The reason I started using a straight razor in the first place is because I have a beard, and I needed a good razor to shave the thick hairs around it. I keep all of my razors, soap, stones, and strops in the bathroom, so they can be at hand to always be sharp, because if they are not, they simply won't cut through my stubble. For me, a sharp blade, everytime, is the key to cutting through the thick hairs. I will sometimes hone my blade half way through shaving to keep it sharp all the way through. I have found that using the hot, damp towel treatment beforehand really helps to soften up the hard stubble, and helps you to get a closer shave with a straight razor.