I suggest not letting your beard grow too thick, I noticed a big difference in picking up shaving when I only waited two days max in between each shave. The stropping is likely the cause, watch videos of proper technique and practice with a butter knife. Remember, no pressure and keep the spine in contact. If it still is too hard try a 3" strop to make things easier. Another possibility is your lather was too dry. Keep at it, you will get it. If you come to the conclusion your stropping dulled the blade you may be able to revive it with stropping, possibly using a pasted strop. The poor mans strop kit from whippeddog.com is good value.