V3nom: Shaving should be considered a "beard reduction program". If you have a full beard, take some clippers to it first no matter if you are using a DE or straight. Removing a beard, for me, requires me to do a bit of prep first. First I clip it down with the clippers. I personally will condition the heck out of it in the shower after I have double shampoo'd my head and face. I will let the conditioner work while I wash the rest of myself. Then I will rinse, towel dry the body & head, but not the face...it stays wet. I immediately whip up a good lather in my bowl that has been sitting in a trickle of hot water. Then a shave is done the same, no matter if a DE or straight (98% of the time): One pass north to south (wtg), from the ear to the chin (xtg), and then south to north (atg). This is always done with a new blade or sharp razor.

You might just need your razor honed/touched up as it's real easy to mess up a blade. If you would like I would evaluate your edge to let you know if the edge is good or not & if not, I will properly hone it if you cover the return shipping. Remember, it takes about 30 shaves to "get it right" and for all the skills to come together. As mentioned before, a straight isn't for everyone for a number of reasons.