Thread: First straight blade shave...did not go well at all. Im lost..

Don't be discouraged by a less than perfect first shave. While I seemed to have a better first experience than some, mine was far from great. My first shave was about as close as I could get with an electric. Trust me, shaves will get smoother and burn less with time. Your face has to get use to having a straight dragged across it, and you have to perfect your technique.
Having a strop is key, due to the fact that it will realign the edge before shaves. However, yours should have come ready to go without having to strop. Again, don't be discouraged. My razor came ready to go and although it was sharp and keen, it did not do the job. I have since shaved with duller razors and gotten better results. This is simply due to the fact that my technique has improved.
In regards to technique, I don't like to lay the blade on my face and raise to the proper angle. I find that when I do this, I end up pushing the edge into my face when I raise the spine. Instead try maintaining the proper angle with a butter knife, practice the motion of a stroke, and progress to a straight. And keep in mind, you need to use almost no pressure at all. I know that it may feel like you need to apply more to shave those wiskars, but its way easier and less painful to do another pass with no pressure than try to get it the first time with double pressure.

My advice would be wait a couple of days till your razor burn goes away, get a strop and practice with a dull knife first (both stropping and shaving as poor stropping technique can ruin an edge). Then give it another go with MINIMAL pressure.

Good luck