All good advice above. Put the DEs away and focus on the straight razor if that is your ultimate goal. While going for the BBS pay attention to all of the details and perform a complete shave prep, hot or cold water to your preference. Perform the same shave ritual each and every shave/day for a week or two until you know it w/o thought. Then start changing one thing at a time starting with your technique in angle, skin stretching and pressure. If everything is as it should be I would guess that pressure may be causing the shortfall in your results. Next to no pressure with the proper angle and a sharp blade, good prep and good lather and, and, and... But start with a known routine before you start making changes. Also, map your beard and know it's growth direction(s). Your passes WTG, XTG and ATG will be in different directions in different areas of you face. Sorry if you already knew that but this post is also for the benefit of all readers. Good luck!