Thread: 11 Shaves In - Need Advice

I am about 11 shaves in and can shave my whole face using both hands (left on left right on right) without too many problems (I am having problems shaving the sideburn on the left side of my face which I documented in another thread).

Right now I am doing one pass with some touch ups. I shave WTG for the most part but in some parts I go XTG due to the way the hair grows and my ability to get the right blade angle.

My question is, how do I go about getting a closer shave?

For my cheeks/side burn area I can go XTG fairly easily so I think that is where I will start.

My neck hair is where I am stumped. My neck hair goes the opposite of how most peoples hair grows. The hair grows up from my chest into my chin line. Right underneath my chin the hair "cow patties".

I have tried shaving ATG on the neck but it just does not feel right. The razor grabs a lot and I feel like I am going to cut myself if I force it.

The razor is brand new and came from SRD so I do not think it is the problem. It could be that I am just being too timid or my angle is off, I am not sure which is why I ask.

Perhaps I need to do 2x WTG passes first?

I was also contemplating doing a XTG pass on the neck but with the way my hair grows I cannot see how this would be possible.

Any guidance would be appreciated!

Just did my first atg and its grabbed a lot. I only got my sideburns and cheeks due to this. I personally noticed my angles were a huge problem. As I started shaving (I'm like u only about 20 shaves) I had to work my way into shaving everything. One section at a time. The only adive I can offer is go atg on second pass only in areas comfortable and try starting with the spine then laying flat and stretch the skin. Always no pressure on the blade. Sorry I couldn't help more

Could be a couple of things effecting you being able to comfortably go ATG. If you have been using the same razor for 11 shaves and stropping the razor before each shave it maybe a tad off being as sharp as new. You need a very sharp razor to go ATG. You also need an amazingly low angle, almost with the razor flat on your face but not quite. I don't know if you have seen this Shaving passes - Straight Razor Place Wiki but it may help. You are doing the right thing by not forcing the razor when it is grabbing.

Bob

You must remember that competency is not achieved at the 10 shave level. I didn't feel that I was comfortable at all until about 30 shaves, then started to get some confidence at about 60 shaves. It just takes time.

That is another good point Ace. Took me 10 months to start getting comfortable but I am a slow learner according to some.

Bob

Originally Posted by Swan

I am about 11 shaves in and can shave my whole face using both hands (left on left right on right) without too many problems (I am having problems shaving the sideburn on the left side of my face which I documented in another thread).

Right now I am doing one pass with some touch ups. I shave WTG for the most part but in some parts I go XTG due to the way the hair grows and my ability to get the right blade angle.

My question is, how do I go about getting a closer shave?

For my cheeks/side burn area I can go XTG fairly easily so I think that is where I will start.

My neck hair is where I am stumped. My neck hair goes the opposite of how most peoples hair grows. The hair grows up from my chest into my chin line. Right underneath my chin the hair "cow patties".

I have tried shaving ATG on the neck but it just does not feel right. The razor grabs a lot and I feel like I am going to cut myself if I force it.

The razor is brand new and came from SRD so I do not think it is the problem. It could be that I am just being too timid or my angle is off, I am not sure which is why I ask.

Perhaps I need to do 2x WTG passes first?

I was also contemplating doing a XTG pass on the neck but with the way my hair grows I cannot see how this would be possible.

Any guidance would be appreciated!

This video was the basis for my success. I probably watched it hundreds of times. Over time I noticed little subtle things in the video I had missed in previous viewings. At the same time, maneuvers I couldn't perform at first became doable. Finally I found better ways in some instances to get the results.

Hello Swan,

Everyone that replied to the post is correct. As far as the keen-ness of your razor now after 11 shaves, and your MMV, it may not be keen enough for how coarse your hair is. I would look at your prep. If you are doing everything you can to soften your hair that would be a great start as to why it is pulling. Hot shower, maybe even a prep product may be needed. Ensure you have a good lather, a dry lather can make it hard to glide your razor. Second, you could have a stropping issue. When I first started out, I had a stopping issue. If you do not strop properly it can cause your blade to lose its keen-ness. If this is the case, proper stropping techniques could be your fix. I am not a proponent for pasted strops, but I see how they are convenient for some that do not have a finishing hone on hand for this issue, or just do not want to bust our a hone for a touch up ( if your razor is in fact not as keen as it needs to be for you). Lastly is technique. Keep that blade about a spine length from your contact point and glide the blade, just like the individual in the video above has. When shaving my neck area I have to move the blade conciderably from side to side while going against the grain in a gliding motion. Watch the video and remember this individual has been doing this a long time, his speed is from years of experience. Remember your face is unique and as you continue in your venture of straight shaving you will find what techniques work for you and what do not. YMMV

Before you do ATG pass you need to have completed a good WTG and XTG passes, only then you will have good ATG.
You will also need to have a truly sharp razor.
If you feel good about your WTG results, add XTG pass and when you start getting consistent good results try ATG.

I agree with Ace. After 11 shaves you are just getting the feel for how to do it. After 6 years, I have a high degree of satisfaction with using a straight, but I didn't arrive at that in the first month - or six. Just keep at it. Be persistent and don't give up. Don't be afraid in time to start going ATG. With the right lather, level of sharpness (you can have a razor too sharp to shave well), and technique you will produce stellar shaves in time. Best of luck to you! -Scott

When i go atg i personal only use my right hand (I'm a righty) and i grip the blade on either side of the tang with my pointer and middle finger on one side and my thumb on the other, i adjust the scales depending on what part of my face i am shaving. I personally do the XTG and ATG pass on each part of my face / neck and re lather as needed. When shaving mt neck i find it especially helpful to extend the scales straight out while gripping the tang from the sides. This gives a high degree of control when shaving with the blade ATG. Also while holding the blade upside down try doing some 'Scything' which is more or less a sweeping motion as apposed to a straight down stroke you may be using now.....

good things will come in time!

Dont forget to take good care of your face by prepping, as mentioned above go WTG first, Then Try XTG, ATG. You may not feel comfortable shaving ATG everywhere your first couple times, but as you become accustomed to your razor and you gain confidence you will find yourself automatically discovering how to dial in on those tough or intimidating spots. Once you become proficient, you may want to try some 'advances strokes' to sweep the hairs that grow in the circular pattern, those are the hardest to get, but once you figure it out, you got it.

Here some pics of the grips i use that work well for me. YMMV, and i know the pics dont capture it all, but these angle give me close shaves. The main variation is everybody's hair grows in different directions. Map out you face, get to know your face and adjust the blade to accommodate the part of your face you are shaving!