Thread: Shaving against the grain

My girlfriend bought me a dovo 5/8 for my 21st birthday back in April of this year(2012) I've gotten with the grain down pretty well but across and against are a little hard for my hand to figure out. I tend to ccut myself pretty bad going against. Are there any hand positions anyone can recommend? I've tried everything I can think of including using left hand on right side of face and vice versa

Do Not worry about it at this point,do two with the grain passes,in 6 mos,start dinking around with with an XTG pass,get that down,than try maybe an XTG scything pass after one WTG pass.
rome was not built in a day,you have a major learning curve in front of you,Enjoy the ride,never give up,wellcome to SRP.

I've been using the straight for a year & 1/2, never go against the grain, 2 passes with the grain & I love my results.

So as far as suggesting any info on ATG, sorry I don't have any.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Do Not worry about it at this point,do two with the grain passes,in 6 mos,start dinking around with with an XTG pass,get that down,than try maybe an XTG scything pass after one WTG pass.
rome was not built in a day,you have a major learning curve in front of you,Enjoy the ride,never give up,wellcome to SRP.

Thank you, I guess I am getting ahead of my self. Btw what is scything across the grain

ATG is where the roots of the hairs are tossed aside. One MUST do it. JMHO. Scything is where you tilt the blade and run it, straight up and down. Period! Makes for better results.
Of course these are advanced shaving techniques and will come to you! Something which you should try and do!

It's especially important to keep the skin stretched taught and keep the razor pretty flat when going against the grain. If I cut myself going against the grain it's usually because of one of those two things.

Not to worry,it will evolve in due time,and before you know it,your going to say: this is a cake walk,but a tad down the road.
Enjoy the journey.

I used to have the same problem going against the grain. I tried watching YouTube videos but they did not help me. I then purchased a dull razor from an antique store for a few dollars and practiced the motions without actually shaving. That was when I discovered what worked well for me and was comfortable. Instead of explaining how I hold the razor on the up stroke, just for it not to work for you, I recommend practicing the motions and find your groove. They call it an art form for a reason.

Good advice, all!

I lay the razor dang near flat for my against the grain pass. Stretch the skin a lot. Make sure your lather's nice and wet. Don't rush it, it will come in time. Razor's gotta be good and sharp too -- especially important the the "against pass". Learnin's half the fun.

John

Originally Posted by johna2231

Good advice, all!

I lay the razor dang near flat for my against the grain pass. Stretch the skin a lot. Make sure your lather's nice and wet. Don't rush it, it will come in time. Razor's gotta be good and sharp too -- especially important the the "against pass". Learnin's half the fun.

John

What he said