Finally getting the shaves I've desired
Uh-oh, here I go again.
OK, about 12 days ago I was having issues with my edge not staying sharp. Randydance offered some help on a chat session and after a PM, I've been getting excellent shaves (thanks, Randy). Since that time, this is what I've been doing.
1. 15x on linen and 30x on leather
2. First pass with the grain using a cutting angle with tip leading (caution - be extremely careful doing this on protrusions)
3. Second pass across the grain (cutting angle used)
4. Third pass against the grain
5. Finishing touches with dry face, dry hands and wet razor (helps me feel remaining whiskers and keep hold of the skin to stretch it). These are only spots, not entire strokes and usually just on the jaw line (one or two spots on each side).
6. 30x on leather before closing the blade (done after thoroughly drying razor)
Since following Randy's instructions, then following this pattern, I have been getting the shaves I have always wanted from a straight. Smooth as silk, close and enjoyable. This has been the result for the last 10 days (5 shaves) and there is no indication that I will be needing to return to my hone anytime soon (I used to feel as if I needed to every 2-3 shaves). After the 4th shave, I felt as if the blade might be a little less keen so tonight before shaving, I did 20x on the linen and 60x on the leather and the edge just sliced through my beard like a knife through melted butter.
One of the other things I did is stop ALL testing (HHT, thumbnail, etc) except for a quick thumbpad test right after stropping to see if the edge is sticky. I don't spend much time on it at all.
The only thing I wish didn't happen was the razor burn on my chin. It's the only place I get it and I'm pretty certain it has to do with the amount of pressure I use on the ATG pass there. I tend to be pretty heavy handed if I'm not purposefully trying to keep a light touch. I also think the angle of the blade to my skin is a little to steep and needs to be flattened out more. It's just the way my hand seems to position the razor on my chin when going ATG.
This little irritation aside, everything is dramatically better than even just 2 weeks ago and I am finally getting to enjoy each shave and the results I am acheiving. I truly understand what smooooth feels like now.