Thread: your technique?

Most people seem to shave in multiple passes, sometimes the first pass is with the grain and the second across or against the grain, and some guys just do a with-the-grain pass then an across-the-grain pass. It just depends. As for me, different parts of my face get different numbers of passes, sometimes against the grain and sometimes just across the grain depending on how tough the whiskers are in each area and how fast they grow.

I do an across/with the grain pass first and then go ATG.

X

Originally Posted by xman

I do an across/with the grain pass first and then go ATG.

X

I do the same.

Originally Posted by Kentriv

I do the same.

i think i have to do it like that someday too... but i'm still really young (21) and my beard is growing the way that one shaving at a time is enough to me (3-4 times every week)...

I've always thought that when shaving it's not the goal to get all the hairs in one pass. I've always looked at it like lessening the amount of hair with each pass. So I usually go with the grain, across the grain and on the weekends or when I head out for the night I take a third pass and go against.

For someone like me, whose hair doesn't grow all that thick or that fast, and who has to shave every day before the office day starts, I am starting with the across the grain pass.

Especially for my upper lip and chin, and jawbone-ear area, where the hair lies flat, I find AcrossTG gives less irritation (with a properly sharpened razor).

The WTG, especially on the upper lip (coup d'maitre) and lower lip I find it cuts most (but not all) the whiskers, yet also scrapes the skin something fierce.

Just my $0.2

Originally Posted by nichhel

Just my $0.2

Who gave you 20 cents?

Kidding, but that works well for those normal nothing-special nights for me.
I think another thing to keep in mind is your face. People talk about cutting the hair, but I feel it's important to keep an eye on your skin, too, since shaving pulls off that top dead layer. Some people's faces just aren't fit for 2-3 passes.

Originally Posted by BrianB

I've always thought that when shaving it's not the goal to get all the hairs in one pass. I've always looked at it like lessening the amount of hair with each pass. So I usually go with the grain, across the grain and on the weekends or when I head out for the night I take a third pass and go against.

Once you get more experienced you will get most, or all, of the hairs with one pass. A second pass will be required only if you want an extra close shave. But for most days, one pass should do. If it takes you more than one pass to get a good shave, then you should consider your technique. Multiple passes usually indicates that you failed to do the first pass well, or, your razor is not sharp enough.

Remember that every time you shave you are removing not only beard, but also a layer of skin cells. And the more skin you remove, the more you increase your chance for razor burn/irritation.

Aim for the one pass shave. It will come with practice.

Scott

I usually do 2 passes every day. No burn no irritation. Sharp razor you can do 100 passes. well at least 3 without razor burn.

Originally Posted by MrSnoopy

i think i have to do it like that someday too... but i'm still really young (21) and my beard is growing the way that one shaving at a time is enough to me (3-4 times every week)...

I'm 20, I've been a str8 user since I was 17 (it was a very good year). I started out with very light and fine hair all over. Now, I have 2 square inches shy of a full beard if I chose to grow it out, unfortunately that is right under/on my chin. As I have grown to know the razor, I have grown to know my beard as it fills in. Generally 36 hours is what I can go between shaves and feel comfy. I also enjoy letting it go for a few days before I go to the barber. Shave and a haircut!

Have a great day!