About a year in, have some questions...

[lkn4life]

Hey guys. I've been using a "knock-off" DE since I started about a year ago. I have experimented with blades and love the feathers for the WTG passes, but find it too sharp for ATG. I am considering getting an adjustable razor because of this. Is this a good idea?

Also, I've been using Taylor of Old Bond St creams and like them, but keep wondering if I should give a soap a try. Anyone want to convince me?

 

[SiBurning]

You need to try at least two soaps, a glycerin-based soap, and a tallow or oil based, preferably all three.

An adjustible makes sense. It's really the only way to know just how aggressive you want to get. You can get an old gilette cheap. Then you can decide whether to get a second fixed razor based on the aggressiveness you like. It's not that straightforward, but it'll at least give you an idea.

Besides, you've been at this too long to only have one razor.

 

[dpmtherrien]

You have nothing to loose in trying a soap, their cheap enough. I started out using soaps, and now I use them 95% of the time. Remember, you have to find what works best for you, the best selling product may be horrible for you. So go ahead, try different things, thats half the fun of this hobby/obsession.

 

[rm71]

I am mainly a creams guy, but look forward to my soaps as well. I'd say yes- give them a go.

 

[gone down south]

What do you mean that they're "too sharp for ATG"? That sounds more like a technique issue - are you doing XTG's before you go ATG?

 

[lkn4life]

What do you mean that they're "too sharp for ATG"? That sounds more like a technique issue - are you doing XTG's before you go ATG?

I think technique definitely has something to do with it, that's why I would like something more forgiving for the ATG...so I can get better without so much irritation. I currently don't do an XTG, I do 2 with then one against.

 

[GenErich]

Well I don't quite have the year in that you do, but I realized the value of the XTG pass when I finally figured out how to shave my neck without the sunburned look. I actually to a pass WTG, two XTG at slightly differing angles (the second being closter to ATG) and finish up with an ATG pass if I feel that my skin can tough it out. If youfind the razor pulls and skips along when doing ATG, do a pass or two XTG...it works wonders!

 

[bludman]

Well I don't quite have the year in that you do, but I realized the value of the XTG pass when I finally figured out how to shave my neck without the sunburned look. I actually to a pass WTG, two XTG at slightly differing angles (the second being closter to ATG) and finish up with an ATG pass if I feel that my skin can tough it out. If youfind the razor pulls and skips along when doing ATG, do a pass or two XTG...it works wonders!

+1 for this for sure.
Because of the odd grain angles on my neck I rarely do a real ATG on it, even on the ATG pass. I find 2 XTG passes (in different directions, like an x) can do wonders to get me 99.999% BBS.

 

[gone down south]

+1. For most of us, you can't go ATG unless you go XTG first.

 

[Luc]

One razor in a year?!