I am using elcheapo razor that is self honed. It will pass hht when stroped. Prep was hot towel for about 5min, then lotion sits whil i work up lather. Apply lather and strop, about 2 min. Wet lather again and begin. From sideburns down to bottom of neck, no problem. Start getting into chin, problem. Each pass seems to glide up and over the whiskers. I am not upset and think Ace is correct about technique however I would like to try a better razor and see if it helps in this endevor. I will try some better beard softening agents and methods next time or when i can. My face will not let me shave every day yet. I went 5 years with out being a regular shaver when I left the Corps. Now I'm trying to improve my image to get a better job and this is part of it.