Shaving direction

I have been shaving in a manner which is not what I see in the videos and I would like some feedback. In the videos I see shaving north to south in a straight line. For example, sideburn to jaw with one path. When I started, I would almost work a bit to the side. Man this is hard to explain, but say I take 1/2" strokes. I would start at the ear with a 1/2" stroke. Then I would move in toward my nose and take another 1/2" stroke. Maybe do a third stroke like that. Then I go back to my first location near the ear and do the stroke from 1/2" to 1". Ad nauseum...

Make sense? Is there any reason why this is a bad idea? Anyone else shave like that?

Very few men have whiskers that grow north to south uniformly. Most of us shave that way first pass out of habit. Regardless of how you do it, if it's working for you then go ahead and do it. You don't need validation from the rest of us if it works.

The only thing I wouldn't recommend is going ATG first pass, but some members report good results by doing so. Doesn't work at all for me, but who am I to tell someone it won't work for them?

I don't think there is a "Right way" or a "Wrong way", as long as you get the whiskers off your face. As Ryan so aptly put it, "if it's working for you then go ahead and do it."

I can only add, If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

I do repeated short strokes on the ATG pass, not quite ad nauseam but until I don't feel there's any stubble left to cut - maybe 4 - 5 strokes (max) on any give patch of skin, although I don't find it necessary over mt whole face.

It really shows up the quality of the edge though - if it's a little harsh, more strokes = more skin irritation and burning from the aftershave.

Oh look, this could be it: buffing.

Matt - I'm not doing that. I'm not hitting the same spot over and over. I'm moving horizontally for the next stroke instead of proceeding straight down.

Ah, misread your post. Sorry.

Like the others have said, whatever works for you is good.

I don't move the razor up or down it's long axis when it is anywhere near my face, though - a little miscalculation and it'll bite.

If it is working for you, then you don't need further instructions nor recommendations. Enjoy what you are doing and have fun.

Keep it up. Comfort with the blade comes first, technique follows, and the result is smoothness. Word to the wise. Don't underestimate your best tools. Those tools being your hands, to stretch the skin.

Oh OK,. I get what you mean, you're working across your face from the ear to the centre, but of course drawing the razor downwards on each short stroke, and doing rows of this...

That sounds to me like it's quite 'valid'. I guess most people go down rather than across, so they do columns rather than rows, but why not your way?

When i had a shave done professionally this is the way it was done.
just his style i guess!