Old instructions on shaving

[jar_]

The other day I found the insert that came with one of my Gillette razors (looks like the instructions are for one of the Super Speeds so probably a mid 50s purchase) and the proper shaving method they describe is to use "Diagonal Strokes". That's pretty much how I remember my dad showing me and pretty much what I've been doings since then. It's not really With The Grain or Against The Grain but rather a combined stroke that is both with and across at the same time and works whether the stroke is downward or upward.

It's been giving me pretty close shaves now for a pretty long time and seems to be quicker and more comfortable than when I try to follow the newer tri-directional pass systems. So is there some reason for three unidirectional passes instead of two diagonal passes?

 

[imatabor]

The other day I found the insert that came with one of my Gillette razors (looks like the instructions are for one of the Super Speeds so probably a mid 50s purchase) and the proper shaving method they describe is to use "Diagonal Strokes". That's pretty much how I remember my dad showing me and pretty much what I've been doings since then. It's not really With The Grain or Against The Grain but rather a combined stroke that is both with and across at the same time and works whether the stroke is downward or upward.

It's been giving me pretty close shaves now for a pretty long time and seems to be quicker and more comfortable than when I try to follow the newer tri-directional pass systems. So is there some reason for three unidirectional passes instead of two diagonal passes?

Nice find, could you post a picture of the instruction. It would be cool to see.

 

[Wolffer Montauk]

Is this what you're referring to?:

 

[jar_]

Nice find, could you post a picture of the instruction. It would be cool to see.

Unfortunately no, can't post a picture. One (or more) of my cats decided to read the instructions for a change and must have found something they strongly disagreed with.

Maybe I can find a version online.

AbE: Found a copy online.

And a later one for the adjustable razor that also suggests diagonal strokes.

 

[jar_]

Is this what you're referring to?:

I don't watch online videos if I can avoid it so that's something I've never seen.

 

[imatabor]

Unfortunately no, can't post a picture. One (or more) of my cats decided to read the instructions for a change and must have found something they strongly disagreed with.

Maybe I can find a version online.

I don't blame him after what you did to him!!!!

 

[santamariasteve]

Do whatever works best for you. There is no ONE way to shave. I do note that Gillette no longer recommends the diagonal shave, if I'm not mistaken.

I believe for most people the conventional 3 pass shave is best. It just seems easier and faster, at least for me.

 

[BigJ]

Thanks for posting! Interesting concept.

 

[Cal]

The other day I found the insert that came with one of my Gillette razors (looks like the instructions are for one of the Super Speeds so probably a mid 50s purchase) and the proper shaving method they describe is to use "Diagonal Strokes". That's pretty much how I remember my dad showing me and pretty much what I've been doings since then. It's not really With The Grain or Against The Grain but rather a combined stroke that is both with and across at the same time and works whether the stroke is downward or upward.

Is this what you're referring to?:

Yep, the good ol' "Gillette Slide."

 

[jar_]

Yep, the good ol' "Gillette Slide."
View attachment 789500

That's yet another example.

 

[YKMV]

Is that basically what the Slants do? Even when you follow WTG, XTG and ATG?

 

[Cal]

It's been giving me pretty close shaves now for a pretty long time and seems to be quicker and more comfortable than when I try to follow the newer tri-directional pass systems. So is there some reason for three unidirectional passes instead of two diagonal passes?

Today the "Gillette Slide" is considered an advanced technique. Newbie shavers are advised to shave in line with the handle.

That's yet another example.

Just don't try it with a slant.

 

[santamariasteve]

Is that basically what the Slants do? Even when you follow WTG, XTG and ATG?

Indeed yes! That's exactly what a slant razor does.

The advantage of the slant razor is that the razor does the slant for you. Kinda like an automatic tranny shifting in place of a manual transmission, if you'll permit a far-fetched illustration.

 

[YKMV]

which makes the slant much safer for klutzes like me... i can drive a stick but I don't dare shave with the slide...

 

[jar_]

Today the "Gillette Slide" is considered an advanced technique. Newbie shavers are advised to shave in line with the handle.

Just don't try it with a slant.

I ain't never been advanced before. Next someone will tell me that writing in cursive with a fountain pen is advanced or driving a stick shift and doing heel-n-toe bees advanced.

 

[Quinner30]

The problem I seem to have, is that I now don't naturally shave in a straight line, thus the slant now shaves like a normal razor, I think....

 

[Graybeard57]

If your method works, why change? Enjoy your shaves!

 

[Cal]

The problem I seem to have, is that I now don't naturally shave in a straight line, thus the slant now shaves like a normal razor, I think....

That's strange!

Doing Gillette Slides with a Slant is normally a recipe for an ER visit.

 

[Raven Koenes]

That's strange!

Doing Gillette Slides with a Slant is normally a recipe for an ER visit.

True that not to mention j-hooking!

 

[Stingy Jack]

This may be weird but I never really paid any attention to what direction I save in going with or Against the grain. Its all muscle memory i guess I never noticed.