Hi and welcome! I am also new to straight razor shaving but I've definitely learned a lot and have done much research. The razor I purchased was honed before it was shipped to me. Even being honed I also experienced significant pulling at my beard. I have eliminated that almost entirely by focusing on the angle of the blade, my lather, and my shave prep. I suggest making sure your lather isn't too dry. That was my first problem. Your lather should allow the blade to pass smoothly over your skin and then wash easily from your blade. If your lather sticks to your blade when you rinse it off then it is probably too dry. I was running in to that. Also, don't be afraid to relather mid shave. I notice if my blade isn't passing as smooth then I will relather before I continue. Also, make sure your beard is properly prepped before you shave. I will either shower or use a hot towel before I shave. Generally I will use a hot towel, lather, strop, hot towel, lather again, and then shave.

I wish you the very best and hope that I may have helped a little!