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Soaps vs creams is a preference. I use both there is a thread here on soaps let me find the link. I highly suggest any of the top tier soaps. They will help give you a smooth shave with good cushion...

In can't help you with preshave oils, but as to stropping Incan give you my opinion.
I strop before each shave linen/webbing 20-30 and then on the leather 100.
Also strop after a shave on linen...

Welcome to SRP!
And as has been said there's a lot to this hobby. One more thing you might try is to use a butter knife to try and develop muscle memory.
And you can still practice while healing up...