I have been using a Cyril R Salter straight about once a week for many years, I have been flying completely blind, having been unaware of sites such as this (perhaps they were harder to found when I first took the straight razor notion). I've never had the blade honed, but started stropping it with the red paste after a regular stropping failed to deliver suitable results. I have always been able to get a reasonable shave from this razor but thought I would treat myself to another one in case I was missing out.

I purchesed a restored New England Razor Co. razor, and as I understood that it should be shave ready, got stuck in, and had a go at about 4 days of growth. The results were generally uncomfortable, I had some minor issues with the point (I expected this) but I also found I has basic issues with tugging and a general strange feeling with this new piece of steel in my hand.

Is it normal to have some difficlty with a new razor, do I just need to get to know it better?

I have another go in a couple of days and this time strop it before use.