Thread: going over your shave with a clean up pass.....

Hey all. Total newbie question here but I couldnt find my answer using a search. Ive been watching a few how to videos which have come in very handy. Some of the more trendy approaches such as those used by Hawleywoods barber shop out this way show the standard shave but then add a relathering and go over everything against the grain for an even closer shave. I tried it this morning a little bit and honestly I need to hone my technique before I go getting crazy with another, closer shave. Anyone doubling up on their shaves like this or am i just flushing shave soap down the drain?NAES

Not at all. A second or third pass is not at all unusual.

Normally I'll do one pass with the grain, and at least a second that's mostly across and partly against the grain (it took me about three years to figure out how to maximize my second pass, so be patient...) and if I'm in the mood or have the time, a third against the grain.

That having been said, result of any and all passes will improve with practice and improved prep and technique.

Most use more than one pass, Lynn has a video showing this. Instead of going ATG (Against The Grain) try XTG (Across The Grain) after WTG and THEN finish up with ATG.

I make a WTG pass, and XTG pass, usually followed by a ATG pass only on my neck. So yeah sounds pretty normal to me, maybe even a clear water pass WTG
I wouldn't get hung up on ATG passes. Starting out you may be after that shave that's so smooth you can't stop touching your face, honestly it's not worth the razor burn you'll most definitely get as a newb. Stick with the WTG for a bit JMO

Originally Posted by naes

Hey all. Total newbie question here but I couldnt find my answer using a search. Ive been watching a few how to videos which have come in very handy. Some of the more trendy approaches such as those used by Hawleywoods barber shop out this way show the standard shave but then add a relathering and go over everything against the grain for an even closer shave. I tried it this morning a little bit and honestly I need to hone my technique before I go getting crazy with another, closer shave. Anyone doubling up on their shaves like this or am i just flushing shave soap down the drain?NAES

Good question.

Personally, I usually do a 3 pass "mixed" shave.

First pass is strictly with the grain all over. Next I will do XTG on the cheeks, and then an ATG pass on the neck and jaw area.

Relather, and then ATG over the entire face, up from the neck right to beard line on the upper cheeks.

Due to the way my beard grows (it's good to map your beard, to understand the directions your beard grows), I may relather the neck area again and do an ATG scything type pass just on the neck area, seems to catch any stragglers. Guess that would be my clean-up pass.

Having said that, nothing wrong with doing a clean-up pass with water only if you feel like it...a good rub over your face with your hand can tell you if you have any rough patches.

Edit: As said above, if your new, stick to WTG until your proficient...add additional passes as your skill increases...

Hope this helps!

I also do two passes. Because of the way that my whiskers lay quite close to my skin I have eliminated the with the grain pass on my regular shaves. I do one against the grain and one across the grain, unless I am going for a special occasion shave. then I add a half pass opposite across grain to my regular and may touch up with water a little here of there. Too many passes or fiddling around and I can get a rash, and that never makes for a special shave. I did not start with that though. That has been much discovery and learning. I started with one with the grain and then added an across grain for part of my shave and then started against. Even now I am adjusting my shave a little here and a little there. It is in part due to trying new things as I have gotten better and we never quite finish learning. When I first shaved with a straight razor skin stretching was not all that important, but it is now. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy your shaves. Slow and steady is the way.

After my first pass which could be withtg,againsttg,or xacrosstg ,depending on where on my face I am shaving, I start feeling for whiskers and go that direction to finish off all smooth. Not necessarily bbs Babies Butt Smooth which sometimes takes a third pass. It is not advised to cut towards your nose or lips which will require special techniques like guillotine or scything passes. I learned those 2 with luck and by accident. Called them lucky passes for a long time :<0) Make sure you are stretching the skin when you start pushing your luck.

I guess that it depends on the morning! Most days its one pass ATG and out the door. Meaning: one pass two passes or the full Monty. Usually if i am going to be all day at a doin's I do WTG, ATG, and finicky up with a ATG or whatever is a bit stubbly with an aftershave on my face. No weepers that way.
All the above methods suggested by others are possible but you are the one that has the time to figure out. The sharpness of your blade, and your prep, will make a big difference in your routine. Save the fancy for when you have to be perfect..being retired, I don't any more!
Enjoy your routines!
~Richard

1 and a bit passes usually. I thought I was odd to clean up post aftershave but i see you do it too Richard.

OK thanks everyone. I think for now just getting my regular shave fairly clean the first pass is good for now. But just like everything else I do, I need to know how good things can potentially get so I know where I stand in the pecking order. Clearly Im on the bottom rung still!NAES