Sounds like you are on the right track. How do you know your razor is shave ready, was it honed by someone who is a veteran straight shaver? I don't mean to insult but you haven't been at this enough to know how to judge a edge by any test. What edge you did have will now be gone as you haven't stropped the razor after using it.

How do you get a better shave, simple: Practice. It all seems to come together with about 30 shaves. Starting out shaving with the grain is a good choice so that you learn to handle the razor over your face. Most all of us use multiple passes, but don't rush it.

Best bit of advice I could give you is to find a veteran shaver nearby and ask them to be a mentor to you. A couple hours with a mentor can put you weeks & maybe even months ahead of a person trying to do it solo. Add a location to your member information. If you are anywhere near the Paris, TX/Hugo, OK area I would love to help you out and even put a proper edge on your razor.