Hi.
I'm very new to straight razor shaving. In fact my new Dovo ‘Best Class’ model 955835 just arrived today. I've also purchased shaving cream, pre shave oil, a top end TI silvertipped brush; Dovo strop with leather and canvas; a 4000/8000 Norton honing stone and a few other bits and bobs.

I carried out my first shave today and it was not good. Ok, I didnt really cut myself (just one slight nick) but it was really hard to get it started especially over the chin area. I'm sure it wasnt sharp enough. It is a stainless steel blade. I spent over an hour shaving and have not got a good clean shave, more razor burn than anything else. It's too long to keep shaving cream on the face and I've probably taken off too much skin where I've gone over some areas too much. I darent start honing a £200 brand new blade in fear of ruining it. I've got stropping paste but have not used it. Do you think I really need an extra long strop? I'm holding the balde at 30° to the face but should i be doing lots of small quickish movements of gentle movememnts. It kept getting stuck on the chin and if I had continued I feel I would have got cut. I really do want to percervere and get the knack of it, after all I've invested a lot in it and feel it could be both satisfying and rewarding.