New User - about this grain thing

**Beowulf53** · 02-26-2008, 01:50 PM

Well, not that new.

I have always used some variation of wet shaving, but recently returned to using a DE (Merkur HD and Progress) with brush, cream, etc.

It's funny to read the instructional postings here and learn what I have been doing wrong for 40 years

What has been most interesting (and a little confusing) is the grain thing. For my entire adult life (I'm 54), I have been shaving my cheeks N-S and my neck S-N. The latter seems to equate to ATG on my neck. To confirm, I feel more stubble rubbing S-N than I do rubbing N-S.

I find it extremely unusual to shave N-S on my neck, and especially on the bottom of my chin. I have a goatee, so I'm pretty careful in that area anyway. I have never had any problems shaving ATG on my neck - it's harder for me to shave WTG there. Old habits, I guess. Am I the only one who did it this way before being exposed to the "right" way?

Ken

**Stanley** · 02-26-2008, 01:57 PM

Ken -
I am the same way, I had been shaving ATG since I began and wondered why my face gets beat up and ingrown hairs. I've also found this is the only way for me personally to get a BBS shave. I am still experimenting, but tonight I am going to try a WTG pass, then a XTG. No ATG tonight and see how my face does. The problem is, my beard goes this way and that and I have to be very careful and mindful of which way my beard grows, or else...I get tore up.

**SmoovD** · 02-26-2008, 01:57 PM

Welcome Ken,

The recommendations are not hard and fast, if you get good shaves do not feel you have to alter your routine in order to shave "more correctly". Results are what matters.

Enjoy the rich, lathery goodness of B&B!

**Beowulf53** · 02-26-2008, 02:05 PM

I guess I'm lucky as I have a pretty light beard. Most of it is in the mustache/chin area and covered by facial hair. So I guess my situation is not too demanding.

I do love the ritual even though it takes a bit longer that the old gel/M3 combo I used to employ. In fact, I've always enjoyed shaving. I'm going to give the different passes a try; just because I'm satisfied with the status quo doesn't mean it can't be better.

Ken

**SmoovD** · 02-26-2008, 02:16 PM

I would advise you to shave with multiple passes, FWIW. Use very light pressure and be wary of the angle used. Too much pressure and a bad angle make for a miserable shave. So use multiple passes to reduce the beard gradually without the potential for a harsh burn. Enjoy.