Thread: ATG question

Is it reasonable to expect that the ATG pass is as easy as the WTG pass, or is that a bit too much to ask?

I ask this because my lower and upper lip hair are usually a bit more resisting to the ATG pass. I have to do a lot of little strokes, each time taking away a bit more of the stubble.

With the WTG pass I can make longer strokes that are smoother as well, so I was wondering if this is to be expected.

Bruno,

I don't know if it's a general thing or not, but I feel more resistance with an ATG pass too. I never really questioned it - my poor understanding of the physics of an ATG compared to a WTG pass made me think that's just how it should be.

This is only a guess, but it may be less of a cutting issue and more of a lifting the hairs issue...???

James.

That's kind of what I experience as well, Bruno. Getting a good cross grain pass minimises the difficulty for me. Every face is unique however and your experience will differ somewhat.

X

I get resistance from the ATG as well and if there is to be razor burn, it will be only after the ATG. I minimize this by doing the with and cross grain passes first, especially on the chin and upper lip areas to get the stubble as short as possible before going against the grain.

I find that short strokes with a light touch and a fairly flat blade angle works quite well, especially under the chin. The key is a light touch and flat angle (the spine is just barely off my skin).

It seems to me that on the ATG pass, the blade edge (which is very thin) is deflected down as it raises and cuts the hair --- I think this is what causes it to bite into your skin more easily and why a shallow angle and light touch is useful. Also explains why skin stretching is important --try to get those hairs perpendicular to the skin.



Dr. Justin (PHD in Stubbleology)

All these other guys are probably right, I just thought I'd point out that even with other razors besides straights (DE's Mach 3's Fusions, etc etc) it is the same, more resistance against the grain. So I don't think it's so much a sharpness issue, but more likely one of the above listed reasons.
John P.

I am relative newbie to the str8 shaving world and shaving against the grain gives me a bit more resistance. Especially on the jawline, chin and upperlip these still remain a challenge.

I find that in the neck are reducing the blade angle (making it steeper < 30deg) really help me get a very clean shave.