Like so many before me have said -- slow down. Somehow it gets to be a point of honor or something to shave the whole face as soon as you can. Want a nice cut? -- going against the grain before you and your skin are used to what you're doing is almost sure way to get cut. Want some really unattractive razor rash? -- same deal.

I love razors, and I'm completely aware of the desire to learn and learn fast, but shaving with a straight is really counterintuitive -- relax and learn at a reasonable pace, because smooth confident strokes make for a great shave.