Just learning and am right at the bottom of the learning curve

As an introduction to straight razor shaving I almost parted with £350 however, fortunately suffered a computedr cock up and so the goods never arrived.

To learn (and cheat) I purchased a straight that takes disposable blades. Even when using an M3 I took the time to prep and have always used brush and soap.

Anyway last night I used the disposable straight but did not get that close a shave. Will this be technique or is a disposable just not sharp enough?

I'm pretty sure I kept a 30 degree angle but did apply very little pressure but it was really difficult using my left hand (although the only cut I got, which while very small bled for an hour was with my right hand and just on the side of my chin)

I did not get any Razor burn which was nice but did not really see any improvement over an M3.

I have read so many tips, seen the videos and think I did it right but need to know if my technique or the Razor is probably to blame.

I suspect the razor's fine and your technique needs to come along. There is a slight differenc in feel and handling to a traditional straight. Kinda like the difference between a mountain bike and a road racer.

X

The razor you used would be sharp enough certainly and doesn't require stropping of course. So that suggests other areas to look at: technique and beard preparation, mainly.

I myself have only started getting shaves equal to Muck 3 (after 2 months of trying). I started off cutting myself every shave (no nicks now). And my technique has improved no end (swapping hands now, wooo!) but could do with a lot more practice.

And that's what it takes: practice practice practice and putting up with the not so good shaves until you're better at it.

One thing: I wouldn't call using a Feather razor cheating. I was lucky enough to receive a gentleman's shave at Truefitt & Hill in London last month and the old Italian master who shaved me advised me to buy a Feather razor and practice with it without a blade in it just to get the feel and confidence from handling. I didn't follow the advice through, mainly because I'm a stubborn git, but I have to admit there is a certain logic there. ('Muscle memory' and all that.)

Keep practising... you'll improve.

Just to echo what has been said its practice, practice, practice. I've never used a feather myself but my understanding is they are very touchy so you need to use no pressure and maybe use less than a 30 degree angle.

This thing takes time so just keep at it.