Thread: Shaving Against the Grain

I saw Lynn do a shave video and he shaved diagonally instead of ATG and XTG. I tried that and it works real well. Still need the ATG in touch up but its worth the try.

I didn't shave yesterday. But today's shave started ATG (all but on the neck, XTG) for a two pass shave. To me, the key is a very sharp edge, the right angle, and very little pressure. But it will take time before you get comfortable enough to do that AND to know your edge enough to confidently do that. So while you're working toward that goal, question everything. Is your prep good? Lather good? Edge good? Angle right? It'll take time. Be patient.

I need advice on the against grain issue. I bought a Thiers Issard starting kit from Adam at The Invisible Edge and have shaved with a straight razor now for about a month but I'm having hard time with everything under my jawline. My beard grows horizontally from center towards the edges of my face and I just don't seem to get the razor against the grain. I now have to shave it upwards and then downwards but this results me not getting close shave under jawline, what to try next?

My hair grows in a similar way, and skin stretching helps. I tilt my head down slightly then use one hand to pull the neck skin up over the jawbone as much as possible. This way I'm shaving on the flat surface of my cheek where it's much easier to maneuver the blade. Hope this helps!

Thanks for advice, tried to do a little stretching in front of a mirror and this seems like it could work very well.

Originally Posted by gustus

I need advice on the against grain issue. I bought a Thiers Issard starting kit from Adam at The Invisible Edge and have shaved with a straight razor now for about a month but I'm having hard time with everything under my jawline. My beard grows horizontally from center towards the edges of my face and I just don't seem to get the razor against the grain. I now have to shave it upwards and then downwards but this results me not getting close shave under jawline, what to try next?

Sometimes this helps

http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...ml#post1028821

&

http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...ml#post1028898

Thanks, Guitarguy118,

I made some improvements in the last days but still no BBS shave. I believe that in my case its a metter of getting to know how to use my SR at different angles. No problems with WTG or ATG pass but I still need to master XTG pass. In abt 2-3 months I'll give you an update abt my progress. Good luck and thanks again.

I tried ATG today for the first time, and for the first time, I was able to match the closeness of my DE razor. I didn't go directly against the grain, but at a slight angle (far less than XTG). It made the razor easier to handle and I had no irritation.

I have the same problem. Instead of going straight up from the neck to the jaw, I go in a diagonal from the side to the chin. Make sure your blade is sharp, light pressure, keep the blade flat and you pull the skin tight. Lynn did this in his shave video and I tried it and it works very well. If you have lose skin on your neck, the pulling the skin tight is a must. It is less irritating then against the grain. I also hold the razor like a Japanese style non folding razor, it's easier for me to control the pressure.