I bought a brand new Dovo stainless razor a couple of days ago. The shop keeper told me that I shouldn't have to hone it as it's shave ready (Is this my first mistake?). I was also informed that I shouldn't have to strop that razor for at least a month so I opted not to get a strop (I guess this is the second mistake?).

I've had a couple of attempts at shaving with and one full shave, after which I got a serious case of razor burn. I've tried to keep the blade close to my face and didn't exceed the 30 degree angle (well as fas as I'm aware anyway but I'm sure that's not truly the case).

The razor also pulls like hell, now I did do the prep work as best as I could and tried a couple times on the side of my face but it still pulls.

My conclusions are:

1. The razor is not honed properly.
2. I really should strop it before I shave.
3. I'm seriously bad at using a straight blade (which I doubt as I've played with very sharp knives before and shaved a few bits here and there - not beard though).

Any advice would be much appreciated.