Something that hasn't been touched on yet is the blade itself. You say it was 'sharpened' by a pro: was it done by someone who specializes in honing razors or sharpening knives? If the latter, it's entirely possible you have never shaved with a truly shave-ready blade. Your experience reads a *lot* like mine when I started out, and that was one of the problems I was facing: the thing just wasn't sharp.

Potential blade issue #2 is stropping. It can be really easy to wreck an edge while learning to strop. It really doesn't take much to do.

You mentioned the HHT, but please don't put too much faith in that particular test. There are a lot of variables that need to be calibrated in order for it to be a truly meaningful test. (the hair type, which direction you're holding it, what the cutting motion is, etc.).

Where are you located? There may be an experienced member nearby who could check out your blade and help point you in the right direction.