I completed my first straight razor shave this morning, and the results were so so. I did not cut myself, but the shave was not comfortable. I felt like the razor was pulling on my bead. I would say that the razor was not sharp except that I bought a brand new Dovo silver steel razor that was hand honed to a "ready to shave condition" by someone that is very well known on this site. Given this, I am pretty confident that it is a technique problem. I have watched the CD and read a lot, so I am familiar with the basics.

What are common problems that would make the razor feel like it was pulling the hairs instead of cutting them comfortably? Do I need more pressure against the skin? I different angle. (An angle of well less than 30 degrees seemed best.) What is the best way to tell if your razor is sharp other than shaving?

Thanks

Dave