Larry,

Great advice here.. I'm sure you'll figure it out.. If you were having good shaves and then something changed.. figure out what changed first and go from there.. I agree with all.. that 100 strokes may be more than necessary IE in the begining when you are not as consistent with your strokes as you will be later...

I used to do 100 strokes and more with a practice razor over and over... but.. with my shaver I only go on the leather 15 to 30.. and somedays... I have to go slower then others... just somedays I'm not as smooth and have to be more careful.. a few bad strokes on the strop and you need to touch up your blade on a hone or pasted strop. maybe the linen side of the strop if it's not too bad...when I've done it and I have... I had no luck trying to fix this with the linen side of the strop.. I had to go to a pasted balsa strop..

If it's the lather... wait a few days for your face to heal before trying to quickly or you are runing your razor over an already irritated face... I personally love the creams instead of soap..I think I get more cushion and a more comfortable shave.. just my persoal experience ... I like the nastalgia of the soaps and the price... but I get more comfort with the creams...and if I want a real comfortable shave I do it after my shower.. just can't beat that beard prep in the shower.. I also use a preshave oil.. there are several.. an easy one to get is at the Body Shop 10.00.. they also have a razor burn prep that I use if my face gets irritated and it seems to work very well... Their shave cream 10.00 makes lots of lather..

If it were me.. I'd wait a couple days.. get preshave oil and try a cream. .. touchup my razor on a pasted strop ... shower before my shave and try again with no pressure... if you feel like you have to add pressure to get the razor to shave.... the razor is not sharp!! when it's sharp .. you feel like you better not add pressure or you'll get cut...

Listen to everyone's advice... separate what fits from what doesn't and do what you think is best...

good luck... you'll figure it out!!

Maq