Thread: Do you get razor burn?

I like a very close shave. That means incorporating several against-the-grain (or south-to-north) passes to force every one of those stubbly little suckers into ultimate submission. The technique certainly works well, but along with it can come a rather intense razor burn.

If I hold off for at least one day between shaves, the burn either doesn't happen or it is very light when I'm done. But normally, I prefer to shave on a daily basis. Now, my beard is not what I’d call heavy and my skin does tend to be a little on the sensitive side (just my skin, mind you – personally, I’m about as sensitive as a bulldog in heat).

I’ve used Feather brand DEs for about seven years but I’m new enough to straights that I don’t have an expert’s touch yet, so it could just be my fault and may improve with practice. Or it might be my need to develop a better stropping or shaving technique. What the answer is, I’m just not certain.

However, I’m sure I’m not the only one who has experienced this, so what have you done to improve or eliminate the burn from A-T-G passes? Or do you even perform A-T-G passes? Please let me know what your thoughts are.

Thanks,

Bruce

One way to eliminate razor burn stemming from ATG passes is just to eliminate them, at least for a while. If you must go ATG, and I do it all the time, you have to rely on a proper angle, good prep, and use as little pressure as you can. You won't have an "expert's touch" for quite a while if you're new to straights. I don't yet either. You may have to check your blade's sharpness as well. Razor burn is the first step on the road to good shaving, and we've all taken that step too.

I have a tough beard and use ATG also. Try using a little shave oil on each pass. Also, the touch on the razor is important, go very lightly. Sooner or later the burn will go away when you get your technique down.

Originally Posted by ace

One way to eliminate razor burn stemming from ATG passes is just to eliminate them, at least for a while. If you must go ATG, and I do it all the time, you have to rely on a proper angle, good prep, and use as little pressure as you can. You won't have an "expert's touch" for quite a while if you're new to straights. I don't yet either. You may have to check your blade's sharpness as well. Razor burn is the first step on the road to good shaving, and we've all taken that step too.

I agree, sharp razor, light touch, good technique
(I use a glide with a SR, and shave my chin with the
heal of the blade, so it doesn't flex much), and prep.

My skin gets irritated if I go ATG. I've found that I can get an excellent -- and more importantly, comfortable -- shave by just going WTG and XTG. Closeness is nice and if your skin can handle ATG, go for it. Do not sacrifice comfort for closeness, though.

All good sound advice. I notice a lot less razor burn if I do not try to get BBS as I'm going ATG. After the ATG pass. Re-lubricate with plenty of hot H2O and massage your lather in with your fingertips. This will show you your missed hairs, grain pattern, and re-hydrate your face and help your razor do the finishing touches you're looking for. Stay wet-stay stay-slippery.

Originally Posted by commiecat

My skin gets irritated if I go ATG. I've found that I can get an excellent -- and more importantly, comfortable -- shave by just going WTG and XTG. Closeness is nice and if your skin can handle ATG, go for it. Do not sacrifice comfort for closeness, though.

same here. wtg then xtg. i'm all about comfort.

It may surprise you what a difference the right shave soap/cream can make.

A good sharp blade, good prep and the lightest of touch and I don't have problems with it. The only time I've had a problem through soaps/creams are with those containing sandalwood, one (Taylor's) used to begin burning before I even put the blade to my face. If you're absolutely confident of your technique and products then perhaps your skin is just too sensitive for the ATG pass.

I have to confess that I always want to have the BBS'est shave possible, and ATG is one of the only ways for me to get it. I have medium beard and use lot's of face prep to help reach my goal. I do get razor burn from it sometimes, but any really good after shave balm will help and shaving every other day is good also, as a mater of fact with a really close BBS I don't get beard back in less than 2 day's any way!!

Welcome to straight razors, with time you'll love if.

tinkersd of SRP