Only about 10 shaves in using my straight razor. My fiance bought me a razor from art of shaving (would not have been my first choice) and it claims to be shave ready however I am having a tough time. My first thought is that it is my stropping technique. I am making sure to keep it as taught as possible. Doing about ~50 passes (sharp end trailing) in the usual X pattern on a 2" wide strop. Should I be holding the blade as flat as it can get? Every time I do this I tend to think the end of the blade isn't getting much contact with the strop. I am currently in the market for a second blade to either buy sharpened by someone who knows honing so I have a comparison. I've watched several videos on the physical technique of shaving and done extensive work on my beard prep which makes me think the nics are do to the blade not being sharp more than anything?? just not sure. need some help!! as a side note I am already feeling some side effects of RAD.