Although a newbie myself, I have noticed that the lather is a make or break issue. The razor needs a good base to glide across, don't dry shave! Add more lather if required. Once I get a good foam on the brush it is more than enough to do my shaving (probably enough for 4 or 5 shaves!). So don't skimp on the foam. Make one pass with the grain of the beard, add more lather, then make another pass either with or against the grain as you see fit.

I've noticed for my Italian based iron tough beard stubble I've got to lather, make one pass with the grain, lather, one pass against, lather, then a final pass with the grain. So far I've been getting a very good baby-face close shave with a minimal of nicks (in fact last night was my first zero nick shave). I'm certain the key is the soap, when it's right you can feel it being "slippery" on the face when you apply it.

Practice and dont' give up, the end result is worth the learning curve.

BTW- when can somebody no longer be a "newbie"?