So a bit of background to my thread, I've been researching on investing in a straight razor for about a year. I finally was given the opportunity to invest in one this year.

I did my research and concluded that it would be best to invest in a vintage razor. Because the metal would be far superior to what we can get today also it would be honed and stropped. Perfect!!

I bought my razor from the 'Invisible Edge' it is a Ford & Medley's Sheffield blade from the 1930's. The guy was great who sold me it and help answer my queries quite quickly. I also bought a 3" 'Miller' Barbour strop with the canvass underneath. From the strop-shop.co.uk.

I've been using Taylor of Old Bond for the last 10years. It's the shaving products that I much prefer. I use sandalwood pre shaving oil along with sandalwood cream.

So the shave, I attempted my first shave with the straight razor 4 days ago which was great (one pass), then my second which was even better being a 3 pass shave, but today it went pair shaped! My blade kept tugging on the hairs when I was doing my against the grain pass so much so the my face is red raw. I finished the 3 passes but I am now feeling as if somebody has just thrown boiling water over it. Lol

I know the blade has been honed properly and I always strop it at least 30 passes before shaving. It just was so painful going against the grain today under my chin and neck.

Can an anyone offer me a 'newbie' any advice. I understand your not getting the full picture but hopefully there is something in there that you can see is either wrong or of a concern.

Maybe my skin is just really sensitive.

question is - should it always be like this?

Thank you you for taking the time to read my thread.