Are you getting a new straight razor? I'm green myself, and the experience keeps getting better as I go. Sorry to hear that you bought a dud. It can be a lot more enjoyable. Especially honing.

If you have the right hones, and learn how to use them with razors (not that I'm a pro), you can buy much higher quality steel for a little more. Classifieds are also a good place to look. Plenty of very affordable (<$50), quality razors.

Get a new razor.