Thread: XTG

Hello, Prosneek:

You have to experiment here to see what works best for you.

Some gentlemen face skin problems when shaving against the grain. I myself have slowly discovered that and abandoned, almost totally, shaving against the grain. Some gentlemen, however, have no problem with against the grain.

Either way, with proper skin stretching, you can accomplish a great deal with across the grain.

Regards,
Obie

To clarify, XTG is across the grain and ATG is against.

I cannot go against the grain as it irritates my skin. I can get a great shave by going with- and across-the-grain and it lasts about two days.

You can try ATG to see how your skin reacts. I'd suggest doing small areas to start and then evaluate the results immediately after the shave and again after like an hour.

To those who get a close shave without going ATG, I applaud your skill. Never could manage it myself. While I had a lot of irritation when I started, going ATG no longer bothers me. I have found that my WTG pass does little if anything to remove whiskers. If I skip it however, the ATG results in unbearable irritation.

Back when I used a twin blade I would have agreed with that. I don't know why but ATG used to cause irritation and ingrowth (I don't think that's a word, yet). But after switching my face now feels irritated if I don't go ATG. Ha! For the record I shave ATG first, then WTG for second pass, then XTG for third pass.

Not proselytizing for the cold water shave but ..... the same 1905 pamphlet that recommended that also said that you should never shave against the grain. It said that a second pass WTG would be the best way to go. I started doing that and found that for me it is enough. Before I began with the 1905 method I routinely did WTG & ATG/XTG, depending on the shave area, with no skin problems. Just lucky to have my skin/whiskers I guess. Anyhow, most days, depending on my razor and the phase of the moon, the two WTG passes deliver the goods. Give it a try.

Originally Posted by commiecat

To clarify, XTG is across the grain and ATG is against.

I cannot go against the grain as it irritates my skin. I can get a great shave by going with- and across-the-grain and it lasts about two days.

You can try ATG to see how your skin reacts. I'd suggest doing small areas to start and then evaluate the results immediately after the shave and again after like an hour.

Yeah Commie, i realized my mistake about the XTG and ATG after i posted it but it would not let me edit the title.

Thanks for all the feed back.

Thats a blanket statement. Of course, I go ATG to get my BBS shave. Some areas get the near ATG pass since ATG isn't feasible due to its location and the size of the straight razor.

Too many passes, too much pressure, and not enough lather are my reasons for an irritated area. I rarely get in grown hairs and when it happens, its very minor and gets worked out easily and unnoticed by others.

Some shavers have problems with ATG, but I am not one of them.

You just have to find out what works for you.

Pabster

In fact if you shave with right technique you don't need AGT TO get bbs shave.
gl

I enjoy having my two personal standards of shaving, BBS and super BBS. I always go the extra effort to get the super BBS shave and that involves the ATG passes and I love it.

Everyone's a little different in their preferences.

Pabster

i shave with an artist club razor and am down to a single pass.. with some light touchups.. atg causes irritation and xtg doesn't seem to get any closer than two wtg passes..

i think overall.. 2 wtg passes are the best way to go.. it's also what i have noticed most professional barbers to do.