I have learned if I have a 2 or 3 days growth my beard is tuff to shave. That first pass will be little short strokes to get the beard cut. This could also be my newness to the straight?? After I get that first pass the second pass is very smooth. Now if I shave every day I don't have that tuff shave problem. Early on this situation had me thinking it was a dull razor, as it turned out the razor was fine. To verify this, I have used a new double edge razor that we all now is sharp and had the same problem.

When you get that first complete shave with a straight you will be very excited. It only gets better after that.

Have fun,
Rick