Hello,
Let me first say this site has been very helpful as a non-member, but I had to become one to address a few problems I've been having.
First, I have been shaving with a safety razor for just under a year now. Before I even put safety razor to face I read Michael Ham's book, Leisureguy's Guide to Gourmet Shaving - Sixth Edition: Shaving Made Enjoyable. I even go back to it from time to time for extra tips and tricks. The whole reason I got into shaving with a safety razor was to get the angles right and work up to shaving with a straight razor, so a few months ago I purchased a Dovo Diamant and strop from Straight Razor Designs. I then did some research and stropped the blade and lathered in all the methods I have been using for a year (shower, pre shave soap, lather and shave) and the only way I was able to not get a horrible tugging was to do one pass with the safety razor then move to the straight. Even after that it still was fairly tuggy. Now, when I receive a razor from this site its already honed. However, is it possible to require a sharper hone? With a safety razor I use Feather blades because with my thick beard they were the only ones that got through my stubble without tugging. I know feather blades are some of the sharpest out there - is my razor not sharp enough?
Also, what do you use the nylon side of the strop for? If I used this instead of leather would it help?