I am utterly discouraged. Ive been shaving with a straight razor for 2 months now and still havent gotten a close comfortable shave. I have tried everything to get a comfortable shave but i still sit here typing with a red, bumpy face and general discomfort. My shave:

1) I soak a brush in hot water and take a shower, concentrating on warming my face
2) I get out, pat my face dry, apply Shave secret preshave oil, and lather up. Creams/soaps i have used are
  • TOBS Almond
  • SPEICK
  • D.R. Harris Marlbourough
  • GFT Almond, Rose, GFT, Sandalwood
  • Frasers Polar ICE
  • Kiss My Face Menthol and Unscented
  • Williams and Van Der Hagen soaps
3)I strop on my Vintage Blades brand red latigo and nylon webbing strop

4) i use a straight, Dovo High Carbon Steel 6/8, Boker brand 5/8, wester bros 4/8, and shave WTG and XTG. I pull the skin, i lightly pull the blade across my face and according to my hair growth. All my blades are very sharp, theres another shave guy here in columbia, sc that helps me a lot and sharpens my blades with a coticle.
5) i use either an aftershave balm or splash. Ive used
  • All Boosters
  • Wesley and Ross Lime Balm
  • Old Spice
  • Brut
  • Bath and Body Works men after shave gel
  • Witch hazel straight, or mixed with cornhuskers lotion.
I have done this process either every or everyother morning for the past 2 months. I have had nothing but redness, bumps, small nicks and overall discomfort. I have watched lynn's and others videos of how they shave. In general, this is what im asking:

1) Does it take this long to truly get it down, or am i doing something wrong?
2) Have you ever heard of someones skin just being too sensitive for a str8 razr?
3) Is there some huge technique thing im missing out on?

Please give me something guys. Im going crazy. I LOOOVE straight razors and the idea of a close comfortable shave that not everyone knows, but i cant seem to grasp it.

P.S. Does anyone know of a video thats absolutley perfect as far as shaving technique goes? ive watched a lot of numbskulls with shaving videos and all i got was a "how to be a badass" lesson.