I have been shaving with a D/E Merkur for the last three years or so. I started with a Futur, but could never really get the right adjustment on it, so I switched to a Heavy Classic, which is a much better razor, IMO.

I just started shaving with a straight razor a little over a month ago. I can go WTG and XTG on the cheeks easily enough...and line up my sideburns while I am at it. I started trying ATG on my cheeks last night, but I can already tell I need more practice. However, I was VERY close to BBS after my third pass.

My chin and neck, however, are another story. I cannot go full XTG on my neck...the razor is too long!

I have not worked up the courage to go ATG on my chin...I just got semi-proficient at WTG in that area...

As it stands now, I begin my shave with a hot towel held against my face until it starts to cool, then wash with Gilette sensitive skin pre-shave wash, both while the brush is soaking in hot water. I then whip up some lather in a mug using Prosario sensitive shaving cream...which has improved my overall shave quality since I switched from shaving soap...and it lasts longer!

I start with a WTG pass with the S/R. I then do an XTG on my cheeks with the straight, and a partial XTG on my neck with the straight, kind of diagonal from the corner of my jaw to my adam's apple.

I then do ATG on my cheeks, followed up by ATG all-over with the Merkur D/E, and additional XTG/ATG on my trouble spots.

End of routine is Nivea Sensitive Skin post shave balm, after I shower.

Yes, I shower after I shave, not before. I discovered early on with my D/E that if I shower before I shave, I get more cuts. If I shower after I shave, i get less cuts during the shave, and whatever nicks I do get close up by the time I finish my shower.

Unfortunately, I cannot go to work with stubble, as 'I am learning to shave with a S/R" is not a viable excuse.