Thread: 3 weeks in: first 2 pass shave

I've been shaving with the straight for 3 weeks now as often as possible. There have been a few minor nicks and scrapes along the way, but nothing serious and I've still got my razor shaving sharp, so I have to assume my stropping technique has been correct.

Today was my first attempt following up my WTG pass with an ATG pass. Overall, I'd have to say it's the first shave with a straight I could go to work with without touching up afterward with a cartridge razor. Still, I wasn't quite able to complete the ATG pass. I couldn't find a good angle to tackle the chin, and to be honest, doing the upper lip completely baffled me. Any pointers?

There is a reason that atg on the upper lip is known as the fool's pass. Use both hands on the blade and be careful. As for the chin, I don't know as I've got a goatee.

Join the crowd. Even after shaving for eight months with a straight, the upper lip and chin are not easy to shave. I don't use ATG on my upper lip at all. I do two WTG passes and one XTG pass and call it a day. If I feel like I have to get the upper lip BBS, I use a DE for one final ATG pass.

Just keep carefully using your straight and it will gradually become more and more effective. You are doing really well.

Originally Posted by Theseus

There is a reason that atg on the upper lip is known as the fool's pass. Use both hands on the blade and be careful. As for the chin, I don't know as I've got a goatee.

I've got a Van Dyke thingy, and you know, the other day I was ACTUALLY considering shaving it off so I could join the ranks of the truly brave and shave ALL my face. However, on seconds thoughts, considering it took about 6 months to grow it, I'll resist...

So, from my comment you may infer a solution...

So...after today's shave I know yesterday's wasn't a fluke lol. I solved the upper lip problem with 1 WTG pass and 2 XTG pass in opposite directions. That seemed to get everything. As far as the chin, I just had to take my time and contort my face in some really weird positions. For some reason, the skin right under the chin is hard to get a good shaving surface for an ATG pass and it wants to pinch when I begin the pass. With a little patience I found a position that would work and still allow me to see what I'm doing. I even improved on the jawline today. The biggest problem I'm still having is the hollow area right beside the adams apple. I can't seem to get the razor to contact that spot well with any pass.

Thanks for the help and encouragement, it definitely keeps me motivated!

Try moving the skin on your neck to the left or right of the Adam's apple; depending how old you are this may be harder or easier :-)