Thread: Drop the WTG=better shave

I've been staight shaving about a year now and been doing basically the same routine the entire time. Based on some posts here I thought I would drop from my usual 3 pass routine and try 2.

So I dropped the initial WTG pass and oddly enough the ease and smoothness of the first XTG pass was markedly improved and same with the ATG. The result was also noticably closer, smoother, with less redness.

I've done it 5 times now with a noticeable improvement in my shaves. I totally understand the reduction in redness but why would it be closer and smoother? At first I thought maybe I just mapped my face wrong and was actually going WTG when I thought I was going XTG but checked it again and I seem to have my directions correct.

Any ideas on why this is?

Originally Posted by volleykinginnc

I've been staight shaving about a year now and been doing basically the same routine the entire time. Based on some posts here I thought I would drop from my usual 3 pass routine and try 2.

So I dropped the initial WTG pass and oddly enough the ease and smoothness of the first XTG pass was markedly improved and same with the ATG. The result was also noticably closer, smoother, with less redness.

I've done it 5 times now with a noticeable improvement in my shaves. I totally understand the reduction in redness but why would it be closer and smoother? At first I thought maybe I just mapped my face wrong and was actually going WTG when I thought I was going XTG but checked it again and I seem to have my directions correct.

Any ideas on why this is?

I honestly can't answer that question as I've never been able to go ATG. WTG and XTG for me.

If it works for you then go with it but it should be noted that new shavers should definitely stick to WTG as their first pass.

Smoother defanitely due to ATG which I can't do because my beard is like a wire wheel. Being in the military 23 years and shaving daily I can strip paint off a fender with my chin. I do find that XTG is smoother for me also so I'm half on board with you!

I have been doing the same thing for awhile, but on my cheeks I do ATG, ATG, XTG and have been having real goo success. I always felt the WTG pass didn't remove enough hair to be that important but ymmv.

That's the great thing about this hobby, discovering what works for you to get a comfortable shave. After reading your post, I think I will give your method a try just to see. My routine for the last couple of years has been WTG, 2 XTG passes (ear to mouth then mouth to ear) and WTG and ATG on my neck. Guess there is more learning to be had and experienced.

Maybe three passes was too much for your skin, as opposed to the WTG directional aspect being the problem.

I do the same, XTG then ATG. I found the WTG pass unecessary over time as I got my technique down on the XTG and ATG passes. I did not feel any difference with my skin... feels great regardless if it is 2 or 3 pass, just a time saver for me. If I get any tugging when doing my XTG pass, I know it is time for a touchup on the hone.

Originally Posted by commiecat

I honestly can't answer that question as I've never been able to go ATG. WTG and XTG for me.

If it works for you then go with it but it should be noted that new shavers should definitely stick to WTG as their first pass.

That's why this forum is such an important resource, everyones face,
and beard is different, I don't find going ATG comfortable.

It probably depends on how often you shave. If you shave daily your stubble is short enough that you can likely start off XTG with good results, and go from there. But if you shave every other day, or more (like me), your skin will benefit from an initial WTG pass to reduce the stubble for subsequent passes. It's also easier on your blade. For me, WTG will not be going away any time soon.

I also find that starting with XTG leaves me with a better shave.