Quote Originally Posted by OldFashioned View Post
alright guys i just shaved with my straight. i went WTG which went fine. i stropped this like 20-30 passes on the linen and 30-50 on the leather. i went real flat ligh touch. it shaved better than most times. i then went with my mach3 WTG because i know it just gets everything. i did a light touch with it though as i dont want razorburn and there wasnt much hair left. then i went ATG with my straight and it tugged. so i changed the angle and made it real flat. i made it so flat that i even went a bit the other way and i realized that this finally cut. i went like this on my cheeks as my neck wasnt used to it still. on my cheeks, i made it beyond flat if that makes sense and it did cut, but it wasnt that close at all. there was still stubble so i changed the angle and it did cut more but im just beginning so i need to work on that more. i obviously had to go ATG with my mach3 in the end. by the way all this was done in the shower as i just cant shave outside the shower. id rather just use my mach3 in the shower anyway. since it took longer, the lather got watery from the steam so next time will have to leave window open. i did have to relather in the shower to get that "sticky" lather from my tried and true red proraso cream.
You're doing fine, Oldfashionned,
Since you seem determined to do an ATG-pass with that straight in this phase of your learning process, I really must urge you to go hide that M3 somewhere for a while. Just do one WTG-pass, which is quite normal to be less close than what you're used to from your M3 WTG-pass. Then rinse you face with hot water. Nevermind about the Proraso, it has done its job softening your whiskers, and you don't need to re-apply it. Get a thin coat of real runny lather on your face, thin enough to see really well in the mirror what you are doing. You do have a clear mirror in that shower, do you?
Now, with that shallow angle and light pressure, make short, upward strokes, to perform your ATG-pass. Make overlapping strokes from about half an inch long. It helps to move the razor just a little bit diagonally. The best spot to start is down at the left side of your neck (if you're right handed) Stick your chin out and use your free hand to stretch the skin downwards. Watch closely, you'll be able to see how the blade scoops that stubble of your face. Don't go over the same spot more than twice. Rinse with cold water when done and finish with your normal after-shave routine. Forget about that M3, be happy with the result as it is (and improves with every shave), and give your face an extra day rest in between shaves, till you really get the hang of it.

Smoothness lies ahead of you. Only time will tell, how far.

Bart.