I'm not getting the closeness of shave I should be using WTG and XTG passes, even on the cheeks.

Either I'm not getting the razor sharp enough, or I'm using the wrong angles or pressure, or the BBS with a straight razor is a myth.

Before the straight razor, I used a Gillette Sensor with two passes WTG and one under the chin ATG. This gave a very close shave with a 2-blade safety razor.

Now I use the straight razor WTG & XTG, but then follow with a double-edge safety razor WTG and then under the chin ATG. This results in a close shave.

I know the straight razor is removing hair, because the double-edge shave picks up very little comparatively.

So far I've been concentrating on getting the straight razor sharp enough. Now I'm wondering if the remaining problem is my shaving technique. I've tried to be diligent about the 20-30 degree angle and the lightest pressure, but this hasn't solved the problem.

What I have noticed is that the razor no longer passes the HHT after shaving. Is this typical? Or am I dulling the razor by bad technique?