Quote Originally Posted by cannonfodder View Post
Give it two passes before you go against the grain. I will go one pass with, one pass across then the final pass against to get the baby bottom smooth finish. Use a light touch, if the blade wants to stick or you have to force it on the against the grain stroke try going with another cross grain pass going the opposite direction as the last. It could also be the hone and the blade type. I have a very stiff beard, something I was reminded of after I cut the beard off after 20 years. A stiffer blade works best for me. My best shaves come from stiff bladed hollow grind stainless blades or a wedge. The larger blades 6/8 or bigger also tends to work best for me.
+1 on the ATG advice here.

I found out that, when going ATG, the whiskers act almost like small anchors that the blade gets caugt on, causing the blade to dig into the skin rather than cut the whiskers. I'm thinking maybe a scything motion or perhaps moving the blade toe leading will help remedy this.