I should have specified that I applied the scientific method during this process, changing only one thing at a time (stropping method, face prep, blade sharpening). Shaving is not rocket science, but I concede that as a new straight edge user, I have much to learn. While I was at the barber, I got a shave (with his blade) and did one cheek myself - successfully. My hunch is that since the blade had not been touched in half a century, the hone I had done was not done properly. Thanks all for your advice.