And FWIW, mostly every time I was quick to blame a certain after care product for burning or irritation, I later discovered that with the right shaving practices, most of my issues disappeared. Even the best care products can hurt on a neck or face that has been shaved "wrong", i.e. no prep, dull razor, too many passes, etc.

I second the possibility of razor burn.
especially since you said it was your first two attempts at straight razor shaving.