+1 to all the previous suggestions. A light touch is extremely important! It is almost counter intuitive, as men we are taught if something seems to be working a little more force makes it better, right? I didn't realize how light the touch should be until I watched my brothers start shaving with a DE at my encouragement. I told them, "you're not plowing the field, you're shaving your face!" Just enough pressure to remove the lather and the correct angle should have you smooth and irritation free in no time. Good Luck!