Thread: horrible first straight razor shave experience

I decided i would try straight razor shaving.

However I do not make a lot of money. Buying a 100 straight razor to me seems insane. I bought a Gold Dollar off amazon for 20 dollars. I bought a strop. I already had 250/1000/6000 grit King stones i use for sharpening my knives.

The blade when it came felt a little sharp but i knew i could make it more sharp with the stones. So i went through the stones. It did feel sharper than factory. It shaves the hair on my arm off with no problem. Then i stropped it. I dont feel like i can sharpen it any more. The blade i bought is
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

A few days later here i am. I have cut the hell out of my face every time i try to shave. In addition to that it doesnt sppear to cut well. I always have to finish off with a mach 3 to get a baby smooth face.

I have watched a LOT of videos on how to sharpen and shave with a straight razor. I have a feeling that a lot of people are going to say buy a dovo for 100+ or get it professionally sharpened and that will fix it. For some reason i dont think that will.

I just dont know what else to do. 20 dollars for me is a lot to blow on a straight razor. Even if coughing up the money to have it professionally sharpened or get an expensive razor does fix it, I dont think i would be willing or able to front that money. To me its a gamble and not worth the risk.

What are the other options do i have?
How long did it take you to learn the proper technique to shave?

EDIT:
I feel like i can shave OK (OK being loosely) around everywhere except the chin. I have a hell of a time cutting anything around the chin. The sides of my face or throat i can watch the hair come off with the first stroke. However the chin with little pressure or even a lot of pressure, i just cannot get it to cut at all.