Quote Originally Posted by Nick S View Post
I also tried to make sure I had a slightly more aggressive angle while shaving, which I think made quite a difference
I think this is very likely right. I'm still very much a newbie and I was fortunate to start with a blade expertly honed by AFDavis11 (which removed one variable) but I've found that the angle at which I hold the blade is the most important determinant of whether I get a close shave or stubble in a particular area. As my angles improve, I get more and more consistently smooth, close shaves.