I had my 4th shave this evening. Stropped the blade on the cloth and the leather. I went slow and did not nick the strop. I guess I did about 20-25 on the cloth and near 50 on the leather.
Next came the shave. It went OK, only one nick. Did 2 passes which gave me a pretty close shave. Not the best but close. I decided to do the clean-up with my multi-blade. The hair circle on me neck is no longer irritated. The bumps and redness are gone since I started using the str8, even my wife noticed the difference.
I am happy with my progress but I do believe the Dovo I am using which was brand new needs to be honed. It seems to pull a bit especially on my chin where my beard is tough. I am very mind full of the blade angle. I think I'll buy another blade that comes already honed and stropped. This will allow me to feel how a properly honed and stropped blade would feel.
Any recommendations on another blade and blade hone dude would be welcome.

I will continue my ritual with a nice glass of scotch.

Thanks for all the help.