Thread: Does anyone not shave against the grain?

I found that the key to a successful ATG pass (my third) resides on a scary sharp edge, an extremely low angle and light pressure along with a very wet and warm face, good prep and perfect lather. I also make a final fourth pass to go over the details. When on the learning curve I also had serious irritation and rash. Now as Ogelthorpe says, I can also skip one shave as my shaving is the closest I ever had.
Good luck!!!!

Originally Posted by Oglethorpe

You can get an excellent ATG shave with a low angle, a flexible grip, and very little pressure. If the razor catches, the loose grip will be a little more forgiving. Also, a scything, or toe-leading pass helps "slice" versus "chop".

Since the beginning I've been doing 3-pass shaves, and it actually buys me a day in between of not needing to shave.

I get the elusive BBS after every shave now, as a result. I wouldn't be able to get it otherwise.

If you have irritation that you can live through, IMO your ATG shaving will get better with practice. I fought it off for a while and now I'm paying dividends with great shaves on a regular basis.

Hope this helps!

+1 to Ogle - this is nearly identical to me. I always do 2 passes - WTG and ATG, but I lead my scything with the heel sometimes. Ultra-light touch and low angle are absolutely important. If I get get that BBS I can usually keep it for a solid 24 hours before feeling stubble, and don't "need" a shave for 2 days or so. If the irritation is bearable, give yourself time to improve. If you constantly tear up your face, get ingrown hairs, etc. you may have to settle for XTG.

I believe in most cases where people say do not go against the grain, they are assuming you are shaving with one of the modern day multi blade cartridge razors. They are notorious for causing ingrown hairs, irritation, and other bad things when you go against the grain with them.

In the world of single blade shaving with either straights or DE razors, going against the grain is pretty commonplace for most people without any of those cartridge razor side effects. The angle of the razor can be controlled and that is probably the key to success.

I'm blessed with non-sensitive and tough skin - so I go AGT - WTG - XTG - AGT. I have no ill-effects and if the razor is sharp enough I don't have the slightest trace of hair for about 12 hours.

My girlfriend, who, for a time, was some sort of beautician, said she was told at the beauty school she went to in France to shave with the grain twice, then against the grain once and then with the grain again. And never ever go across the grain. I've never tried the routine myself but she said they were adamant about it.

I don't go against the grain. I usually do two passes with the grain, and on occasion when I want to be really smooth I'll do WTG and then XTG.

My answer to your question is both yes and no. I only do one pass, and I do not concern myself with the whole WTG, XTG, ATG bouhaha. Instead, I follow a do what comes naturally approach. By this I mean that I shave each area of my face using strokes that feel right for the area. For example: I shave down both sides starting at the temple with the stroke curving toward my chin. This results in a more or less WTG stroke at the temple that changes to an ATG stroke across the jaw line. So some parts of my face do get the ATG treatment and some don't. Interestingly enough, I find no difference in shave quality from point to point.

This "Natural" approach has several advantages.

1) It produces the optimum scything action without effort (or even much thought).

2) It minimizes the chance of injury as the most common cause of serious cuts is from trying to force an unnatural motion on your body.

3) If follows naturally follows the contours of your face, minimizing irritation.

You should make this a poll. I'd be curious to see the results. I do not shave ATG save for rare occasion and then only on my cheeks. WTG and XTG for me. I have very sensitive skin and am prone to ingrown hairs on my neck especially. ATG is asking for nothing but trouble. ATG or "fools pass" above my upper lip? Aye, that would be asking for such trouble. The follicles in that area seem close to the surface and would just get raked regardless of the razor, technique, etc.

Chris L

Chris,

Poll = good idea. I'd vote for it.

Fools' pass = a hinged nose would definitely be easier to pick; harder to blow, but definitely easier to pick, especially with thick fingers.

i find that wtg and xtg is all i need to do. there maybe a lilttle stubble left.

Originally Posted by Yahoochiewatchie

Everything you read about shaving tells you not to shave against the grain....but everyone does it seemingly (maybe im wrong??). Does anyone get a smooth enough shave by shaving with the grain only?

A lot depends on how your beard lays on the face.

My guess is that 20% of the beginners have trouble beards.
These trouble beards and ATG is a blunder.

Another pile of beginners are switching methods. Switching
methods invites some caution while the face and skill match up.

A lucky few can just go for it.

My smooth enough is almost always found cross the grain.
I have a problem beard and ATG is almost always the wrong thing.
Some days the blade is fine and sharp, the prep is primo and
I can do what I want....