HI Guys:

I've had three shaves with my new straight razor. The first was uncomfortable but I assumed that was par for the course. The second was marginally better but the third was awful!

Throughout, the experience is of a pulling/snagging kind of scraping rather than cutting, discomfort and cuts while shaving, irritation and razor burn after. No closeness with beard left standing.

I think several factors might be at work:
1) The first two shaves were before my Handamerican hone arrived so I didnt' strop beforehand. Also when I did strop prior to the third shave I may have desroyed the edge.
2) My prep may be good enough for M3 or DE shaving but not up to par for the straight.
3) Awkwardness and lack of coordination
4) Not stretching skin enough
5) Too much pressure
6) Too steep an angle
7) Expectations out of sync with reality

As for 2) I don't think so since for the third shave I soaked my face with hot towels for 5 minutes and used a cream that I know I can get a good lather with.

As for 3) & 4) I plead guilty. This is a major challenge but I think I'm getting better not worse.

As for 5) & 6) Perhaps, but I've conciously addressed these but even at the extreme (blade almost flat and scarcely moving) I get the dreaded pull/snag/scrape.

7) This is the one I'm most worried about. Is this 'just the way it is' - part of the appeal ?

Your words of wisdom and experience would be most gratefully welcomed.

Regards,
Bob