I started str8 shaving with a Feather Artist Club and moved to a regular str8 from Lynn (actually several, thanks, Lynn). I can relate to some of what you are saying. Some things I found.

- It is easy to dull your razor by poor stropping. Make sure that you are lifting the blade away from the strop at the end of the stroke, and not digging it in as you see illustrated in old cartoon images of a barber stropping.

- There is more feedback from a true str8 in terms of sound and feel. This is not really pulling so much, just a different sensation.

- If your beard is tough (like mine) you have to have some momentum to the blade in your technique. Start the cutting motion just above the beard as you bring it down. If the blade has no momentum, it can "stall" and grab a heavy beard.

- Use short strokes for that heavy beard. Experiment with what works best.

- Using a magnifying mirror (carefully) can show you what is happening.

- Try not to go directly against the grain - again the blade can stall.

- Over time, you will get better and learn what works best on your face. You might try a heavier razor if your beard is tough.

- At first, I thought that the str8 was inferior to the Feather. After awhile, I have learned that it is just as good, but requires a bit different technique. If you don't like that technique, or the feedback of a str8, consider the Feather Artist Club. Ray will tell you that it is his favorite razor, and it is awesome. But different.

Bob