Why should X/ATG be more comfortable on the second pass than the first?

Nobody seems to be dealing with the question asked in the original post, so I'll give it a shot. Why would the second ATG pass be more comfortable than the first? I'm also going to get a little heretical here and say that I don't believe it's the fact that the lather has been on the face longer. I've been using absolutely minimal prep for months now (after trying full, long preparation for a month and seeing no difference) and getting good shaves just lathering up quickly without even splashing water on my face. I'm not recommending anyone else do this and am not campaigning for it, but it can be done.

So, I don't think time with lather makes any difference. I'm going to put this out there: It might be that the second pass, with less actual work to be done, is a lighter, more careful pass, probably used for taking care of difficult areas and because these areas are difficult less pressure is used.

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Originally Posted by TwistedOak

perhaps when you do wtg passes you aren't always completely cutting the hairs flat to the surface of the skin. More like some of the hairs get whittled thinner during the WTG pass and when you do your XTG/ATG passes the hairs are much easier to cut through. who knows.

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I'm with you on your answer. But to add, it's also a result of beard reduction, not beard removal.

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Originally Posted by ace

Nobody seems to be dealing with the question asked in the original post, so I'll give it a shot. Why would the second ATG pass be more comfortable than the first? I'm also going to get a little heretical here and say that I don't believe it's the fact that the lather has been on the face longer. I've been using absolutely minimal prep for months now (after trying full, long preparation for a month and seeing no difference) and getting good shaves just lathering up quickly without even splashing water on my face. I'm not recommending anyone else do this and am not campaigning for it, but it can be done.

So, I don't think time with lather makes any difference. I'm going to put this out there: It might be that the second pass, with less actual work to be done, is a lighter, more careful pass, probably used for taking care of difficult areas and because these areas are difficult less pressure is used.

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Ace, you have been str8 razor shaving a long time haven't you? Your face is probably well conditioned and acclimated to straight razor shaving therefore your skin doesn't need as much moisture as it probably did when you first started straight razor shaving. Moreover, your technique is probably well developed as well.

As for shaving comfort, I think the first pass reduced the beard as a result of pre-shave prep, lathering, and razor handling setting up a good condition for the succeeding passes.

Just my take and thoughts on this.

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Originally Posted by pmburk

I think the first pass reduced the beard as a result of pre-shave prep, lathering, and razor handling setting up a good condition for the succeeding passes.

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Yes but how does reducing the beard set up a good condition for the succeeding passes? ie how is it that shortening the whiskers makes a difference for the subsequent pass?

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Originally Posted by hoglahoo

Yes but how does reducing the beard set up a good condition for the succeeding passes? ie how is it that shortening the whiskers makes a difference for the subsequent pass?

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I think the whiskers will be shorten from the initial WTG pass. When shaving XTG, ATG, or another WTG pass, the whiskers will not be as long in the succeeding passes. I just think the succeeding passes will be easier because the whiskers are shorter. I'm not a barber or such; based on my personal experience, I think my succeeding passes are easier after a good pre-shave prep and the first WTG pass. Of course a good edge on the razor helps too.

"Ace, you have been str8 razor shaving a long time haven't you? Your face is probably well conditioned and acclimated to straight razor shaving therefore your skin doesn't need as much moisture as it probably did when you first started straight razor shaving. Moreover, your technique is probably well developed as well."

I've been straight shaving for five months, but haven't seen much difference in my face except for the scars. My technique is pretty decent but still getting better with every shave.

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Originally Posted by ace

"Ace, you have been str8 razor shaving a long time haven't you? Your face is probably well conditioned and acclimated to straight razor shaving therefore your skin doesn't need as much moisture as it probably did when you first started straight razor shaving. Moreover, your technique is probably well developed as well."

I've been straight shaving for five months, but haven't seen much difference in my face except for the scars. My technique is pretty decent but still getting better with every shave.

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I picked up a couple myself, but in the three months I have been straight razor shaving, I feel a difference in my face and I strive each shave to improve my technique. I actually enjoy getting up in the morning because I now look forward to shaving. It all gets better with each shave.