The videos by jockeys are great indeed - especially with the grips. But I do not get a good idea of the actual angles he is using from them, personally. Maybe it's the way I'm watching them.

Thanks for the tips on both the butter knife (I had heard that before, but hadn't thought to try it) and about using just small dabs of lather to practice stretching the skin out. It's really tough so far for me to find an efficient way to stretch the skin.

My pre-shave prep is first pre-shave oil while I get ready to create the lather. Then after I make the lather I put it on my face. Then strop, then more lather, then shave.

Is that a reasonable process?