3rd straight shave and confused

I purchased 4 straight razors, 2 from SRD a Dovo 5/8 Best and 6/8 Bismark both professionally Honed. I also purchased two used razors which were both 5/8 and shave ready. Now my first shave I used the Dovo 5/8 and it was a very uncomfortable shave to say the least. I chalked it up to being my first shave. My second shave I used one of the shave ready used razors and it was a great experience, very comfortable and smooth. So tonight I try my third shave with the Dovo Bismark and to my surprise, it was very uncomfortable and caused razor burn and just didnt feel smooth like the second shave felt. Being that the two new razors were professioally honed and shave ready, I was told not to strop it and just shave with it out of the box. My next shave I planned on using the other used razor I purchased to see if I get a better shave. Also, my bismark is loose in the scales. Is this normal? I am very confused as to why the two new razors which were supposed to be ready to go gave a much worse shave than the two used ones I purchased. Any ideas?

The two Dovos are probably actually SHARPER than your other blades, but there's a difference between sharp and smooth. I personally find that a razor right off the hones to be a bit harsher than my blades that I've shaved with for a week or two. The 'broken in hone' on the older blades, in my opinion, respond better when you screw up your technique a bit by having too much pressure.

Other things to consider is that your technique will be 'in flux' for the first couple months. One day you'll have a nice shave and the next day you won't. This is your mind making subliminal changes to your muscle memory trying to get things figured out. Another simple thing is that your prep may have been slightly different between your shaves.

Keep at it and don't give up. If you want to learn in the quickest amount of time, toss any other method of shaving out the window. This way, you'll have to rely solely on your straight method. After the second week, you'll notice a considerable bit of improvement.

Keep at it and don't give up. If you want to learn in the quickest amount of time, toss any other method of shaving out the window. This way, you'll have to rely solely on your straight method. After the second week, you'll notice a considerable bit of improvement.[/QUOTE]

I did do that. I use nothing other than my straight razors. I figured it was going to be this way or I would end up looking like Grizzley Adams. I am enjoying this whole experience, maybe I'm being impatient. I will not give up on this and will have this down pat hopefully in a few months.