Hello Ed... Worst case is that you may have rolled the edge of your blade while at the strop... If this is the case then in my limited experience only a light honing will fix that... But firstly do remember you have only been straight shaving for a little over a week... My first shave which was only eight months ago was amazing... My second also amazing... My third was average and my fourth also average with many cuts... My point is, that was my first weeks straight shaving and I couldn't believe how easy it was, I thought I was a natural... I was so wrong. The following three months after that week was where my learning curve started... Believe me, mine was a steep curve... Only now can I go into a shave with confidence... So my point...? Keep at it for at least another week... Check that angle and keep checking it... If in ten days to two weeks it is still pulling then you'll have a better idea of knowing your blade needs a re-hone... Of course if it is pulling that badly then ten days may feel like ten years... Ultimately the decision is yours... What type of main strop do you have...? If you have an 8 - 12inch strop try 100 strokes before a shave. If its a hanging strop that has 18 - 25inch of surface then 50 - 60 laps should be fine before a shave... I would also remind you that I'm no veteran, so wait for a few more replies... Others may have some more insight... But do give it time and don't judge your ability within your first week... Like I did... Good luck and let us all know how it goes...