is pretty much impossible for me if I want anything close to a comfortable shave unless I shave every 12 hrs. After 24 hrs my stubbles are too long for ATG, I could proably go XTG, but where's the fun in that

Glen, I agree 100%. I was just contemplating a couple of the common ideas about SR shaving. Particularly, the logic behind multiple passes when the stubble is already short, and the belief that you get more time between shaves using a SR. I am not convinced of either. I do like taking my time and enjoying the shave, but it seems that if the prep is good enough, then a single ATG pass should suffice. I have never had a proper barber shop shave, but I have read that they typically do one pass. What direction are they doing it?

At any rate, I do enjoy now what was once was a chore, after switching to a straight razor, and have no desire to revert back to cartridges.

Originally Posted by AdamN

I was just wondering...

1.) Why do you need WTG or XTG at all if your beard isn't too long?

My face my experience you don't need anything more than ATG.

I have very fine whiskers which erupt nearly parallel from the skin.

I have abrasion sensitive skin which is easily irritated by a three pass shave because I really actually go over some places multiple strokes during a pass.

I discovered proper prep and one ATG and I have a close comfortable shave without irritation.

It takes a very sharp razor laid flat against the skin with nearly no pressure and good skin stretching.

+1 with GSSIXGUN the straight razor wet shave offers me enough options to fit the bill. I can't lay any other type of razor flat enough to avoid nicks.


This hobby is really about what works on your face and the fun of discovery.

Originally Posted by AdamN

Glen, I agree 100%. I was just contemplating a couple of the common ideas about SR shaving. Particularly, the logic behind multiple passes when the stubble is already short, and the belief that you get more time between shaves using a SR. I am not convinced of either. I do like taking my time and enjoying the shave, but it seems that if the prep is good enough, then a single ATG pass should suffice. I have never had a proper barber shop shave, but I have read that they typically do one pass. What direction are they doing it?

At any rate, I do enjoy now what was once was a chore, after switching to a straight razor, and have no desire to revert back to cartridges.

It is my understanding from reading the old Barber's Manuals that WTG is the way they shave, BUT I have also seen the diagrams for ATG too..

My thought is this

Everyday go to Work shave WTG + clear water touch up = CCS

Meeting day with the Boss WTG + XTG + clear water touch up = DFS

Date Night WTG + XTG + WTG + clear water touch up = BBS


Myself I like the DFS shave I get plenty close, love the feel of my face, and never get uncomfortable shaves


ps: pondering is the right thing to do, it leads to experimentation, and that leads to the best shave for your face