Thread: cant get close enough shave with the grain.

I like the super close shave of shaving against but hate the rb. How can I get a really close shave going with? I shave with my grandfathers old gillette de safety, and I make three passes. If I go against I get really bad rb especially on my upper lip.

I can't shave ATG on my upper lip if you held a gun to my head. Try XTG (across) and see if that doesn't help. Also, if you've only tried one blade brand, maybe a Feather or something equivalent would improve the results.

Yes ive only tried one brand, and from lurking here im gonna order either feather or the gillette 7'oclock(probably both so I can see which one suits me better).

There are some sampler packs available online that have several brands. I ordered one and found Voskhod words best for me with me DE.

Feather or Shark. I like the Feather best of any of them

Changing blades would be a good start. Following the same prep routine as you would with a straight razor helps as well, as does skin stretching.

I find with the right blade that going XTG (sometimes twice, in opposite directions) gives me a shave that is more than close without the need to go ATG in most areas.

Feather blades are IMHO the best shave I have gotten with a DE. Less razor burn too

Originally Posted by Ryan82

Changing blades would be a good start. Following the same prep routine as you would with a straight razor helps as well, as does skin stretching.

I find with the right blade that going XTG (sometimes twice, in opposite directions) gives me a shave that is more than close without the need to go ATG in most areas.

Shaved today xtg both ways, now waiting to see if irritation will occur.


When making my second/third passes should I reapply shaving cream(dont damn me for using shaving cream haha my next check im going to buy an antique badger brush and cup from this nice lady up the street)?

Keeping hairs moist for easy cutting is important. Drying hairs get harder to cut. The razor will start to tug as hairs start to dry and also it will start dragging on dry skin. I often hit a section of my face over again quickly after the 1st stroke that removes the lather while the bare skin is still wet. I then relather as I work from section to section. It never hurts to refresh and rehydrate drying or thickening lather.

Originally Posted by RayDan91

Shaved today xtg both ways, now waiting to see if irritation will occur.


When making my second/third passes should I reapply shaving cream(dont damn me for using shaving cream haha my next check im going to buy an antique badger brush and cup from this nice lady up the street)?

Do you use alum or alcohol-based aftershave when you're done shaving? If so the amount of burn you get is an early indicator of possible irritation.

And yes, reapply your lather between passes and don't be afraid to refresh/hydrate it if you find it's getting dry.