Welcome to the forum CousinSeth and MBR1965! To whatever is written already, I would like to stress once again that beard preparation is extremely important. A much sharper and better quality blade may perform worse than an average one if you don't get the prep right. I didn't pay much attention to this when I started and now I have something to compare with. Couple of tips prepping your face:

1. Apply warm water to your face. Shower or a hot towel will work just fine. Have the water as warm as you can stand. If you take shower before shaving try to use some hair conditioner on you face. This will soften you whiskers and prepare them for a comfy shave.

2. Try pre-shave oil. Castor oil will work as well. As a matter of fact any thick oil will (make sure the oil you chose is safe for skin). Massage your face with the oil for a minute and let it sit for 15-20 seconds before applying lather. Lather right over the oil.

3. Watch Lynn Abram's videos of lathering. I would start with face lathering, but that's a personal choice. Avoid dry, fluffy lather at all cost (there is a reason its called wet shaving) and don't be temped to go over the shaved spot again with lather wiped off it already. If you need to go back, re-lather.

4. Wash your face thoroughly with warm water when you are done and finish off with a splash of cold water (refrigerated water can be used as well).

Aftershaves are down to personal preference, and I will refrain from giving any advice on this.

This is a lot of fun, enjoy!