If your truly positive about the razor and prep and all that then you described the problem and solution to yourself already. Its technique. I don't think the stropping idea is a good one. Stropping is the key to good shaving and has been for hundreds of years. I think to eliminate that is just not a good idea. Its one of the few factors in straight shaving that is written in stone.

I would be concentrating on your angle that you hold the blade. It might be too aggressive hence a rough shave. Really look at how your holding the razor as you shave. I find if I'm not paying attention I have a tendency to increase the angle as I shave.

Also I find when I do my chin I come straight down and around in one stroke. If you razor can't do that smoothly its a sign its not sharp enough. Also if you have to strop inbetween shaves thats saying to me maybe the razor isn't quite there and it either marginal to begin with and its failing during the shave.

For me the ultimate test if whether the razor is truly shave ready is when I get to my chin. It might shave my face fine but when I bring it down around my chin, if it starts to slow down or pull or balk I know it ain't ready.