Thread: first shave with dovo...catching??

Try massaging the first batch of lather you apply to your face with your fingers, then let it sit for a few minutes.

Next, rinse your face and apply some inexpensive bay rum you obtain from your local drugstore.

Finally, apply another batch of lather to your face and begin shaving with a 30 deg. angle on your razor and very light to no pressure on the blade.

The above is called the Robeson beard prep method. That's one way to do it.

It does take a while to develop proper technique with a straight razor, and there's not much you can do about speeding that up except to read the Wiki, keep shaving and let the progress come. Anyone who says they got it right the first, or even tenth, time is probably pulling your leg. Also, because you shaved when your stubble was short, it may have offered more resistance to the blade than if you had let it grow out a bit. Good luck!