so my shaves with the straight are getting better, not great but better, however i notice that sometimes the razor seems to get "stuck" not a pulling feeling but kind of like when your boot gets stuck in the mud and it has that suction like feeling, im sure it is something with my technique but i dont know what it is. i have been using my merkur de to touch up after the straight (still dont think im ready to against the grain with the straight yet)

i also found that using hot water to rinse the blade also makes the blade very hot.

well my pinaud clubman aftershave arrived today but i was working during mail call and will have to wait until tomorrow to try it out .