It's kind of funny, but now that I think about it everything the beginner needs to get a comfortable close shave is exactly what they are trying to develop.

They need to pick equipment, but have no experience doing so.

They need to Prep properly, but don't know how.

They need to strop properly, but don't have the technique and muscle memory.

They need to build lather properly, but don't have a sample to emulate or know what their skin will like.

They need the correct pressure and angle, but have no frame of reference for what is going to work.

They need to know their beard growth directions to know what blade angle is going to work where, but do not.

And so, the dynamic of learning to use a straight razor is one of developing skills and techniques that you need to already have but do not.

There my friends lies the Beginner's Paradox.