Welcome to SRP Ron. Glad to hear that you are having a great time straight razor shaving, as we all do here.

With the grain of your beard is a great beginning. I noticed the same thing when I began using a straight razor. That is, there was some stubble left after a first pass. Remember that shaving is more a beard reduction than a total beard removal process. With-the-Grain initiates the beard reduction process. Across-the-Grain removes a little more and finally Against-the-Grain removes even more. I usually only do the WTG and XTG myself, but on those occasions when I want an extra smooth shave--especially on my neck where my beard grows all kinds of ways--I will finish there with an ATG pass of the razor.

Try stretching the skin of your face as you shave too. I have found that stretching is very important to getting a close shave--even with a WTG pass.

As for 3" strops...I have found that you can't go wrong purchasing one from one of the vendors who advertise here--either Vintage Blades or Straight Razor Designs. I have purchased 3' strops from both and never been disappointed. My first was a Latigo strop, but moved up to a SRD Premium Leather strop. I've been very satisfied with both of them, although the Latigo is cheaper than the Premium leather.

Take care. Hope you will have many more smooth shaves.