Thread: ATF on upper lip question.

I too had a big problem on the upper lip. The only method that worked for me is to go across the grain of the beard in small strokes while pulling the skin as tight as possible with the free hand. No success with the bubble lip or tongue pushing method; light pressure and tight skin helped me through this patch. Subsequent shaves became easier and cleaner. Good luck.

I agree with others about the two hands, move the head, and lay the blade completely flat on the first ATG pass. I may then buff at no more than 10 degrees. As others have said, it is the ultimate test of sharpness, but the straight razor is the only tool I have ever been able to get a BBS shave on my upper lip with no burn or irritation.

Originally Posted by Ryan82

IMO a XTG pass or two on the upper lip (one in each direction) is sufficient for a great shave, but I digress....

.... But since no one has posted a link to xman's Fool's Pass vid from a few years ago, here it is:




BTW - if I'm not mistaken, wasn't it X who first coined the term "Fool's Pass"?

hmm...first time i've seen that vid...impressively steep angle...

It scares me just to watch that. Lol.
I'm still a DE guy.

ladavis89,
Here is another tidbit that may help. Really work your brush as vigorously on your upper lip as you do the rest of your face. Not wanting to get soap in our nose or mouth, sometimes we really do not give the upper lip the attention it needs with the brush. As such, we may not be working the beard effectively, minimizing the softening process, and not getting the beard to stand up for better shaving. This is my latest discovery as I continue my walk down Straight Razor Lane. Hope it helps.
Andy

Originally Posted by ryanjewell

Attachment 94639

I always wondered why there seemed to be so many mustached men here...I just figured there are lots of Tom Selleck fans...

Yes, not Tommy but the mustache was my solution to the problem.
If you must try for a ATG, you may want to use the double handed pass. Holding it as normal and then grasp the back of the point with the other hand and slowly ATG as if it were a scraper using both hands.

I noticed a few errant nose hairs yesterday while I was doing the 'fools pass' and was very concerned that I had the almost irresistable urge to use the razor on them.
Thank goodness that good sense prevailed and I used scissors...mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Originally Posted by AndyPic

ladavis89,
Here is another tidbit that may help. Really work your brush as vigorously on your upper lip as you do the rest of your face. Not wanting to get soap in our nose or mouth, sometimes we really do not give the upper lip the attention it needs with the brush. As such, we may not be working the beard effectively, minimizing the softening process, and not getting the beard to stand up for better shaving. This is my latest discovery as I continue my walk down Straight Razor Lane. Hope it helps.
Andy

Very good point Andypic. Just been workin on that issue myself. Now getting better shaves after extra brush work on upper lip.

Can you imagine if he sneezed while doing that, Yikes. As for the nose hairs ,just stick it up your nostril and give it a twirl,but don't forget to post the pictures,lol

Originally Posted by WillN

Moustache. Solves the problem, I have had mine for many years. ATG is hard enough in easy areas.

Will N.

That's why I usually have a goat-tee

The fools pass success comes through time. It's part of my daily, but was once was a never for me. Keep those upper lip whiskers saturated, your blade sharp and primed off the strop, and most importantly, zero pressure. Micro buffering strokes while watching the results are my technique. Therefore don't lather up that area, so you can see the action instead of atg'ing the upper lip blind due to thick lather. Fools pass- always my last step. You'll get it.