Just about a year ago I bought this razor: http://straightrazorpalace.com/buy-s...-tip-40-a.html from JoshEarl.
Today I had my second shave with it. And my seconds shave with a straight. The first one did go reasonably well. The razor did pull a little, which I put down to being the first time. I also had to finish with my normal I-have-more-blades-than-you razor.
Today the pulling was still there, but not as strong. I did "finish" my whole face using only the straight though. As it is now it's not close as with my old razor on a good day, but better than the old one most days.
I haven't cut myself yet. Some bumbs got decapitated, but they closed up before I notice the blood.
So far I have shaved about the same directions I did with my old razor. Starting with the grain and then sideways, in some places against the grain.

I have noticed a few things:
- The longer the whiskers have been soaked, the easier the shaving is.
- Hot lather is freaking nice.

I think the pulling might be because the razor been dormant nearly a year. I believe I have read somewhere here that an edge will deteriorate over time.

My gear:
- The razor.
- A brush. Badger, don't ask what type.
- Geo F. Trumper's Violet Shaving Soap in a Wooden Bowl
- TM latigo practice strop (And a linen/horse butt for later)

Gear on the way:
- A yellow coticule from my father
- A slate razor hone, also from my father
- A TM pasted 4-sided paddle strop: http://straightrazorpalace.com/buy-s...ops-uk-eu.html

Where I'm going from here:
- Shave a bit more, obviously.
- When the paddle strop arrives, try that.
- Shave some more.
- Get more razors.
- Hone same.
- Get more hones.
- By now both my HAD and RAD should be well established

Anyway, thanks for providing an unbelievable amount of information.