Thread: against the grain tips

I can go against the grain fine with a DE, but am not feeling that comfortable with a straight yet. Minor attempts have seen the razor seeming to come to a screeching halt as it hits the whiskers, which aren't pointing in a cooperative direction. It easily feels like the blade could sink into my face instead, so I haven't pursued it.

Any tips beyond stretching the skin tight, and perhaps lowering the angle of the blade? I'd really like to be able to do it, as my straight shaves as yet haven't been as close as the 3-passers I do with a DE.

Thanks, Mark

You can try going across the grain rather than directly against it. Some areas are easier than others. I know that for several months against the grain on my upper lip was very tough.

You can try stropping between passes as well.

You can also try stretching the skin in front of the blade rather than behind. This can be a little dangerous in the event you slip.

Yea .... across-the-grain is better .... a first-time dabble with growing a beard during Lent this year showed I get a "cowlick" swirl of growth just under my chin on my right-hand side. How can you shave against-the-grain with that?

For me going cross grain is where I nick myself. I can go against the grain easier I guess because I can get a better grip on my skin and keep it tight.

Leading the edge so it is at an angle to the motion can sometimes help. I lead with the point or with the tang side and the scything action can help with a tough area.

John in Covnia (So Cal)

One thing I have been trying is shaving those tough against the grain spots with just an inch or so of the blade; usually the very end. When doing this I find that I am not dragging the entire length of the blade over already shaved areas several times. Plus, I can also focus on exact spots little by little and feel how effective I am doing.

I started this by picking one tough spot on my face and working on that every shave: just under the chin and to the left and right about an inch. No matter how I shave I always have stubble there. Now, I just do my regular shave and take time to go back to these places and work them carefully. I have been having some success with this so now I will move onto another spot. Try it and let us know how it works for you.

showme

I think it is in Turkey that they use little alcohol-burners to singe off whiskers instead of a blade .... maybe we ought to all get an SRP Butane Triple Flame Lighter torch for touch-ups!

YES!!! I want one! talk about Macho Shaving!

I definitely want one of those lighters!!! Too Cool!!! Lynn

You can, also, heat up your razor to the point of white glow, and shave with that. It will shave you closely while burning in remailning stuble.

Talking about macho shaving...