Mike, you should also be aware that two to three passes are almost always necessary for a good straight shave. Try less pressure on your first pass and just try removing what beard you can without causing excessive pulling. Do the same on your second pass. You might even require a third pass if your beard is really tough. This is called beard reduction. Very few can get a good one-pass shave. Proper prep is essential. Your beard must be well-hydrated to get a comfortable shave. When stropping, make sure to use light pressure and keep the spine and edge on the strop all through the stroke. Never let the edge alone contact the strop. Good luck!