With the grain (WTG) only...your thoughts.

Discussion in 'Shave School' started by Rusty blade, Jul 21, 2015.

  1. Rusty blade

    Rusty blade The Good Humor Man

    I am generally a one pass shaver...WTG...with touch ups. And I walk away from the mirror with a great shave and no irritation and only the rare nick or weeper. I recently heard that barbers generally recommend only shaving with the grain. As much as I like the idea of a 3 pass shave I just can't seem to do it without major irritation...no matter what I try (prep/technique/tools/software/process).

    I recently have started a 2 pass WTG shave and I am achieving amazing results...without irritation. I am wondering if others have any experience with 2 pass WTG shaves?
     
    Last edited: Jul 21, 2015
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  2. PLANofMAN

    PLANofMAN Eccentric Razor Collector Staff Member

    Moderator Article Team
    I can only shave with the grain, and occasionally across the grain. I generally do a two pass shave with the grain, and sometimes up to a four pass shave WTG with really mild razors (blue tip, adjustables set at one) without irritation.
     
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  3. Douglas Carey

    Douglas Carey Wildman

    I do WTG, ATG, and against the grain, but that's just me.:)
     
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  4. richgem

    richgem suffering from chronic clicker hand cramps

    "it's your shave. Enjoy it your way." (tm) @swarden43 :)
     
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  5. Douglas Carey

    Douglas Carey Wildman

    :signs011:
     
  6. Herm2502

    Herm2502 off to elf practice

    I only use WTG if I haven't shaved in a couple days, which doesn't happen very often. I recently stopped WTG as part of my normal routine to eliminate 1 pass of my normal 3. Now I'm XTG then ATG with possible touch-ups sometimes. Haven't noticed any irritation.
     
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  7. swarden43

    swarden43 "It's your shave. Enjoy it your way."©

    I make 3 passes - WTG, XTG, ATG for two reasons
    A) I want as close to BBS as I can get. I know my limits and I go there.
    2) Because I can.

    But that's me.
     
  8. gwsmallwood

    gwsmallwood Well-Known Member

    My face I typically do 1, maybe 2 WTG passes, with some XTG touch up if needed (rarely). It's usually good enough for DFS. If I could just figure out how to replicate that on my head, I'd be in great shape...
     
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  9. richgem

    richgem suffering from chronic clicker hand cramps

    "it's your shave [too]. Enjoy it your way [also]." (tm) ;)
     
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  10. HolyRollah

    HolyRollah BaconLord

    The reality is, when it comes to both the number of passes and grain direction, our requirements vary greatly.
    I can probably get by with two passes (WTG, XTG) and come away with a 'clean shaven' face. Not BBS, and probably a notch below a DFS. No irritation, no nicks or weepers.
    For others with heavier, denser beards, only one or two passes simply wont do.
    I don't limit myself to just the two passes because...
    1. I want a truly close shave, no matter how many passes it takes (usually 3)
    2. Three passes plus a little touch-up is the norm as I enjoy the whole shaving ritual too much to... cut it short, so to speak. ;)
    3. It's my shave, and I'll enjoy it my own stinking way!! ® (this statement has been registered and has not yet been trademarked. Trademark pending)
     
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  11. Jim99

    Jim99 Gold Water Shaver

    I do one WTG, one XTG and one ATG, with a little touch up as needed. I've got 12 minutes in my schedule to shave on weekdays and that includes cleanup and a splash of aftershave.

    Man, this life is crazy!
     
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  12. richgem

    richgem suffering from chronic clicker hand cramps

    I'm sorry, but it's NOT YOUR SHAVE and YOU MAY NOT ENJOY IT YOUR WAY. :p ;)
     
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  13. Bama Samurai

    Bama Samurai with Laser-like Focus

    As my technique improved, ATG became possible and comfortable. Generally I do two (WTG x XTG) for a DFS experience.
     
  14. battle.munky

    battle.munky Has the menthol.munky on his back!

    I do two passes, WTG first and ATG last. I only do ATG as sort of a touch up to my WTG. I could easily get away with WTG for looks but to get the most satisfaction when faceturbating, I need that second pass.
     
  15. Mr. Shaverman

    Mr. Shaverman Well-Known Member

    Do what works for you. It's your face :)
     
  16. markjnewcomb

    markjnewcomb Well-Known Member

    I would argue that given the exact same parameters and assuming a non-perfect technique, going WTG will result in less irritation than ATG. However, I don't believe that ATG is necessarily a closer shave than WTG or XTG.

    I generally do 3 passes. WTG, XTG, and XTG. If I do a fourth pass, it is always WTG. I just don't do ATG well.

    My advice if you wish to increase the number of passes, do so by adding a third WTG pass. Then, if and only if you can do that with no irritation, you can consider going XTG with the last pass.
     
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  17. Rusty blade

    Rusty blade The Good Humor Man

    Seriously though...deep down, I think I am just jealous that I can't do multiple passes...but that's the way the genetic lottery works. Some guys are 1 pass guys and others are 2 pass guys and some are three or more pass guys.
     
  18. mikewood

    mikewood Well-Known Member

    Two pass WTG was how I started out. If It works why change it?
     
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  19. Medicdad417

    Medicdad417 Well-Known Member

    On my face I usually go WTG, XTG and if needed ATG. My neck is a different story. That zone is stickily WTG, WTG otherwise I come out looking like I just hung myself with a double bight of hemp cord...But that is just me. It is your shave and only you know what you like and what feels right. Make it enjoyable and comfortable.
     
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  20. michaelAD

    michaelAD Well-Known Member

    Two WTG passes. Occasionally XTG under my chin. Smooth shave, minimal irritation if any.
     

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