Beard regrowth is different!?!

Hi! Noob here... I have really just started straight razor shaving and have taken the progress slowly to develop a decent technique and become more comfortable with a deadly instrument that close to what I consider vital body parts. In the couple of months I have gotten pretty adept at the sides of the face and neck area. The only real trouble area is the tough growth on my chin and lip. I have shaved those areas and gotten decent results but it is not comfortable or intuitive yet.

Am I nuts or have others noticed that the beard doesn't seem to grow back as rapidly or as heavy after a straight razor shave? Maybe it is just my way of validating the initial cost but hey, I'll take it!

My gear is a Ralf Aust 5/8th full hollow (thanks Lynn), shave oil and Poraso white (love that stuff) applied with an Art of Shaving pure badger (think cheap) brush. The only thing I really want to upgrade is the brush - a new brush is in my future because I think my brush is actually irritating my face (hope it is not the shaving cream).

In my previous years shaving it has been shave oil while in the shower with a multi-blade cartridge. I enjoy the challenge of using a straight and the (eventual) economy :)

Of course the beard doesn't appear to grow back as fast because you got a closer shave. It really grows back the same and the pattern doesn't change. As you use different shaving methods you will find the time between needing shaves changes because of the closeness of the method you use.

Just wait till the acquisition disorders that comes quickly with this hobby takes over! You will be upgrading EVERYTHING on a very regular basis! Most newbies never think they will fall so deep into it, and before they know it, you've fallen victim!

My beard is very course since I started using a DE & straight razor (maybe something to do with angle they cut the hair at?). I also don't have to shave twice a day anymore.

Thanks for the replies. This little endeavor has made shaving more bearable and I even look forward to it most of the time. We will see how it progresses.