Hi guys.

So, I've been shaving with the straight on my cheeks and neck (and letting my goatee grow out) for a week now, and things have improved substantially since my first attempt. However, I feel that my technique is greatly lacking, because after one WTG pass, I still have an awful lot of stubble.

I have heard many people say that one should endeavor not to shave over the same place twice on the same pass -- that instead you should properly shave each region WTG, then reshave each region XTG, and then, finally, if appropriate, ATG.

I have heard many people say that one should not expect the first pass to be completely smooth, as a straight razor pass really reduces the amount of stubble rather than cleanly removing it. The XTG and then, optionally, ATG passes will catch any remaining stubble left behind. Is this true?

Right now I feel like, unless I pass over each region on my face several times WTG, I don't really get much stubble off at all. This can't be ideal, because the first time I pass over a region, the lather comes off my face, so on the next "scrape" I am basically shaving dry.

I don't mind the goatee but I don't think I look particularly good with it, and would like to have the option of shaving it off -- but at the moment, if my technique isn't good enough to even cleanly shave my cheeks, I'm hesitant to attempt my chin or upper lip.

I don't want to have unrealistic expectations. For those of you with stellar technique, how smooth are your cheeks after a single WTG pass on typical day old or two day old stubble?

Just wondering what my goals should be...

Thanks a bunch,

Alexander