A Pilgrim's Progress

Things are looking up; stropping, lathering, and shaving angle/pressure all seem pretty close to being on track, and I'm getting into the neighborhood of a decent 3rd ATG pass. I don't nick myself - even ATG - unless I'm especially impatient and ham-fisted, and my aftershave doesn't sting any more. I still have a way to go with refining a consistent shaving technique, but I'm really happy with where I am and where I'm headed.

My personal watchwords are:

- commitment; for me, just trying straight shaving out and seeing how it went could not have worked, I needed to commit to it and not look back

- patience; going too far too fast just leads to disappointment and frustration

- a light touch; ideally the razor should not touch my face, but failing that, If it's possible to use less pressure, I'm using too much pressure(!)

- practice, practice, and more practice.

Finally, thank you all again for the advice and encouragement.

Very well put and very true!
That's the kind of thinking that makes a successful wet-shaver:)
Thanks for sharing.
And the best part?
It will get even better;)

It really does sound like you've got it. Now it's just a mental log of what has really worked. Adding all those little snippits together will produce the stellar shaves that are just around the corner for you.

Congrats! I'm jealous. Everyone I try an XTG pass I always cut the crap out of my face.

Great news and good progress. Remember that light pressure solves a lot of problems. I've found that I can go up to a 60 degree angle around the chin if I REALLY back of to near zero pressure.