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I've tried that & didn't like it. I just stretch with my other hand.



You want to be confident, not aggressive. Smooth, unhurried strokes that have purpose, & no real pressure. Just enough to...

Confident stokes are the way to go! It's a difficult thing to demand when you start out, but you're far less likely to nick yourself than if your stroke is too tentative.
Cheap soap does not always...

That blade should have arrived ready. I can't imagine Sham sending it out if it wasn't. It wouldn't have even needed stropping. Send him a friendly pm & ask his opinion.

You should start with just...