Ok, so I've read a very large number of posts where the writer complains of having a very thick/tough beard and is having dificulty shaving with a straight. I know the responces by heart at this point...angle, preasure, properly honed/stroped razor, pre-shave treatment...etc. Here's my story...

I have a very rare genetic abnormality. It's called Pili Multigemini. Basically it means that you have multiple hairs growing from a single hair folicle. It only effects approximately 400,000 people worldwide, so I'm not expecting anyone to be able to relate (but you never know). Couple this with the fact that I already have a very thick beard that grows extremely fast and is very course and...well, you get the picture.

When I used to shave with Mach 3's I could only use a cartidge once before it was dull and began to pull hair vs. cut it. My straight is much MUCH better but still not what I was expecting completely. I have 20-25 shaves under my belt and they have been pretty good. But I do find that I need to use more than what I would assume to be the just the gentlest of preasure to cut. I know my razor is/was sharp as I bought it from SRD and therefore had the master himself hone it. I also am VERY conscious of the angle of my razor. My pre-shave is pretty thorough; Hot shower, face wash, hot rinse, conditioner for 5 min +/-, hot rinse, pre-shave oil while stropping/making lather, another hot rinse and then lather and shave.

I can get pretty darn close to BBS but I do have some razor burn/discomfort after. And within a day to two I my chin starts to break out mostly due to the hair growing back in. I can't reshave for at least two days.

My post-shave consists of styptic (only if necessary - not very often), a cold water rinse, Thayers lemon-scented witch hazel and a Nivea face lotion. I wash my face and reapply face lotion twice a day on non-shaving days.

Whew...that's a lot of information. Sorry for babbeling. Can anyone give me any pointers/advice/things to try? Thanks in advance gentlemen.