I have worn a beard for many years, shaving only my cheekbones and neck. Once every year or two I shave it off to see what's under there, and each time after several days of turning my face into a red, burning, bloody pulp I say, "Oh yeah, THAT's why I stopped shaving!" and let it grow back. After reading that straight razor shaving can be both more smooth and more comfortable than cartridge shaving I've been excited about giving it a try. I got all tricked out ready to go as I've posted on another thread here.
I don't know if it's because my beard is particularly coarse or if the whiskers lie down very flat, but after shaving with a cartridge WTG my face feels to me like it hasn't been shaved at all, and after going XTG it's not much better. I can't stand the feeling of rough stubble esp. immediately after the shave, so I always shave ATG -- perhaps part of the reason for the perennial discomfort.
This morning I had my first try with a straight. I've been waiting for a couple weeks since I received my new Dovo by way of Lynn's workshop because now I have a little more time in the morning. I decided to leave my goatee for today and just do my cheeks, jaw, and neck. After an awkward start when I couldn't figure out how to see my right side burn while I was trying to shave it, the first WTG pass went well -- surprisingly smooth-feeling and irritation-free. However, as with a cartridge, there was still an annoying stubble (though maybe less than with the cartridge, although the first shave of a full beard always gets a little closer). I lathered again and tried XTG. Still a pleasant experience, but not quite satisfied with the closeness. So I forged ahead, lathered once more, and tried to shave ATG. What a train wreck! I got a cut on my cheek and several nasty nicks on my neck. Now there are still parts of my face that are not quite smooth, and the right side of my neck is red, burning, and sore (though that part's smooth!).
I know things will get better with practice, but I am beginning to wonder if it is not possible on my face to get a shave that is both smooth and irritation- and blood-free. I'll keep at it for awhile, but if it seems like I can't get both then I'm afraid the advantage I was hoping to get from the straight just isn't there.