First straight shave - couldn't get a REAL close shave
I've been using a double edge for some time. Loved how good of a shave i was getting but decided i need to move up on the man scale :D. I ordered a Professionally-Honed DOVO All Stainless Steel, 5/8, and DOVO Prima Rindleder Strop. I took a hair and was able to successfully cut it no problem. Believing now the blade was sharp I decided that no stropping would be needed and started shaving my sideburns WTG. I used some proraso shaving cream in a hot mug. I was able to shave down successfully reapplied some proraso and went ATG, this is where i started having problems. I could not get the real close shave I was easily able to get with the double edge. I had to go over the area multiple times in order to achieve a close save. I did the other side burn with the same issue. I decided i would try under my nose and under the lower lip. I went WTG first and the blade felt like i was pulling the hairs. Went ATG and I could not for the life of me get those areas smooth. I took out my double edge and finished up my shave. I will appreciate any suggestions you might have for me.
You're ahead of the game.
Xalted, in your first shaves, ATG is probably getting ahead of yourself - at least in areas that are a challenge. Blade angle, lack of pressure are the first topics to get comfortable with. As others have said, it WILL come. ATG on the mustache area is something very very few do at all - ever. It's called 'the fool's stroke' for a reason.
On the 'Stache, you can stretch w/ some facial contortions, and if needed, by grabbing the schnoz and pulling up. Upper lip is curled as far over your upper teeth as you can. Pulling the nose upward and to the opposite side your shaving helps, as does pulling from the side above the corner of your mouth. It may take some time to get it down, but it sounds like you have a pretty successful start - big 'grats for that. Keep it going!
Thank you for all the help
I appreciate all the help from everyone. I love a smooth shave, guess i'm going to be a fool because of that area under the nose. I'll be shaving again on Wednesday and will update my results. Here's a quick question. Does the straight edge care about how long i haven't shaved? Does it make the shave harder/different ?