Mark,

Welcome to SRP!

Could you please elaborate on the "shave gel" you used?

You were wise to refrain from "pushing" the blade. A shave ready razor from SRD will do all of the work for you. No pressure is ever required to get a good shave. As you mentioned angle is very important. As pinklather mentioned, the quality of your lather is also important.

Remember to reduce the likelihood of nicks hold the razor like a bird - firm enough so it doesn't "get away" but gentle enough so you don't hurt it.

Keep us posted.

Greg