30 degree angle to the stroke like a Gillette slide if you will. Slicing or scything stroke. Its early for to try this being the tenth shave or so. I was guilty of using too high an angle so basically scraping, that chews on the edge some. I use the lowest angle that still cuts. As far as pastes go I used to use em every 5-7 shaves, now I'm good for a month or so. As was said its better to crox it then shave with a really dull razor. It gets easier, just hang in there.