I am a newbie.

I use a high-quality "Friodur" razor ($146) that I mailed off to be professionally honed ($22).

What seems to work for me is:

First, strop the razor (hanging strop).

1. Wash the face and neck with hot water.
2. Hold a steaming hot (soaking wet) washcloth against mustache/chin/mouth area for 15 seconds.
3. Apply "Edge" shave cream to said mustache/chin/mouth area.
4. Shave said mustache/chin/mouth area ... very carefully.

5. Hold the steaming hot wash cloth against the upper face area (cheeks) for 15 seconds.
6. Apply "Edge" shave cream to said upper face area.
7. Shave said area.

8. Hold the steaming hot wash cloth against the neck.
9. Apply "Edge" shave cream to neck.
10. Shave the neck.

11. Clean off shave cream residue (and blood) with wash cloth.
12. Take a shower.
13. Apply a post-shave.

I don't switch hands; I use only my right hand to shave.

I've tried (so far) one pre-shave lotion and two different shave oils; they do nothing for me.