@ RNFuller: I think maybe it is preference. I sometimes dip my razor into a bowl of hot water (Seriously guys I am lacking even the most basic of necessities) but fount I have just ever so slightly touched the bowl with the razor. I have tried wiping the blade on the palm of my hand which I read about somewhere but personally don't like having a handful of shaving soap and whiskers, so I just use a damp cloth, but if you do this, you must seriously watch the edge or it will have an ill effect. Congrats on your first shave.
I believe that it is helpful watching the DVD even 100's of times, I have too but.
You can keep watching the DVD until the cows come home, its not always going to help you get a flawless first shave. Coming from different forms of shaving to straight shaving is a huge change. Most people do have difficulties with their first few shaves. Good luck, they will improve soon.
I haven't followed your previous thread(s) so will ask a basic question. Did you have one of your straights honed by a professional first so you would have a reference point when doing your own honing? If not that could be your problem.
I recommend you have one honed by Lynn or Joshearl (those two honemeisters names are stuck in my head, but there are many more) then you can know what it is to shave with a truly shave ready straight and also it gives you your reference point for honing.
Good luck to both of you, and if I haven't already welcomed you both. Welcome to SRP.