Shaving Direction

When shaving, why do they say shave with the grain then against the grain? What difference does it make?

With the grain (WTG), the razor shaves in the direction of the hair growth. Against the grain (ATG), the razor is pushed "up-sream". There's also "accross the grain"(XTG). I'm not going to insult your intellect, by explaining that. :)

The first pass should normally be done WTG. It is the easiest pass to perform and it is the mildest on your skin. ATG is more difficult to perform, the razor has a tendency to be stopped by the whiskers, depending a bit on how sharp the blade is. Hence, for ATG, you need a bit more confidence in performing the stroke. At some spots with the hardest whiskers, you need to give the blade a hint of momentum (heavier razors have an advantage here) in order to cut straight trough.

With each pass, the growth is further reduced, but it takes most of us an ATG pass to really get it completely smooth. Although this also depends on the beard type.

Bart.

Hi FSR. +1 with bart on the terms and usage. You don't say how long you have been using your straight, or if you have even started. It's best to start using WTG only. Just shave the areas between your sideburns and jawlines until you are comfortable with the blade against your face, and with manipulating the blade and angles. You can finish your shave with your other razor. Take your time and develop your feel for the razor. Once you are comfortable with these you can add other areas of your face and XG and ATG strokes. Don't set you immediate sites on the coveted BBS because you will likely be disappointed. You will get there, but only after you have developed your shaving skills. :tu

Also, you should invest in Lynn's CD. It's over 3 hours of great information about straight razors. He will help you get started with the art of stropping, face preparation, and shaving. That was my source of information to actually shave. I believe it is also on sale on his site. That's one investment that will pay dividends.

+1 on what has been said and don't forget to stretch the skin. Makes a big difference.

I have been using a straight razor for only three weeks but have always done two passes, one WTG and one ATG when I used my Quattro IV. It is like Bart said, the first pass WTG shortens the whiskers to stubble, the second pass ATG gets it down to just about skin. I agree with the other posters, just do what is comfortable and don't expect miracles for a while. The first two times I used the straight razor I did just WTG. The third time, I ventured into ATG territory and took a lot more than whiskers off, but it gets a little better each time. I'm normally not a patient person but I've told myself with this straight razor shaving, I'm doing it for fun and if I really need a perfect shave at this point I'll just go back to the Quattro IV. Like I said it gets a little (and I do mean little) better each time but I feel a sense of accomplishment for whatever improvement I do see. I only cut myself twice the last time. That was a big improvement over the first time I did ATG.