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Glossary of Terms

This glossary explains common words used in forums, product pages, and SOTD logs.

Common abbreviations

  • WTG: With the grain (gentlest first pass)
  • XTG: Across the grain (second pass for closeness)
  • ATG: Against the grain (closest pass, highest irritation risk)
  • BBS: Baby Butt Smooth (very close final result)
  • DFS: Damn Fine Shave (very good, skin-friendly result)

Typical gear terms

  • Hobel / Safety Razor: Classic razor with replaceable DE blade
  • Lather: Shaving foam made from soap or cream
  • Scuttle: Warm lather bowl with hot-water chamber
  • Strop: Leather strap for straight razor edge alignment

Tip: Use the dedicated /glossary page in the app for an alphabetic term list.

Aftershave

Post-Shave Product Product applied after shaving to soothe and protect the skin. Available as splash, balm, or tonic.

Alum

Alum Block An astringent mineral ingredient, for example in styptics for tiny shaving nicks. Follow product instructions; it can irritate and does not replace wound care.

ATG

Against The Grain Shaving against the direction of hair growth. Produces the closest result but increases irritation risk.

Badger

Badger Hair The most popular natural hair for shaving brushes. Grades: Pure, Best, Super, Silvertip.

Balm

Aftershave Balm Creamy aftercare; may contain fragrance or alcohol. Check ingredients and your own skin response.

Base

Soap Base The soap formula/foundation of a manufacturer (e.g., Omnibus, Milksteak, Tusk). Determines slickness and protection.

BBS

Baby Butt Smooth The goal for many shaving enthusiasts: an absolutely smooth shave with no detectable stubble.

Blade Exposure

Blade Exposure How far the blade extends beyond the safety bar. More exposure = more aggressive shave.

Blade Gap

Blade Gap The distance between the blade and the safety bar (guard bar). Larger gap = more aggressive shave.

Boar

Boar Bristle Affordable, natural brush hair. Requires a break-in period, then becomes softer.

Bowl Lathering

Bowl Lathering Building lather in a bowl/mug. Offers more control over water amount and consistency.

Closed Comb

Closed Comb Razor head with a continuous safety bar. Gentleness also depends on head geometry, blade and technique.

DFS

Damn Fine Shave A very good shave with minimal remaining stubble; often more skin-friendly than BBS.

Face Lathering

Face Lathering Building lather directly on the face. Provides mild exfoliation and optimal distribution.

Hobel

Safety Razor A classic razor with a replaceable blade and a protective safety bar.

Knot

Brush Knot The hair bundle of a shaving brush. Measured in mm (e.g., 24mm, 26mm).

Lather

Shaving Lather Foam made from soap or cream to improve glide and protect the skin during shaving.

Mug

Shaving Mug A cup or mug used to build or hold shaving lather.

Open Comb

Open Comb Toothed safety bar on a razor. Allows more lather and hair through, usually more efficient.

Pass

Shaving Pass One complete stroke across the entire shaving area. Typical: 2-3 passes (WTG, XTG, ATG).

Pinsel

Shaving Brush Used to build lather and apply it to the face. Often made from badger hair or synthetic fibers.

Post-Shave

Post-Shave Routine All steps after the actual shave: alum block, cold water, aftershave, moisturizer.

Pre-Shave

Pre-Shave Preparation Preparation before shaving: warm water, pre-shave oil, face wash. Softens the hair.

Scuttle

Scuttle A double-wall shaving bowl that keeps lather warm with hot water in the lower chamber.

Slant

Slant Razor A razor head with a twisted blade presentation for a slicing cutting action.

Software

Consumables Collective term for consumables such as shaving soap, cream, aftershave, and blades.

Splash

Aftershave Splash Liquid aftershave, often with alcohol and fragrance. May feel refreshing but can irritate; not a wound disinfectant.

Strop

Strop A leather or textile strap used to align a straight razor's edge before shaving.

Synthetic

Synthetic Brush Hair Synthetic brush hair (e.g., Plissoft, SynBad). Dries quickly, vegan, no break-in needed.

Tallow

Tallow Animal fat (usually beef tallow) as a soap base. Known for excellent protection and slickness.

Vegan

Vegan Shaving soap without animal ingredients. Modern vegan bases are qualitatively comparable to tallow.

WTG

With The Grain Shaving in the direction of hair growth. The gentlest and usually first pass.

XTG

Across The Grain Shaving across the direction of hair growth. Typically the second pass for more closeness.

Editorial comparison with the sources below: 10 October 2026 ยท Editor: Rasurapp.

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