Thread: First time ATG .......first real cut

Hello everyone. I'd like to begin by thanking you all for making such a valuable store of information available to newbies like me. It's helped a lot.

I've been using a straight razor for about 10 days now. I've got progressively more confident, and better as well. I usually do 1 x WTG and 1 x XTG passes, which doesn't get me a really close shave, so I follow that my using a DE razor ATG, at which point I have a DFS or even a BBS sometimes (that's not a priority for me).

My hair is thick enough that even using only a DE, I have to do at least 1 x WTG, XTG, ATG to get a DFS. I'll usually have to do touch-ups at the end of that. The area of thickest growth is on the sides of my chin (unsurprisingly), and this takes the most passes to get smooth.

Anyway, having all the time in the world this morning, I decided to try an ATG pass with the straight. So I did the WTG and XTG passes, and followed that up with an ATG pass.

The throat area was fine; I just had to figure out the correct way to hold the razor. I also was able to go ATG easily in the cheek area. However, there was a lot of residual stubble in the chin area. The razor caught and cut me just under my lower lip. It wasn't bad, and it didn't hurt much, but it bled a lot. I'll have a scar for a few days. No biggie.

Anyway, I had a few thoughts about this shave. I'd like to have your input on these.

1) 1 x WTG and 1 x XTG is not cutting it for me (pun intended). I should probably try 2 x WTG and 1 x XTG before trying an ATG pass (I won't be doing ATG with the straight again until next weekend).
--> With my DE, I'll sometimes do 2 x XTG-- once down and to the right, and then down and to the left, after which it's close enough to try an ATG pass.
--> 2 x XTG at opposite angles doesn't seem like a good idea with a straight, for some reason.

2) Instead of complete multiple passes, I could focus on whittling away the growth in the thickest areas (around the chin).

3) The razors may not be sharp enough. Both my regular users pass the HHT, but maybe they could be better??

4) I get my best, most comfortable, shaves with a heavy DE razor. Maybe I need heavier straights as well. I have a 5/8 and a 6/8, both full hollow ground.

Incidentally, I shave after my shower. I've tried conditioning my face prior to shaving, which has no discernable effect. My lathering technique, etc., is good enough for a very comfy DE shave.

At this point, all I want is to have a minimal shadow at 5:00 pm. BBS is not a requirement.

So, what do you guys think of my plans? Any other suggestions?