Thread: Disheartened ATG Avoidance :(

I'm like Stu -- can't go ATG. I can go across the grain in both directions and that gets me a superb shave without any discomfort.

Originally Posted by commiecat

I'm like Stu -- can't go ATG. I can go across the grain in both directions and that gets me a superb shave without any discomfort.

And I found that the XTG usually works just as well in most places on my face, without the addition of razor burn!!!

Just had to add that, heheh... sry.

M

Thanks for all the Replies,
I have a lot to pay attention to next time i shave. My first thought was my razor sharpness and stropping so with some help from the forums i feel i can rule that out. Someone said they find ATG on the cheeks good and i agree, but below the jaw things get rough! I found using cold water helps, but i still get i jumpy kind of motion. My hand position is: my thumb is on the back near the heel of the razor and my fore & middle fingers are on the handle, AFDavis11 asked that and i was wondering what could need changing?, cause i do find it awkward. I have been practicing dfferent strokes but i have not attempted them ATG. I do have two things working against me, 1) my hair growth runs from left ear to right neck(kinda diagonal) 2) i have a bony face with valleys that are hard to get into.

I will try again but if worse come to worse I'll have to settle to being a non-ATG guy.

Something else you could try is stropping again just before your ATG pass. Lots of guys strop mid-shave, nothing wrong with it.

Gentlemen:

I have concluded shaving against the grain with the straight razor is not for everyone or every skin. I try to avoid against the grain as much as possible and settle for across the grain. I shave against the grain only on my neck. Even there, though, I continue to experiment with ways to avoid the move completely. No matter how sharp my razor, I am faced with a heavy beard and extremely sensitive skin. Scores of gentlemen shavers probably have the same problem.

Regards,

Obie

I find that ATG, especially on the top lip, is the ultimate test of a razor's sharpness. If you can do the Fools Pass, your razor is truly sharp.

Originally Posted by ndw76

I find that ATG, especially on the top lip, is the ultimate test of a razor's sharpness. If you can do the Fools Pass, your razor is truly sharp.

This is my experience, too.

Also, it's much harder to shave (particularly ATG) when your skin is irritated. If you're having issues going ATG, I'd only give it a shot every week or two, opting for comfortable shaves in between.