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Hey guys,
I just finished my fourth shave with my Whipped Dog Wostenholm pipe razor and tried my first ATG with the shave. I noticed that there was a lot of tug doing the ATG and was wondering if it was my technique or if it's the razor. It feels like it's a little bit more dull than when I got it straight from Larry. I've nicked up my poor man strop pretty bad and may have damaged the razor using the nicked strop or even rolled the edge.
What do you guys think?
If it's your first ATG, I would GUESS that it's a technique thing.
Are you lowering the angle on your blade when you go ATG? The whole blade should be
almost touching your face, some people even lay the whole blade flat on their face when they go ATG.
If the shave is still comfortable when you go WTG and XTG I would say that you probably didn't roll your edge.
That's just my .02, I'm sure someone here will have some ideas on how to check your edge ect.
timebomb,
All the elements must come together to shave ATG comfortably: sharp razor, well stropped, proper technique and good prep. If you're lacking in any department it can have a negative effect on the final outcome, so it can be hard to diagnose the exact issue. But considering this is only shave #4 don't beat yourself up too much for not having ATG success. I'm thinking it's likely technique and the edge. If your edge is less than perfect you can still shave comfortably WTG and XTG, but ATG will be a challenge. You really need a great edge to go ATG. Perhaps the blade needs some honing, or perhaps just an experienced hand on a strop, I can't say for sure. The thumb pad test is a good clue. If you don't know how the TPT should feel try it on a DE blade if you have one, the edge should feel "sticky".
As for technique, keep the angle very low, use short strokes. It also helps to have the blade slightly angled (guillotine stroke) or to use scything motions; however, these are considered advanced techniques and should be used at your own risk.
I tried the TPT and it doesn't pass. The Whipped Dog set came with a balsa strop/hone chromium oxide and iron oxide. Should I try to give that a shot and see if it helps?
If you're comfortable assessing the TPT I don't see why you couldn't use the pasted strop. Just go easy on it. I'd try 5 light laps of chrome ox and see if there's improvement, and if it needs more strop in sets of 5. It shouldn't take more than a dozen laps, and I wouldn't recommend more than 15. If that doesn't do it there are likely other issues.
timebomb,
Given my short, but somewhat successful experiences with the straight razor, I think Ryan82 has given a complete assessment of your potential issues. Let me just suggest that after you are comfortable with the condition of your blade, make certain your pre shave prep is up to speed. Whether you use oil or cream on the pre shave, work it into the beard with some level of diligence. Then as you begin your ATG, do not discount the need for a good stretch of the face as you work the strokes. Finally, as I was having trouble in this area, I went back to my Mach I, only to understand how I attacked my face in certain areas. This may lend some understanding to how the whiskers are growing, and help you better attack them with the straight blade.
I will tell you what was told to me many times, be careful, learn something with every shave, don't rush the process and have fun. Hope this was helpful
Andy