Originally Posted by
LawsonStone
I started shaving in earnest with straights in April 2010. It wasn't until September that I began consistently to think the shaves were actually really good. But then recently, the last month or so, it seems like I've gone up a whole other level. First, I know my honing and stropping are dramatically better, but also, I'm actually doing LESS.
I used to do a full 3 passes, WTG, XTG, ATG, and then touch up. Now I just do two passes, WTG and ATG and it feels great. I found if I really pay attention to the "grain" that these two passes alone give me an outstanding shave with no shadow at all into the evening.
One key is obvious: a wicked-sharp and smooth razor. I think that my honing ability and my technique have improved and converged or something, but these 2 pass shaves have been the best of my experience, and I shave every day. Haven't really thought "Yikes, what a B- shave" in a long time.
Hang in there. Some times a few small things will take way longer to work out, and suddenly you'll "be there" at a level that's really satisfying and fun.