I'd like to repeat a couple of excellent tips that our own Midnight Blues suggested....

Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner and an old toothbrush does do wonders to clean soapscum off of an old razor...

"Cutting" a brand new DE razor on a wine cork will tame down the sharpness to just the right degree.Using this tip on all of my new razors has cut down on the inital nicks that usually comes along with them...

Best,
Dock

Reduction passes are essential for good shaves.

Few, if any, can use a one-pass Against the grain (ATG) approach and achieve good results (smooth and irritation - free shave).
With the Grain (WTG) and / or Across the Grain (XTG) passes are the way to go.
The occassional ATG pass is OK, for inspections or Date Night, but ATG is the fast track to razor burn and ingrown hairs if youre not careful.

For very informational videos about all things wet shaving related, go to you tube and search for "mantic"
Mark is a great source of info and entertainment.