I skin strech what I can , not a lot to stretch . And I mean my south to north pass removes the bulk of it , then I try to go south east to north west and it gets a lil more. It's just not as close as if I take my de and go east to west.
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I can achieve it, no problem. But I don't see the need of it for me, in my line of work, and lifestyle. Two pass, or BBS, I will still need a shave every two ta three days, anyhoo. I get better results from a bit more beard growth,over everyday shaving. YMMV
I'm no different. Always looking to best myself at what I put my mind to. At least, to my abilities at what's at hand, and with what I got.
The best way to describe the scything stroke is to think of the kind of stroke you use while honing but on your face. Instead of the edge being at a 90° angle to the direction of the stroke it is a much more acute angle; not necessarily 45° or any particular angle but drawing the edge not only across but along the hair.
I say it is an advanced technique because, although it is not hard to do it requires good muscle memory so as not to get "cixelsid" with the direction and cut the nonsense out of yourself.
I do a 4 pass shave every other day. And I know I'm not going to get BBS on one area of the neck. Its just how it goes. Sithing strokes can sometime get it but I find to lather only the side that needs touched up, then pushing in on the other side of the neck bulges the lathered side out. Then with the stretching it gets very close. But as with Mikes X pattern, it takes practice.
I can see where that x stroke could dive you pretty nice if not careful. I gotta be honest with myself that maybe far more advanced than I am right now. I will give it a go and report back to you guys on how it went. Worst comes to worst I just touch up with my de until I'm more seasoned. Although that makes me feel like a amateur.