Major 'grabbing' when xtg

I've just started trying xtg on the difficult areas - mustache and under bottom lip. I can do my throat fine - get a much better result than with Mach 3 or KoS razors.

But I have problems going xtg on mustache and below my bottom lip. My mustache hair grows at 45degree angle down and away from my nose. It's very coarse, and even new multi-blades don't shave this smooth unless I soak my face first for a long time.

When I try xtg on this, the razor really catches on the stubble, I have to push hard to get it through. Does anyone else have this problem?

I'm thinking of sending it away to be honed professionally, as I guess my problem could be lack of sharpness.

If you feel the need to push, stop!

I had this problem before and it is what really clued me in that my blades were not as sharp as they could be.

I also try to keep the blade as flat as possible. Try doing more of a buffing motion instead also.

but yeah... Upper lip is a senstive area, at least for me.

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Originally Posted by mrcharly

I've just started trying xtg on the difficult areas - mustache and under bottom lip. I can do my throat fine - get a much better result than with Mach 3 or KoS razors.

But I have problems going xtg on mustache and below my bottom lip. My mustache hair grows at 45degree angle down and away from my nose. It's very coarse, and even new multi-blades don't shave this smooth unless I soak my face first for a long time.

When I try xtg on this, the razor really catches on the stubble, I have to push hard to get it through. Does anyone else have this problem?

I'm thinking of sending it away to be honed professionally, as I guess my problem could be lack of sharpness.

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thanks, and I've just realized I've been writing nonsense.

I'm talking about shaving Against The Grain, not xtg. Twit.

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Originally Posted by mrcharly

thanks, and I've just realized I've been writing nonsense. I'm talking about shaving Against The Grain, not xtg.

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Same difference, though. While it could be anything from bad prep to bad technique, your problem sounds like the razor is not really shave ready. Having one honed by professional at home for benchmarking purposes is always a good idea, by the way.

I have had similar problems with dull razors, wrong razor angle and improper stretching.

If your razor shaves well in other areas it could be technique rather than dull? Try stretching more and pay a little more attention to blade angle. I have found the best angle is by starting out flat with the razor and slowly raising the angle until the razor starts shaving. That is the proper angle to maintain.
It sounds like you are doing great, hang in there.
Good luck,
Rick

I go along with Raudrive. IME if the razor isn't cutting smoothly it is either lack of adequate keenness, inadequate preparation, lack of technique (stretching properly) or all of the above.

I find that for tough areas like this I need to do two things (in addition to all the "right stuff" like good prep, good stropping, etc.):

1. Use short strokes.
2. Use a slicing/guillotine action as described at Shaving passes - Straight Razor Place Wiki

how do you manage to do the slicing motion when doing under your nose?

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Originally Posted by mrcharly

how do you manage to do the slicing motion when doing under your nose?

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Carefully. :) Here is one way to do it.

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Originally Posted by mrcharly

how do you manage to do the slicing motion when doing under your nose?

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Well, if you can shave at all under your nose you can shave with a slicing motion. It's just a matter of exactly what direction you push the blade.

Mustache area - ATG - excellent lather, fairly sharp blade and short strokes. Start by a pass very close to the skin, then integrate the pass against the skin. It a nice way to ease the blade onto the skin and start the shaving motion. It does take some practice and you may get some weepers in the first few shaves.

Do suck in the top lip to tighen the skin above the lip when shaving.

Good Luck,

Pabster

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Originally Posted by TexasBob

1. Use short strokes.
2. Use a slicing/guillotine action as described at Shaving passes - Straight Razor Place Wiki

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I should have added a number 3: get the area from multiple XTG directions before doing ATG.

Shaving ATG shouldn't pull at all either, if it does and your razor came shave ready then the following may be happening:

-improper stropping that dulls the razor. Without creating "Draw" on the razor when you strop, the effects can make the razor duller every day.

-The shave ready razor wasn't sharp enough for you. What's good for one guy isn't good enough for another, we all have difficult facial hair types. If I feel any pulling at all I quickly go to the Norton 4/8k and do a conservative pyramid until the shave is good again, Then I will follow on a pasted strop.

I've sent my razor off for professional re-honing and stropping. Seems worth trying, as it only cost me a few bucks from ebay. Cost of rehoning = 8 Mach3 blades.

Will be very interested to see how much difference it makes when I get it back.