I had been using plate #3 for a long time and loving it. I thought I’d step it up and go a little more aggressive with plate #4. Turns out I tried plate #2 for the heck of it and loved the results. I shave every other day in two directions, it was perfect. Swipe number two didn’t leave me feeling like I had over done it if you know what I mean. My skin wasn’t irritated and my face was super smooth. It’s the only way to shave. I wish I had discovered it years ago!