Quote Originally Posted by fccexpert View Post
Yes, it is possible to get a great shave, even bbs using a once over techique. The keys are:

1) A sharp razor - sounds like you are already there
2) Proper stretching of the skin - you really need to pull the skin tight, this lifts the hairs so they can be cut close to the skin. You also need to keep the stretching hand as close to the spine of the razor as you can through out the stroke; this means you will need to move your hand as you go.
3) A proper stroke - The stroke needs to have a proper scything motion, this means that the blade does not move linearly, but pivots about the point where you hold it. A proper scything motion requires wrist action. It is not "leading with the heal (or point), nor is it a slicing motion (which will probably give you a nasty cut. To me it is a natural motion, I started this way years ago.
4) Do not be afraid to go over the same section twice or even three times. There is sufficient lubrication left behind after a single pass so you do not need to relather. I would say I cover every square millimeter of my face at least three times in a typical shave.

Start the stroke WTG, but since a proper scything stroke is curved, you will end up with a hybrid WTG, XTG stroke in most cases.

No matter how close you shave, your beard will grow during the day so don't expect to be BBS in the evening. Done properly, however, you will probably still look clean shaven at the end of the day, an possibly well into day 2 if you should choose not to shave the next morning.
The scything stroke has always confused me a bit. Is it really as cut and dry and just doing small arcs with the razor? I really am just going north to south throughout the shave according to the contours of my face. I have a dovo blade coming in the mail, and it has a rounded end and i think this is going to assist me greatly in my shaving. I have to admit im a bit reluctant with my current blade to use the tip on certain parts of my face.

But overall, youre saying ATG is not 100% needed to achieve a really good shave..?