Thread: Short Stroke vs. Long Stroke Technique

I like to make long strokes all the way from the sideburn down through the neck. I haven't seen any difference in closeness, and it speeds up the shave. On ATG passes I can go all the way from the neck through the cheek with great results. But that's just me.

Originally Posted by Alembic

I think I like that I can do both. As I was saying, it takes a lot of control and knowledge of your face to do those long strokes.

I should have mentioned this, but I have dropped the WTG pass altogether unless I have 3+ days of growth. I just do an XTG and an ATG pass.

I am learning to skip the WTG pass as well!

Thanks...this has given me something to think about. I use the long stroke too for the sides, but I will try the short strokes for a change to see the difference. I use an extra hollow grind because I like the feedback the blade gives me and it tends to help me determine pressure needed on the contours. I think the short strokes would help a lot with my heavier blades.

Originally Posted by Alembic

I think I like that I can do both. As I was saying, it takes a lot of control and knowledge of your face to do those long strokes.

I should have mentioned this, but I have dropped the WTG pass altogether unless I have 3+ days of growth. I just do an XTG and an ATG pass.

I've been tempted to skip the WTG pass myself, but it's been a part of my routine since I started straight razor shaving. I have been tempted to just shave WTG the sideburn area and XTG and ATG under my jawline which is the area that gives me the biggest challenge in beard reduction. The biggest challenge I have is getting the right angle under the jawline because my beard grain angles back towards my collarbone. In that area, I feel I am going partly XTG and ATG, that's probably where I am going to need to use the scything (sp?) technique which I do not feel I am quite ready for at this time.

What I find works best, at least for me, are short strokes for my initial WTG pass, followed by long strokes for my second (XTG) pass on the broad parts of my face. I will then switch to short strokes again for my chin and ATG touch ups, usually incorporating some blade buffing as well. Seems to work a charm

Originally Posted by Ryan82

What I find works best, at least for me, are short strokes for my initial WTG pass, followed by long strokes for my second (XTG) pass on the broad parts of my face. I will then switch to short strokes again for my chin and ATG touch ups, usually incorporating some blade buffing as well. Seems to work a charm

+1 Now why didn't someone tell me that last year? Well said!!! Each must learn and earn their own path to bbs.

I like to look for the multi directional 2 pass shave, the first pass is a little more WTG but still some ATG thrown in with a mix of long / short strokes. But it really is what you feel gives you the best blade control and the best results.
Sam

Since I have plenty of facial hair, I hardly have any room for making long strokes. Just in my neck, reall, but the contours there kinda forbid that. Short strokes there work much better (for me), with long strokes I miss patches and consequently have to make more strokes/passes, increasing the chance of irritation and cuts.

In the late '70 my grandfather showed me how to shave with a straight and he used lots of short strokes WTG is some places and ATG in others. He always ended up with a smooth face but then he had been doing it for almost 80 years at that point.

I use the short stroke method he taught me and find it works best.

Originally Posted by Jacketch

In the late '70 my grandfather showed me how to shave with a straight and he used lots of short strokes WTG is some places and ATG in others. He always ended up with a smooth face but then he had been doing it for almost 80 years at that point.

I use the short stroke method he taught me and find it works best.

That's great reading about your grandfather showing you how to shave with a straight. He taught you well!