Thanks to everyone!

Quote Originally Posted by Haroldg48 View Post
What brand and size is your razor?
"Polo" from Solingen: http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ew-guy-ba.html I really don't know much about it, though.

Quote Originally Posted by BobH View Post
Neither the of the Gillette products you are using are made to use with a brush, it just won't work. Rather than messing around trying to concoct a homemade shave soap bite the bullet and get a real shaving soap or cream made to be lathered up with a brush. Also get a decent brush and learn how to make a good lather with it. A good quality brush, shave soap or shave cream does not have to be expensive to work well. A good lather goes a long way to making for an enjoyable shave.
Bob
Thanks, Bob. I tried to get a commercial one, but it looks like nobody had them in stock. I might try to make one by my own in the future. A brush, OTOH, seems easier to get. I just picked the first one I found.

Quote Originally Posted by Hirlau View Post
The fact that you have identified the issues that you don't like & are considering a change, ,, is a good first step.
How do you maintain your razor's edge?
Honed it (my first razor in this aspect too): http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...-question.html and http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...pressions.html. Strop in pasted strops every now and then (no tape, first on a green paste "fine" compound, and second in a white paste "superfine" one). Strop on clean leather prior to every shave.

Rgds.