try more types of blades if you can
NoseWarmer,
I found that some blades helped the razor in the finicky nature of angles. It has been long enough now that I will ahve to pull the box and ntoes out to refresh teh memory on what conclusion I had arrived at.
I find that the SuperSpeed or the Merkur Heavy Classic are the DE that I preferred. I have not used a DE for a full shave in over 3 years as the straight is now easier for me to use and it costs nothing for new blades. I also cut myself less with the straight compared to the DE, maybe I tend to be more careful! I think a light weight superspeed style would be hard to use. I like a little heft.
You are also on your way with the soaps you are making based on the sample you gave me.