Thread: better off waxing my face

I have a Dovo 6/8 best quality straight razor, Muhle badger hair brush, unsure of what soap I am using as the label has worn away. This is my first straight razor and I have been shaving with it for about six months so far with nothing but terrible results, I would seriously be better off just waxing my face. When I watch videos of other people shaving with this razor I hear the distinct sound of the stubble being cut but when I shave it doesn't sound the same, I have tried experimenting with different angles, applying absolutely no pressure vs applying pressure, stretching the skin, not stretching the skin,adding more water and less water to the lather ect and everytime I shave it is very irritating. I have mapped out my face as to which way my hairs grow so I know when I am going with the grain across the grain and against the grain.

I shave right after a hot shower, I will put a warm wet cloth over my face for a few minutes then lather up, apply to my face, wait a few minutes, wash away re apply then commence to raping my face. I start my first pass with the grain which is not uncomfortable but it doesn't seem to take away much hair.I make sure to keep my face wet, its winter right now and it seems like i have to reapply lather more often so it doesn't dry out. so then on with the across the grain pass, this is irritating and often tugs. and as for the against the grain pass well I ####### skip that step because my face is already red and bleeding.

I thought that maybe there was an issue with the blade so I got some niniwa stones and spent many hours honing and stroping so that it will pass the hht test. my razor currently cuts my arm hair perfectly fine in mid air applying no pressure really. So i dont think its the razor?

What do you guys think is the problem?
I'm actually going to wax my face and see if it will be less irritating.