Hi all, never thought there would be shaving forums

Like most forums I only found you guys while trying to find a solution to a problem.

Have been using a interchangeable straight for a while now but thought I would upgrade recently to a real straight razor.
I purchased a gold dollar with strop from eBay shave ready, and judging from what I have read now wished I hadn't but none the less for the first few shave s was actually quite pleasant, wasn't first pass close like the changeable blades but was ok.
Now after a week or of use and stropping I cant seem to bring the edge back, I don't know if its me of the blade or the strop (which judging from looking around is not a good strop).

I'm wondering if there is anyone close by to Pontefract/Castleford UK that would be up for showing someone the ropes as it were, currently I'll continue as I was with my changeable, I'm not really willing to spend much on something I cant prove to myself that I can do.

Am grateful for any suggestions.

Thanks
Joff