Originally Posted by
BobH
It takes a good long while to get really decent shaves from a straight. The learning curve is much longer than most would think or want to admit. The last thing you want to do is push it with something you are uncomfortable doing. You have the right idea in not doing the ATg pass as you are not comfortable with it at the moment. When you try the ATG pass try using very little gap between the spine and your face. It will eventually click.
Don't worry too much about how many passes others do, they are not you. Just do what you are comfortable with and eventually the shaves will get better. Personally, I don't shower before a shave, do not prep, just wet face lather up and do a 4 pass shave. Wouldn't you know it with all that effort there still is a spot under my chin that defies complete smoothness, maybe some day. No I would not be doing a 4 pass shave if the shave at the end of it was not comfortable and I sure did not start off with 4 passes. Starting out it was hard to do 2 passes without irritating the heck out of my face.
Just enjoy the ride you will get there at your own pace.
Bob