Thread: I've got some issues :oP

Don't beat yourself up! I've been at it for about 2 months now and stropping still feels awkward to me. It just takes time.

I have the impression you're making too much use of the 0.5 diamond strop.
Prior to each shave you should strop on clean leather (and optionally also on linen before the leather). Stropping on a surface loaded with an abrasive compound should be reserved for doing a "touch-up" when you notice that regular stropping doesn't bring the blade completely up to par anymore. Touch-ups on an abrasive strop should not take many strokes.
If you strop less than perfect on a clean leather strop, that's in most cases not too big a problem (as long as you don't lift the spine or turn over the edge while flipping). But if your stropping leaves much to be desired on a 0.5 diamond strop, each incorrect stroke slowly moves your edge away form where it should be, and at the end the edge will end up so convexed that it needs to be brought to the hones. Even if you do touch-up correctly, the edge will still gain convexity, which is all the more reason to only use abrasive strops sparingly, and only when it is necessary.

You should be able to get at least 10 shaves out of an edge, with only stropping on clean leather. With experience, that amount can grow to much more.

For the rest, I agree with the notion that you must not expect divine smoothness at this early stage in you learning curve, nor should you allow yourself frustration by the absence of it. Aim for nick free shaves without skin-irritation. For the vast majority of shavers, it takes multiple passes to achieve total smoothness. It's an adventurous personal search to find your own tailored recipe for that goal. It sound to me like you're right on track. Just make sure the razor is sharp enough and if it isn't for what ever reason, get it resolved rather soon than late, because you can't learn the art with a dull razor.

Best regards,
Bart.