i soaked my beard pretty well, hot shower, lathered up then stropped. i think the angle has a lot to do with it. and overall noobness. the strop i got was off of ebay. it was a cheapie, but im glad i went with it instead of an expensive one. it just seems stiff for leather. it is quite thick though. and it is a hanging strop.

shaving with small stubble is probably a better idea than waiting.

thanks for the info everyone!