So I have been having a little bit of a hard time getting a nice smooth shave. There is no irritation, just many areas that never seem to get smooth. When you shave, do you do it immediately after exiting the shower, do you wait a bit, do you not shower first. Also, do any of you place a damp warm towel on your beard area before shaving?
Prep is certainly important, but equally important is technique. Watch you angle and let the razor do the work (don't press). Your shaves will steadily improve. And most importantly: enjoy your shave experience.
What gear are you using? Tell us about your routine. We may be able to spot something that we could give you a few pointers about.
When I get out of the shower, I try not to dry my face. I lather up and let it sit there for a few minutes. I go WTG, XTG, XTG then I spot shave in problem areas. I think I need to map out the hairs on my face better. I have a few spots where the hair seems to swirl, especially on the neck.
I have an old 3 piece tech that I use with Astra SP blades, a cheap badger brush and soap from AOS. My post shave is nivea
Yup. I'd say more than likely it's your technique. I've used the same set up, the Tech with Astra SP blades, along with AoS soap, and have achieved BBS. It may be that the razor/blade combo just doesn't work well for you. Many have found the hunt for "the perfect shave" to be part of the fun of all of this!
My prep is a hot towel followed by lathering up and another hot towel applied over the lather. Then I lather again and shave with the grain. Lather again shave across the grain. Lather again and shave against the grain. I use mainly straights in a scything similar to a slant. I do not chase BBS but get very smooth shaves daily. I shower after shaving.
I have a large assortment of blades coming soon from try a blade. I am suspecting it may be due to my coarse facial hair. I ordered some feather blades to try out.
If your beard is coarse, you may actually have a real need for a more aggressive razor. The fact that you say you have no irritation, but are not smooth, makes me believe you may need a more aggressive setup.
Having that type of beard myself, that's always my first thought. But I would first ask how long you've been using the Tech. If you've been using it for more than a month (2 or 3 would be even better) then you could start with trying out some shims. I've used as many as 5 in my milder razors (though 3 seems to be the sweet spot).
By the time I get to shaving after my shower, my beard is not very well hydrated. I use a large hot wet washcloth beard soak to re-hydrate, then soap up with Cella or VDH soap. Lately I usually like to shave with one of my Gillette Adj. @6 or 7 or Weber PH, Astra or WS blades, two passes ATG + touch up, rinse cold water then a splash of after shave.