Another thing to consider is that if you're like alot of folks in here, as I've read it, many folks have hair that grows in different direction in the different places on their necks and faces. Like me, the pattern of growth isn't even quite the same on the left or right. The area near the trachea/carotid groove the hair grows at around a 45 degree angle fron front to back and downwards....BUT...not QUITE the same on the eft and right. Same thingwth the sideburns area...close but not quite the same mirror image of growth patter. I think that the left and right points of the chin do grownmainly outward like you'd be parting the beard in the middle but the exact angle is still a bit different. This str8 razor shaving brings out the detective in one for sure. One thing I've definitely found out is that a sharp blade is mucg easier to shave with as compared to a dull one...lol. How's THAT for a profound statement huh...lol. I've also recently started to see if I can shave off some time (pun inteneded) with my ritual by going only with 1 1/2 passes instead of 2 1/2 passes. My usual first pass in WTG all over then ATG for everywhere except the chinstrap area, which is usually XTG. That makes two full passes. Then I go back and hit the chin with an ATG pass making 2 1/2 passes. Lately I've bee going ATG everywehre except the chin and going XTG there then hitting it with the ATG pass for the 1 1/2 pass ritual. DEFINITELY better have a sharp blade for that. Anywawayy...Keep at it and happy shaves.