It is true, these razors are probably very sharp. It seems more like an angle issue to me. Since you are asking about angles, permit me to recommend you the following illustrated page of what the experts recommend for angles in the different pases. As newbies goes, you should start by only shaving in the direction of the grain the easy parts of your face (your cheeks) with the straight at first and leave neck, etc for later when your technique improves. The wiki is an outstanding resource to answer question, have checked these:
Advanced shaving techniques for the straight razor - Straight Razor Place Wiki
Stropping before every shave is very important, particularly after your first shave. Since you likely would get there soon, let me point you in that direction:
Razor stropping - Straight Razor Place Wiki
In terms of preparation, the wiki has a great section about it I cannot stress the importance of bear preparation for good results. Also, using good quality products:
chaphttp://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwiki/index.php/Get_a_better_shaving_result_by_improving_your_prep arationter
The wiki also has good sections on building lather if you think that could be part of the problem, check these out:
Illustrated Guide to Making Basic Soap Lather - Straight Razor Place Wiki
Illustrated quide to making basic cream lather in three different ways - Straight Razor Place Wiki
Illustrated Guide to making Überlather - Straight Razor Place Wiki
http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...-homemade.html
http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...od-lather.html
Good luck the next time and please let us know how it goes.
Al raz.