i've often questioned myself.. but i am comfortable with long smooth strokes.. and it seems as if i'm a bit quicker with my shaves than others on the board describe.. i'm by no means reckless.. but i position my blade where i want to start and without hesitation i glide it down the path i've decided on.. then quickly repeat the same thing on my next area to be shaved.. i've equated it to mowing grass or vacuuming a carpet..