What are the most likely causes of razor burn? Rank them?

I've shaved with a Merkur DE for 5 years (using a super badger brush and Trumper's limes in a tube) without ever really suffering razor burn (cartridges gave me plently).

As a new straight shaver (completed shave no 3 this morning), I'm suffering some razor burn, mostly on the sides of my chin and right below my Adam's apple.

I see the potential causes as:
1. Not enough hot water
2. Not good enough lather
3. Holding the blade at the wrong angle
4. Blade not as sharp as it could be (honed? or stropped?)

I'm ruling out 1 and 2 as they are the same as when I shaved with my Merkur.

I'm beginning to think 4. is the cuplrit as I believed (wrongly) Dovo when they said the razor the sold me was shave ready and I'm still not proficient at stropping.

Anyone out there with any thoughts on this?

If it is most likely 4. above could anyone recommend a blade service in the UK similar to what Lynn offers in the States?

Another potential cause is too much pressure, which is usually caused by a dull blade.

I think you're right: Number 4 is probably the place to start.

Josh

It could also be too much pressure or taking so much time that the lather dries up.

I'm gonna say:

5. overhoned or wire edge

It doesn't matter how good your prep or technique are, you are in for a world of suffering.

X

too much pressure....

I concure to much pressure, but how was your blade honed?

I also have to concur that the blade wasn't sharp enough and hence used too much pressure. My wife got me my first razor which was supposed to be shave ready. It was not-- I had to hone it and now it is fine.

I agree. too much pressure

I also would like to know of anybody offering honing in the UK. I am a bit impatient when it comes to international shipping!

The face can be a little raw after the first 3-4 straight razor shaves, no matter what you used before. The angle you hold the blade can make a significant different in the shave and regarding face irritation. The angle can be anywhere from almost flat on your face to around 30 degrees. If your razor is dull, it will usually pull or hurt immediately. If your razor is over honed, it usually glides across the face with ease but removes little or no whisker.

Have fun.

Lynn

Most people seem to think that using a DE seems to qualify them to use a straight and start shaving like a pro. personally, outside of maybe the wet shaving prep it really doesn't do anything to prepare you except give you false confidence and I was guilty of that when I started with a straight.

I think as far as razor burn goes as lynn and the others have said, experience, blade angle, pressure, too many passes,and dull razor top my list.

Thank you, everyone, for the advice.

I've come to the conclusion that my 'shave ready' Dovo is not quite as shave ready as the makers proclaim. It's never been honed, although I have stropped it before and after each shave.

Which, I think, means it's not as sharp as it should be and therefore I'm probably using too much pressure.

Next purchase, a hone!