Thread: Fools Pass

Originally Posted by xman

Does anybody think that it's true what they say, that the upper lip can be too sensitive to shave against the grain?

X

I think it's possible, every one is different I guess. My stubble is very course, so it takes a very sharp edge to prevent the blade skipping. I think if I had more sensitive skin, this could be an issue.

If I had more sensitive skin, I'd be skeee-rewed. I have coarse, dark, thick whiskers, and relatively pale skin (during the winter, anyway). Three pass shaves are the norm (with an occassional "et's go REAL close today" clean up pass), which include a fools pass. Ever since my first full-face straight shave, I've been doing them.
VERY sharp edge, steady hand, and short movements. I don't think I've ever nicked myself during the fool's pass.

Luckily, for me the foul's pass isn't a straight up motion to my nose. My mustache grows out from my nose down to the corners of my mouth, which means shave ATG on my lip is more of a sideways stroke from the corners of my mouth to my nose.

Thank god.

Originally Posted by xman

Does anybody think that it's true what they say, that the upper lip can be too sensitive to shave against the grain?

X

No, I don't think it's too sensitive to do ATG on the upper lip, but all the planets need to be in alignment: sharp edge, smoooooth edge (a la coticule), light touch, good technique, and excellent beard (moustache?) prep.

Personally, I blow my cheeks out like Louis Armstrong then stretch the skin before doing the fool's pass. You get a lot closer, but the risks of irritation are higher. Takes a bit of practice, but once you get it then there's no reason you can get irritation-free ATG on upper lip every time... as confirmed by the final pass with an Alum block!

I do all of my ATG passes, including the "Fool's Pass" in an oblique direction. It's still BBS after a cold water rinse and I have less irritation. BTW, my beard is rather thick and dense, especially on the sides of my chin.

Originally Posted by xman

Does anybody think that it's true what they say, that the upper lip can be too sensitive to shave against the grain?

X

Originally Posted by majurey

No, I don't think it's too sensitive to do ATG on the upper lip, but all the planets need to be in alignment: sharp edge, smoooooth edge (a la coticule), light touch, good technique, and excellent beard (moustache?) prep.

I agree with Majurey. For my Fool's Pass, I also find I need sufficient velocity of the edge to prevent it from hanging up in that area.