Quote Originally Posted by FatboySlim View Post
But each day since, I seem to be getting a little worse results. I've been shaving at night so I'm not rushed and have time to learn. The past few shaves, the razor burn has been still present the next morning. Despite two or even three passes, my neck is almost like I haven't shaved at all, but with plenty of burn and pulling.

I was hoping my technique would improve slowly since my first shave, I was really nervous. But I seem to be going backwards. Maybe my stropping is really flawed, or something in my shaving technique is dulling my razor, not sure what. Maybe I was lucky the first shave and just need to back off, adjust my expectations, and settle in for bad shaves until I get the hang of this.

Is my experience common for new straight shavers, where it goes downhill for a while before it starts to improve? How long did it take you to start getting even decent shaves, without burn? Should I just stick with one WTG pass for now?
First of all welcome to straight razor shaving!

I have highlighted these parts of your post because I think they are related. It has been my experience that the comfort of my shave has been down to two things. Preparation and care. I suspect your first shave was that much better because you took better of each. If you have razor burn and are making 2 or three passes, stick to two passes WTG or if thats still too much keep it to 1 pass. Remember shaving involves taking care of your skin as much as removing the hair. Be slow and careful, give yourself a hot towel treatment to relax you and open the pores. Your skin will be much more grateful. Use a light touch and a good 30 degree angle. Shave every second day if needs be- I do. Some people shave less often than that. Its a learning curve, so dont be discouraged. Pull the skin tight as you go.

Dont lose heart.