thanks for the quick replies guys!

the razor is a 100 year old joseph allen & sons, sheffield steel, 6/8 inch hollow ground and i sent it to a guy from the forum recommended to me that is here in the UK.

for lather i'm using an edwin jagger cream.

i shave after showering, then use hot water on my face before applying lather.

so maybe i should look at my stropping technique? have hardly done much so probable that it could be this letting me down? i've watched vids and read up on it but that only goes so far, i keep the strop tight and only apply as much pressure as i need to keep the blade flat though.