Thread: Shaving Against the Grain

I am pretty new to SR shaving. I have about 30 shaves at this point. I have always used a two pass, WTG/ ATG plus clean up with all types of shaving, (cartridge, DE, Feather Artist Club, Straight.) When I started with a straight, I was using a DE for the ATG on my neck, jaw, and chin. The biggest thing for me to get a good ATG shave is being able to stretch the skin well. I saw a suggestion to rub my fingertips on my alum bar when streching the skin, as it would help me hold it steady, even with leftover lather on my face. That was a game changer for me, as it allows my razor to slide better on short strokes. I use a very shallow angle on the ATG pass, and if it feels uncomfortable, I stop. I have only gotten a true BBS once with a straight, but every shave is getting closer now.

When I started SR shaving ATG, I took it slow and kept a light hand on the razor. I used multiple short easy strokes to build the feel for the razor (but don't let it get to a point where your skin is getting irritated), hand movement, and self confidence. Just make sure you have a good lather on when you ATG.

Plus 1 on the shallow blade angle. I rarely find the need for a atg pass but if I do the blade is almost flat against my face. But ymmv.

ABSOLUTELY on the shallow blade angle! Thanks for mentioning that.

Originally Posted by zugbug

Plus 1 on the shallow blade angle. I rarely find the need for a atg pass but if I do the blade is almost flat against my face. But ymmv.

I am slowly getting the technique and confidence to go ATG but still struggle with around the chin. It seems impossible to hold it still or effectively"stretch" that spot. Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by Quixoticshaver

I am slowly getting the technique and confidence to go ATG but still struggle with around the chin. It seems impossible to hold it still or effectively"stretch" that spot. Any suggestions?

That is the trickiest spot for ATG. Still, is doable assuming you have a truly shave ready edge. Try tucking your lower lip behind your lower incisives. Try stretching the chin sideways towards your jaw angle. Use short but deliberate strokes.

I started ATG with my first shave, but it was probably 3-6 months before I quit "regularly" giving myself cuts. This being said, I still get nicks from time to time on pass #2 ATG. Everybody's different. Good luck.

This is just my two cents on ATG. For me keeping my face moist along with a good lather helps a great deal. In time you will learn the correct pressure and angle needed for you to get a comfortable shave without irritation. But i still have days when i get the old nick. Goodluck and good shaving.

Hi Guitarguy118,

Any improvement in getting that BBS shave with your SR? I started my SR jouney abt one month ago but I havent been able to get a BBS shave so far. I try several WTG and ATG passes but I always have to do a final pass with my Fusion to get that BBS shave.

Please let me know. Thanks.

Hey Jjbb,

No BBS with the straight yet, but it's getting closer! If I really need a true BBS shave I still need my DE razor. For now ATG with a straight irritates my face too much so I have decided to hold off on that direction for now. I've been sticking to a two pass shave, one WTG and one XTG, and trying to focus on how close and even I can get in those two directions. Particularly on the WTG pass, I try and make sure it is completely smooth to the touch in that direction afterwords. Once I started doing this and I figured out exactly how the heck to shave my chin (that was a big AHA! moment!) I have started getting very comfortable DFS shaves. Only a hint of stubble when rubbing against the grain. Most of the time it doesn't seem worth it to try for a BBS and risk irritation. I'm pretty happy with my progress so far. Im sure that with a little more practice, and once I get my blade touched up by a honing pro, I'll eventually be able to shave ATG without issues and finally achieve the elusive BBS shave with a straight.

Good luck on your journey and keep at it! One day (last week) it all seemed to click and just work for me, I'm sure you're just about there yourself!