Good slick lather and patience are key. All comes in time. When you start out you can dull an edge pretty quick learning how to strop and shave. Send your Aust in and use your better skills to keep the edge.

The burn you are experiencing may be caused by too much pressure or too extreme an angle. I used an aftershave then shower then Aveeno aftershave lotion when I was starting out to minimize the burn.

To steal from the great Obie, comfort over close. If you are getting a good comfortable shave there is little need to keep going. Closer shaves will come with experience and practice. Cut free comfortable shaves should be the first goal