I'm a beginner with just over 60 straight razor shaves completed so far. The quality of my shaves has been gradually improving thanks in a large part to the information I read on this site. At first I would use my Mach 3 to touch up but I am to the point where the SR shaves are passable for work and for the last several weeks I have been able to leave my Mach 3 in the drawer.

However, for a few days this week I used my Mach 3 to shave instead. (I was rushed and had a lot on my mind and thought it best not to attempt a straight razor shave on those days.) That's when I noticed how I can still get a much better shave with the Mach 3 than my straight razors.

I figured this just shows how far I have yet to go on my technique and one day I will achieve that superior BBS shave with my straights that everyone here talks about. So this week I have been experimenting just on my dominant side sideburn and cheek to see just how close and smooth I can get so I can know what is possible.

Here is where I am stuck. It seems that no matter how many passes I do and no matter which direction and blade angle I use, I can still feel stubble when I touch my face against the grain.

It is not the razor, as I have tried three different blades and they were all honed by Lynn so I'm sure they were shave ready. I don't think its my stropping. The razors are staying sharp, the shaves are smooth, and the razors are definitely cutting hair. (I've started wiping the razor clean instead of rinsing so I can see all those decapitated little whiskers).

What am I missing? Any ideas? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks