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I just started with my ATG passes and have a question about the razor hanging up. It happens haphazardly regardless of pass location. And I'm not sure if it's the shave readiness of the razor or my technique. WTG passes are smooth. So is it me , the razor, or something else like it just happens to the best of us.
Could be the razor, could be technique:)
Have you tried lowering the angle of the razor?
That is very much required for a smooth atg-stroke.
Yes but my consistency is not perfect. I'm going to slow down and focus better. I just wasn't sure if ATG should feel as effortless as WTG. Sometimes I get it right and it's good. Is their any tell tail sign that it would definitely be the razor? I know it's hard to pin down given my experience. So in the meantime, I,ll give it a better study.Quote:
Originally Posted by Birnando
Try lowering your angle (near flat), use very short strokes and make sure your lather is slick. If that doesn't work then there's a good chance it's your razor.
I have some ATG spots that will slow down any blade it seems. The are 2 angles to watch also. If you taking a slight slice angle and not straight against the grain it will go easier through the thick of it. Seems that way to me anyhow. I think if it was more the blade it would be all over the place hanging. Like you say, pay more attention to details and you will learn to tell.
I generally weaken the lather by adding more water for the ATG pass. I also use VERY short strokes. For the ATG pass (esp under the neck) I hold the razor very very lightly using just two fingers at the pivot. This means that if it does tend to dig in it won't do any damage...
+1 with 10pups slicing action. scything stroke really come into its own atg. i have the spine almost touching my face as well but its a delicate balance
+1 on the above advice. If it's haphazard then that usually means you just have to dial in your technique. Prep and good lather is key, especially on the second or third pass that the ATG usually happens on...unless you're like me and a down stroke on the left side of your neck is actually against the grain (a mix of ATG, WTG and XTG actually :shrug:)...then it's on the first pass :)
Ok thanks for the feedback so far.
I shaved tonight and really kept the blade flat with the spin near touching and during those ATG strokes it managed nicely. I also really focused on the side burns since its one area that is easy to get right and they are BSS. So with this I think its not the razor and more my technique.
My under chin area or upper neck area is tricky, and the ATG stroke would need to go from my earlobe and down to just below my Adam's apple. I struggle trying to figure which hand to use on which side of my face. All of my WTG strokes are so simple.
I need to watch more videos for more varieties of how others tackle these areas. I need to get more shaves under my belt plain and simple.
I now have two razors. One is a Ralf Aust that I re-honed myself ( I dropped it) and the other is a razor I just received today, in fact, and it's the one I shaved with. This razor was purchased from Maxi here on the forums which he shave tested before it was sent. I had the same issue as with my Ralf Aust in my trouble areas so I'm hypothesizing that my Razors are shaving well.
It's easy to get BBS on your face...neck and chin are a different story! :pQuote:
Originally Posted by Fort
What helped me map out my neck grain was getting a DE.
You'll figure out what works for you.
I use the opposite hand for ATG...right hand for left side etc.
As long as it's comfortable for you and you don't limit yourself to one hand, you'll get it. :tu
Kwlfca I was just thinking about the DE too.:idea: I have 3 DE's: Gillete Flare tip, Gillette slim adjustable, and a Muhle R89. I took how they could help for granted because I only do 2 passes and touch up with them 1 WTG, 1 ATG and then a few target spots and I call it a day.
Now I know my grain and how to hit with the DE but I cannot get the straight to take the same path. So I need to put the work in and figure it out.
Oh and the opposite hand with ATG as compared to WTG is a something I'll try. I go with that technique and see how things feel while noting where i think a change would be better.
This comforts me! In a I'm new but may be on the right track kinda way!!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by 10Pups
A DE is much more maneuverable (I find) than a straight. I find using a smaller straight does help, esp on the neck. There are some areas on my neck where the hair grows sideways, so getting 100% ATG on those spots is still almost impossible for me.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fort
I used to have a Schulze Wiener Schaber (pictured below with my W&B for size comparison) and that was a very maneuverable razor.
