Thread: ATG (Makes me sweat)

Howdy y"all!
Anyone out there have any tips on how to hold/grip the razor whilst shaving against the grain? WTG, XTG, is just fine, but when I began to make my shaky, nerve racking, sweat inducing, attempt at an ATG pass, it gets a little hinky to say the least.
I find it a little "easier" to use my right hand while shaving my left side, but the left hand on the right side......flop sweat and forget it.
Can't seem to keep the razor controlled and at a correct angle. I have attempted to use the left hand for the left side and right hand for the right side, but the scale seems to catch my collar bone area.
Trying to achieve that BBS shave once and while but alas, it still alludes me.

I would say just take it slow. I frequently do a 'buffing' stroke -- back and forth strokes, maybe an inch long at the most. I use a light touch. The shorter strokes help me keep control of the razor.

Buffing is explained at the bottom of the page I linked to.

The shorter stroke helps a lot. The shaking will also get better as you become a) more confident and b) develop better fine motor control from practicing. If you are having a bad day don't push the envelope. There is nothing wrong with doing a two pass shave or a WTG, XTG, XTG (other direction) and calling it good.

Originally Posted by MattCB

The shorter stroke helps a lot. The shaking will also get better as you become a) more confident and b) develop better fine motor control from practicing. If you are having a bad day don't push the envelope. There is nothing wrong with doing a two pass shave or a WTG, XTG, XTG (other direction) and calling it good.

The only time I get shaky is when I drink too much the night before

Try opening the razor all the way with the scales pointed forward, edge upward. You can close your dominant hand around the scale. Still scary but it works when learning

Whiskey,
You will have to experiment and choose the optimal razor position when shaving against the grain. The position I prefer might not be right for you, and so on. Whether shaving against the grain or other directions, think of the razor as a bird. If you squeeze it too tightly, you'll kill it, and too loosely, it will fly away. Moderation in grip power is important, because it will help you maneuver the razor easily.