I have a straight I picked up off the forums "shave ready" and I've used it about four times now. Until today I've only tried to go WTG and XTG, and I've stuck to just the cheeks because the neck is a little daunting at the moment.

Today I tried to go ATG and I stopped because the razor just seemed to pull too much - it wasn't comfortable at all. I started with the blade angle close to 5 degrees as the guidelines suggest, and even tried different attempts with varying angles, but no dice.

I know it's hard to convey such a sensitive tactile sense in words, but roughly, how much pull should you experience ATG if you have a proper edge?

I have a paddle strop with leather on one side and Cr2O3-charged balsa on the other. I've only used the leather side to date - should I do some passes on the balsa side?

Thanks!