First Shave/Big Problems

[ATattooedJew]

I got my razors back on Friday from being "professionally honed" by a SRP member. Being that I am brand new at straight razor shaving, I am uncertain if my Razor(s) were nor sharpened properly or that I am doing something very wrong. After making an attempt I eventually gave up on my first straight razor shave. I will out line the process I used and the problems I was/am having.

I took a hot shower during which time my later mug was filled with hot water and my brush was soaking in it. In the shower I use a NIVEA Pre-Shave Face Wash.

After the shower, prior to my shave I made my lather using Bigelow shave cream, then re-wet my face with hot water and applied the first lathering to my face. I stropped my razor, then reapplied more lather to my face.

I stretched my skin as instructed by my forum reading and began my first straight razor shave. Neither razor seemed to be cutting right, it was very difficult to make even one pass without it being hung up and it did not seem to be doing a great job at removing a couple days of facial hair growth. Even after a few passes at different angles my face did not seem smooth and patches on my face were red irritated and bleeding. I am also having trouble figuring out the best way to hold the razor for chin and neck shaving as I have a goatee and it is very difficult to find a good angle to work with. Needless to say I gave up and used a disposable to finish.

How can I tell if my razors were honed well or if they are not?
Why am I finding it so difficult to find a good position to hold my razor?
What am I doing wrong?

Any help, advice and guidance is welcome. Thank you in advance for the forums support.