WTG hard; XTG a breeze

[Shavely Manden]

I'm pretty new to straights, but I've been noticing a pattern: my initial WTG pass is tough & tugs. The subsequent XTG pass, however, shaves smooth as butter, and (except for my chin) I'm pretty smooth-shaven afterwards (where I was still relatively fuzzy after the WTG). I don't notice anything of the sort doing the same strokes with a DE. I keep thinking I must have the initial blade angle wrong...if I'd dulled the blade through inept stropping/honing, I'd think the XTG pass would be bad, too. Any thoughts?

 

[LarryAndro]

... my initial WTG pass is tough & tugs....

This is quite typical for tougher whisker areas. Lay the blade flat or close to flat, and shave. There will be some pulling, even with a sharp razor. Maybe, slap some lather on again, and shave again WTG with blade flat or close to flat to reduce the whisker length close to or to skin level.

... The subsequent XTG pass, however, shaves smooth as butter....

Typical also.

Newbies oftentimes watch videos where guys are shaving off whiskers as if with a laser beam. Then, they expect the same experience. First of all, many videos are made showing easier shaving areas. Second, after some experience, most of us don't have too much trouble shaving without a lot of drama. But, for newbies, the pulling is typical. And, the subsequent and relative ease of shaving after the length of whiskers is reduced that you experienced is also typical.

 

[WilliamIam]

I like longer passes, especially on my cheeks and jawline. Starting and stopping the blade was the most difficult task, so doing it fewer times might make the WTG pass easier.
Experiment with you angle. High or lower, just try something you like better. Everyone emphasizes lower angles, but lower angles were harder for me.
If you're coming out completely clean shaven, maybe you're trying to remove too much hair on your wtg pass.

Experiment and you will find what works.