I always go with the grain for the first pass and against the grain for the second.
That does seem to be the most common method. Starting out by going against the grain is just uncomfortable for me. Fine for the second pass though, although I usually go perpendicular to the direction of growth then.
Me too; my hair is coarse. But I'm too chicken to go against the grain with a straight razor. So I keep a Gilette Mach 3 for the second pass. I get a "baby's bottom" result. I wish I had the guts to try against-the-grain with a straight razor. I have tried across-the-grain for the second pass, with disappointing results.
people with extra thick facial hair have problems cutting against the grain.
if blade is not extra sharp, blade starts ripping hair, shaving along the grain in comparison is more forgiving for duller blades.
I'd take my skin off if I did that on the first pass.
I do first pass with the grain, second against
its supposed to irritate the skin more or smth but i do it anyway and don't have problems