Thanks all for the interesting discussion. I gave ATG-only a try this morning, and the results seem positive -- one of the closest shaves I have had, with little irritation, not noticeably more than after a multi-pass shave.
Quote:
Originally Posted by hoglahoo
Try against the grain first and tell us what happens! Maybe it will work well for you. I've tried that with each different razor I shave with, but it just doesn't work for me
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When you say "doesn't work", what do you mean? Less close? More irritating?
Quote:
Originally Posted by nun2sharp
I think the WTG is going to get you where you need to be before attempting XTG/ATG.. Like anything else I've ever done prep work was 90% of the deal.
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(>Mad Duck also) After my first couple shaves someone suggested my WTG/XTG technique would eventually get good enough for my satisfaction, but I've really tried everything and after the first pass of each it doesn't seem to get any better no matter what the technique. Maybe I'm just too picky about my close shaves. As for prep, I wet my face at the beginning of a hot shower, lather immediately afterwards (I'm using TGQ soap), and let it sit while I strop 50x on linen and 50x on leather. If I need to do much more prep than that it will begin to be not worth it for me.
[quote=Seraphim;227907]Well, one way to tell if is
doing anything is to look at your razor/lather as you rinse the blade. Can you see whiskers there? I sure can, although I have the similar result as you, that my face doesn't seem all that much more well shaved with just that first WTG pass.[\quote]
It seems to me I've seen SOME whiskers removed on that pass, but I haven't really inspected the lather so I can't say for sure. What I do know is that running my fingers ATG after shaving WTG feels almost the same as if I haven't shaved, and repeat WTG passes don't make it any better. (Running my fingers WTG feels smooth, but that's true whether I've shaved or not.) It's a bit better after XTG, but there are still large areas that are too rough for me.
I haven't tried shaving a multiple-day growth with a straight yet (except for the first shave), but my experience with cartridges is that I would get a closer shave after more growth. I've always assumed it's because there's more whisker for the blade to get under. So I guess I'm not a believer in "a little bit with each pass." Doesn't seem to work on my beard.