Quote Originally Posted by tms View Post
Yup, I didn't touch it. I wanted a properly honed razor so I knew what it should perform like. I have 2 others on the way so one of them will be the one I hone myself. I don't suck with a knife on a stone/strop but I understand knives are far different than razors



Actually, I did much better than I expected to! Having read a bunch of posts here, I wasn't under any illusions that this was going to be easy. :-)
That is good that you did not touch it so the tugging is down to beginner shaving and or lathering technique which is quite normal even with a shave ready razor. Yes, honing a straight razor is similar to sharpening a knife or wood working tool but different at the same time. You'll notice the difference when you hone your first razor so it will be no surprise to you as you are expecting that.

Since you did better on the first shave than your expectations you seem to off to a good start. It will only get better from there.

Bob