6 shaves in, here's what I've learned

Straight shaving really is an art. Sure I've found it pretty simple to just shave with, but getting that silky smooth close shave I can nearly achieve with my gillette fusion is the real challenge. The right side is much easier then shaving the left (off hand side) and boy does it show. My beard hair is simply like iron and gives me resistance despite my blade being very sharp. It also drinks a lot of moisture so its been tough to get a lasting lather. I have switched to olive oil as I find it lasts longer and helps the blade glide through. Also have been finding multiple AGT passes gets the best result. Seems if I do WTG at all I can't ever get it smooth no matter how hard I try.

Thanks for listening guys.

My beard grows straight down, it's impossible for me to get a stubble free shave with just a WTG pass

I'm still trying to get a stubble free shave with my straights. Even with my DE safety razors, I have to shave against the grain to get rid of the stubble. I guess my beard grows "straight down" like rodb mentioned.
It isn't comfortable shaving ATG with either of my straights, so I'm still trying to get the right WTG technique. That's why I still use my DE's most of the time.

With skin stretching you can get closer as it pulls the hair up a bit more (I think?)

Skin stretching is something I've never been good at, not did i have much need to with modern shavers. Maybe i need focus on that more. My hair grows in all sorts of angles it seems. Probably need to stretch from different sides?

Last night was my sixth shave too. So far each shave has been better than the previous, as I have figured out different ways to stretch the skin and different ways to hold the razor. I'm very happy with my decision to go with a Kamisori style razor too. Initially, it was just an aesthetic I enjoyed, but I'm finding it very nimble and easy to spin and manuver. Doubly so when stropping. I guess I'm getting more comfortable in general too, so the less anxiety, the better the shave.

My barometer for how well it's going is the fact that I can't wait to shave again! Wish my damn beard didn't grow so slow.

Glad its going well hopchugger. Those kamisori razors look so cool. Might look at one as an alternative when mine goes for honing. Though i feel like he difference in styles would have a learning curve of its own.

I'm sure it would! Just like I would have to learn how to shave with a folding razor. Never done it.

The first 30 or so shaves can be hit and miss for smoothness and comfort. You will get better with the shave angles and skin stretching and you will soon get nice smooth shaves.

If your razor is truly shave ready then your hair isn't the culprit, it's technique or prep ,, skin stretching is a must for tough areas, you need quite a few more shaves to go before you get comfortable with your technique , plus most of us ruin our edge with stropping so that becomes a factor too, I have a really tough beard,Mobutu my razors are right and so is my technique , they glide thru the whiskers. It will come but keep that razor right, send it out once I. A while and enjoy the smoothest shave you can want. Tc

If you're using proper prep, it should soften your hair. Maybe try using preshave oil before lathering to give you a little more glide.

No one gets a smooth shave just from WTG, so using that first, then XTG and ATG is a typical progression. However, most people shave for a visibly smooth shave; how many people touch your face that you need a BBS on a daily basis?

You definitely need to stretch you skin, behind the razor.

I am on my 22 straight razor shave. I read somewhere that it takes about 100 shaves to feel a bit more comfortable. What I have learned in these shaves are:
Need to do more skin stretching. Need to watch the proper angle of the razor. Do not rush. I use Alt Innsbrock for a pre shave and IMO does a good job. I too have issues with the left hand and like you wtg feels like only a mimimum of whiskers come off.

I’ll pass on these words of advise that a fellow member gave me. Shave the soap, not the whiskers.