ATG: Balancing Pressure & Force
Gentlemen,
Thank you in advance for all your tips and suggestions! I'm still new here and I'm always overwhelmed by the volume of helpful, informative replies.
I've been working on ATG passes and just can't seem to get them. The razor always seems to skip, or nick me - which is really frustrating because I've finally gotten the WTG/XTG passes down nick-free. I admit that I am prone to skipping the XTG pass when time is pressing; I assume that makes the ATG pass harder...
Anyways, after reading some old threads I have decided the ATG is a balancing act: you need to hold the razor firmly and make decisive strokes while using little to no pressure. I'm still relatively new to traditional shaving and just got the pressure-free WTG/XTG down pat; however, the crazy grip I need to use for the ATG makes it awkward.
So, any tips on walking the no pressure-yet-decisive tightrope?
Thanks,
Dave
Re: ATG: Balancing Pressure & Force
I've only been at this ten months now, so I'm definitely no expert. I personally try to glide the blade over my face with no pressure at all. I try to think of gliding the blade without it actually touching my skin, though it obviously does. I just feel like the mental image helps me get it right.
One other thing I've noticed is grip strength. I began to notice that the tighter I held the razor, without thinking about it or realizing it even, the more pressure I was using. Unintentionally.
So now I make a conscious effort to keep my grip loose and it's much easier to actually use - no- pressure.