Thread: How many people do true ATG on the upper lip?

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

No one needs AGT .
As soon as you learn proper way to use straight razor you will never need AGT to get close shave.

I agree for the most part. The only part of my face that seems to benefit from a true ATG pass is under my chin.

I can get away without that too with blade buffing during the WTG pass, but I keep forgetting. I've already settled into a routine, which seems hard to break.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

No way Jose ! I can't do ATG on my upper lip for love nor money. I can say that with the coupe de maitre (here)and going side to side I get close and smooth. Xman has an old thread with a video showing him doing ATG on the upper lip but I can't cut it myself.

Exactly. I use that method, as your link shows, and it works great. I found that site to be EXTREMELY helpful when I got started.

I do, as well as across the grain in a 45 degree angle up from the corner of my mouth to the bridge of my nose.

My mustache grows multidirectional in places, as do the areas below the corners of my mouth.

I use a two hand grip, normal right had grip and pinch the tip between the thumb & forefinger pushing up with the thumb of the left hand. I start in the middle, lay the edge just above the lip and go straight up, then up one side in a slight scything motion, then the other.

With just water I go across the grain at the mustache and under the chin from the ear to chin for clean up.

The two hand technique gives me a lot of control, now it’s no big deal, been doing it for years.

I must admit to being a little anal to a close shave, even doing nose hairs. Now that takes a steady hand.

Everybody’s face is different and you do what you have to, to get the results you require.

Marty

I can but rarely do.

Once my razor was sharp enough for against the grain and once my technique was good enough for against the grain- I found there was little need.

Paradox this one is, yes!

LG Roy

Originally Posted by yohannrjm

So my question is: does anyone here routinely do an upwards-and-in pass on their upper lip?

I do on the rare occasion when I want buttery smooth everywhere. For me it just means short, quick, firm and controlled strokes

Originally Posted by M Martinez

I do, as well as across the grain in a 45 degree angle up from the corner of my mouth to the bridge of my nose.

Marty

Same for me. I can't understand why people are so scared of it. It's so easy and the results are fantastic. Just pull your lip taught, put the razor on using a low angle and go up while moving in a slight slicing motion.
The only reason you would cut your nose is if you are pushing too hard. Don't push the razor, it's not a bread roller.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

At one time I didn't agree with Sham on this but I changed my mind. The celebrated 1905 pamphlet here that got me started on the cold water shave stresses that you shouldn't go ATG. According to the writer ATG is the source of shave bumps, ingrown hairs and irritation. He recommends one WTG for an acceptable result and if you want BBS go two WTG.

I have tried this and it seems to work for me. TBH most days one pass is fine for me with a bit more work on the knob of the chin and the hollows on either side of the windpipe. I guess I am blessed with soft whiskers.

I have also been under the impression, from reading elsewhere, that shaving ATG is for DB razors not straight razors. However, my technigue evolved to using ATG on the neck. I just never felt comfortable shaving on the neck in upwards strokes. I shave the neck going from top to bottom which is, in many cases, ATG.

I do a fool's pass almost every day. Gotta be careful since that area tends to get irritated pretty easy.

I don't shave anywhere ATG. I "cold" shave and WTG is all I need for a smooth shave. I saw a barber showing how to shave and at the end he said not to go against the grain. His reasoning was you only want a comfortable shave because you're going to have to do it again tomorrow!

Good BBS results can come from XTG or near ATG passes. Certain areas of the face may be able to handle a precision ATG pass, but others don't, but will take a near ATG pass and give a great result.

After my near ATG pass on the upper lip, if I try a precision ATG pass, it doesn't produce a better result.

Everyone is different and you just need to find your comfort zone.

Pabster