Thread: Shaving against the grain

There are times when shaving against the grain seems difficult or the razor seems to skip and catch a little. I usually do ok, but there are times when it seems difficult to go against the grain, even on my cheeks.

What do you all think the causes are for that?

I know that for me, going against the grain right underneeth my chin is very difficult most of the times and I just don't bother. But sometimes my cheeks are difficult as well. I don't have any trouble with a DE in this way, but for some reason, my str8 sometimes gives me trouble.

Could it be a blade that is simply not sharp enough?

My first guess is a lack of sharpness. Also, make sure you go with the grain first, and, you might want to try across the grain too unless you're already doing it. Make sure your whiskers are really wet, softened with hot water, and well lubricated. But the sharpness of the razor is certainly suspect in my mind.

Tom

Yep, razor sharpness, I go against every morning, after going with. No issues. Well, except for last night, I shaved my goatee off for the first time in over a year. My chin is pretty tender.

Sharpness is always an issue. Once sharp I also find that some creative stropping can get the edge shaving smoother and thus works better against the grain. I'd say this move is the true test of edge quality.

Try shaving across the grain and let us know if you get the same symptoms. Lynn

I'd say sharpness & utilize a scything motion. Remember, straight razors are slicing implemenets. They can cut straight on as a push cutter, but a little forward & down slicing action like a scythe is really where they can shine.

Scything motion? Maybe I'm misunderstanding. Never move a straight sideways, good way to get cut IMHO.

I shave once with the grain, below the jaw bone against the grain. and the accross the grain for the chin and jawbone. This gives me a very great shave

Not sideways, as it will cut you. It is more like forward & sideways, much like a diagonal. If you watch how chefs cut vegetables, they push the knife forward and down at the same time as well. It's a slicing action.

Yea, very dangerous...you'll see a diagram in the barbers manual. I think its better to work on sharpness first. Its effective I suppose though, I've never really used it as a technique. A lot of newbie faces look like vegtables to me...