Hey guys, I just worked a 12 hour night shift and decided it would be nice to lather up and shave to relax me before going to sleep. I stropped my blade, which as I learned I need some help with because I cut my strop twice. Two little cuts but nothing serious. (could be I'm tired) I just don't know if I have the right technique going down because the sound changes from stroke to stroke yet I don't see any difference or feel any? I lathered with the soap I usually use. Then I proceeded with my shave since I was fresh out of the shower. I did a WTG pass everywhere and a XTG pass just on my cheeks and chin. My face is redder then the devil. Could I have dulled the blade with poor stropping technique? I never roll over the edge ever I am just not that great at stropping because I haven't had a ton of time to practice. Could it be my shaving technique? Or is it normal for a new guy to have some irritation after his first few shaves? Let me know what you guys think.

Scott