So I received my spanking new Hart Steel 7/8 and followed manufacturer's guidance including "razor comes shave ready" needing no stropping first go around. I excitedly and over ambitiously began to lather up my shaving soap. I had heard that beginners should start with cream and move up to soap but I thought "I'll be the anomaly, like Neo in the matrix." I was severely mistaken. I endured a painful and un-pleasurable shave that day. I vowed to do better next time and after enduring a number of video tutorials, a few days later I stropped my razor and lathered up some shaving CREAM. This should have yielded a better result but unfortunately I experienced the same painful shave with stubble being pulled not cut, as well as having to make several passes to have an effect on the shadow. I eventually turned to my shavette to take care of some troublesome areas. I'll say that again. I had to use my $15 shavette to do the job that my $300 straight razor could not. I must be doing something wrong. Where's the smooth silky, pain free shave promised from switching from a disposable razor and shave gel out of a can to a straight razor and T&B shave cream or soap? Buyers remorse starting to set in.