Out of abject curiosity, I tried skipping the usual first WTG pass. Starting with the XTG pass was not a fun experience for me. There was a fair amount of discomfort, but I did manage to hang in and get it done.
The second ATG pass was closer to normal, and certainly not the grind that starting with the XTG presented. No weepers and very mild irritation that disappeared with the Thayer's WH.
My expectations were low, but it turns out the result was a very respectable DFS (which I prefer to call a PNTB shave - pretty not too bad). A 2 pass BBS is not available to my beard.
But if you're usually doing a 2 pass shave you might want to give this a try. I will never do it again, but I suspect that with a slightly lighter beard this could be a winner.
The second ATG pass was closer to normal, and certainly not the grind that starting with the XTG presented. No weepers and very mild irritation that disappeared with the Thayer's WH.
My expectations were low, but it turns out the result was a very respectable DFS (which I prefer to call a PNTB shave - pretty not too bad). A 2 pass BBS is not available to my beard.
But if you're usually doing a 2 pass shave you might want to give this a try. I will never do it again, but I suspect that with a slightly lighter beard this could be a winner.