Thread: XTG

I was just on Geo F. Trumper's web site and they have a section about how to shave with a straight. [url=http://www.trumpers.com/shaving_tips.cfm]. They said not to shave against the grain as this is the most common reason for shave irritation. I was always told that is how you get the closest shave. Any one have any comments about this?

well both statements are true

alot of ppl here cant go ATG
and WTG-XTG can give a smoth shave on its own

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 prosneek

Geo F. Trumper's web site . . . said not to shave against the grain as this is the most common reason for shave irritation. I was always told that is how you get the closest shave.

As Obie has already said, you will need to experiment. I am in complete agreement. You need to find what works for your particular face and beard.

"One size fits all" recommendations like you found on this Web site are next to worthless. The Creator did not stamp us all out from the same cookie cutter. Some men have very coarse, thick facial hair; others have very soft, fine, thin facial hair. Some like me have stubble as stiff as a wire bristle brush while others have stubble as soft as peach fuzz. The number of facial hairs per square inch varies from many to few also, as well as the change of direction that facial hair grows in various areas of the face from person to person. Some men have very sensitive skin while others' skin is much less prone to irritation.

Quite a few SRP members have found that cold water shaving gives them the best shave. Using cold water just does not work with my skin and beard. Follow the collective advice you find here as a guide to experimentation to discover what works best for YOU. Trust your right brain.
Namaste,
Morty -_-

I only do a single pass, but it is a mix of all three directions. For example, the hair on the sides of my face grows toward the ears. In shaving this area, I use a stroke that starts vertically downward, but curves toward the chin as this is the most natural way for me to shave this area. This results in a stroke that is partly XTG and partly ATG. I shave my chin from the sides, again the most natural way for me. This is XTG for my beard. I shave north to south on my neck with a slight curve to the center, this is basically WTG. For me there is no difference in the closeness of the shave or the level of irritation between the WTG, XTG and ATG areas. In truth, I never really thing about WTG, XTG or ATG, I just shave in the most natural and convenient way.

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.