Against the grain vs With the grain

[BillOnBass]

WTG then ATG FTW IMO

[GASlick]

I go against the grain only.  Never had a problem.

[Sgt. Pate]

It depends on your scalp, some guys get razor burn or bumps going against the grain.  I don't have that issue so I go against the grain to get as close as I can. 

[backseatview]

i normally go against the grain... i dont have any problems with it either... but ive enver thought of trying WTG then ATG.. i need to shave so maybe ill try that after i finish this post... i always get a smooth shave but i keep trying to get that hairless look. i have dark hair and even after i shave you can still see hair underneath the skin, any way around that? im hoping i start to grey soon so my hair wont be as obvious when i shave (how many 28yo's do you hear that wish to go grey)

[Rusty Shackleford]

Shaving against the grain always results in a far better shave than when I shave with the grain.

I don't understand the logic behind shaving with the grain first then following it up with an against the grain shave.  The best shaves I ever get are the times I skip a day or two then shave it off with only against-the-grain swipes.  It hurts more, but the shave is great.  To me this implies that having a little length is beneficial for an against-the-grain shave and by preceeding a shave with a with-the-grain shave it seems like you'll eliminate that.

[ret808]

I go front to back then back to front .. after that i get the weird spots from the side and basically meet in the middle.
My head has to be totally cue-ball smooth when im done or it drives me nuts.

The toughest spot to get smooth for me is high on the back were a cowlick would be if i let it grow out.

[blondeguy]

I've always shaved against the grain, but it depends on your head and hair, really. Everyone is different, and there's no right answer.

[tomahawk275]

We are all unique and so is our skin and hair type.
As for me, Against the grain.

[ynrehc]

I always go against, never had any problems

[thebaldguy84]

I was fearful of going ATG, for fear of a head that would look like a slice of pizza! Finally tried it the other day and followed it up with some Clear Head. Have had NO problems and feel it's the only way to go...if your scalp can handle it.

[usmcpelon]

Always begin WTG and then ATG, but I also shave sideways because going WTG and ATG is not enough for me.  I have to shave sideway from right to left and from left to right to make sure I get the best possible smooth shave.  For me it’s the only way to get rid of all the stubble.

[honestjohnny]

I only go ATG around the ears.  Otherwise, WTG then ACROSS the grain. No irritation that way and it's just as smooth as ATG.

[Redgrave101]

So far im preferring to first go over WTG and then follow up ATG. Then its time to root out all those tricky areas....

[jerry020653]

I use Shavers Secret shaving oil (available at Walmart for a couple of bucks), and shave exclusively against the grain. Its a lot faster, and gives me a smoother and longer lasting shave. Have never cut myself or had any ingrown hairs, and I've been doing it for 2 years now.

Everyone is different, and you'll just have to find what works best for you. The secret is to keep your scalp stretched, and as slippery as possible.

[kenny57028]

I shave front to back and than back to front and side to side. Hair around my neck always wants to put up a good fight against the razor, i dont know if there a different type of hair yet, but still trying to master cutting em down.