Attachment 141998
PS, I don't want to be an 'enabler' but Revisor still have the Wiener Schaber razors for 68 Euros...
http://www.revisor-solingen.de/html/..._woche_13.html
I literally just bought a razor from revisor! :p
But yes it is much harder to get across the grain on the neck...can't exactly do an ear to ear pass with a straight!
Well, buy another! ;) You need a mixture, of course...Quote:
Originally Posted by kwlfca
SHMBO would probably kill me haha I'm strictly a round point and rounded tipped spanish point man because of how my neck beard grows.
I start in the middle by the chin and go diagonally down and towards my ear...but only on the left! My second pass is similar but less down and more across, keeping tight under my jaw. A square point would slice me doing that.
You Carl, are a bad influence.Quote:
Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider
Yes! Yes he isQuote:
Originally Posted by edhewitt
Amazing really seeing as he can't make his own mind up :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Fort
As you read back in this thread, there are all the hints and tricks that make smooth ATG passes broken down and laid out for you
Flat angle
Sharper razor
Scything stroke
Wetter lather
Shorter strokes
Not attacking the beard dead on.
Probably a few more too
But the one important thing not mentioned is the simple one "Patience" all the above tips are just that tips and you will actually figure all of them out as you progress in this sport..
Why some of you rush into it I have never figured out there is no prize at the finish line, there is only Red, Raw skin as a reward to rushing :p
But heck it is your face and your razor
I won't tell her, I promise. I'd say the Wiener Schaber is more of a French point...Quote:
Originally Posted by kwlfca
I used to say I only needed one razor, then it was three and I hunted high and low for a three razor case. Now I have two three razor cases and another in it's box. I do like having a mix of razors. The different steels and styles allow for different feels. Some are 'harsher' than others, some are very smooth (like the W&B Special) so I rotate them based on a scenario of a smooth shaver following a harsher razor and also based on style...For instance, my nicest razor is generally reserved for Sundays, etc...
Of course Glen is spot on with that list, absolutely spot on...Quote:
Originally Posted by gssixgun
For fear of sounding like an argumentative dunce, why wouldn't you want to use a nice, smooth razor everyday, why would you want a harsh shave? Is it a self punishment thing?Quote:
Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider
With my three a certain frameback makes an appearance at almost every shave, with a nice little bone or ivory handled batman for the days when it is all to much for it. The last one is the poor cousin who only comes out in emergencies.
Good question. I find my Burrell Top Flight is quite harshish, maybe harsh is the wrong word, it's very sharp. Also, the edges on my Swedish razors seem to be very sharp. The wade and Butcher Special, for instance, is sharp yet very smooth. I find some steels are smoother than others. I like to use a soother razor following a sharper 'harsher' razor. I don't think I'd like to shave with the Burrell day after day, I think my skin would suffer more.Quote:
Originally Posted by edhewitt
Also, I use a wider razor with a nice square heel if my goatee edge needs some attention. Normally i also do only one pass, but some days i like to do two, and the very light and sharp Klas Törnblom is great of ATG on the neck.
The De Pews is never going to have a perfect edge (as long as I'm honing it; although it's getting close) so that's reserved for Fridays when I feel i don't need a really close shave.
I know none of that makes sense, but when have you known me to make sense, Ed?
Indecisive and nonsensical, hmm am I talking about you or me? Any reno updates, or are you still looking at it?Quote:
Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider
The reno is, umm, something or other. I have decided at this point in time to get some acrylic sheeting for the shower...Quote:
Originally Posted by edhewitt
There is a product called wedi board, it is a plasic material, that looks a bit like corrugated card, it locks together, the panels are about a foot wide by as long as you Like, and it can be glued directly over whatever is there already, and it can be cut with a Stanley knife. I found a pile down the side of my house and used it for my bathroom, which is what it is designed for.Quote:
Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider
No, I mean this shit to replace the shower tiles...
I'll remove all the tiles and put this stuff in their place, but I'm sure no-one wants to hear about my bathroom repairs on an ATG thread ;)
Marbletrend 900 x 900 x 1830mm Hampton White Acrylic Shower Wall I/N 4890146 | Bunnings Warehouse
Ok, against the grain then. Yeah, I think it's most arduous under my chin, but most difficult on my neck, nice showerscreen by the way.Quote:
Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider
