I think it's tough to start with a stub Italic. That nib demands different writing movements. I would have (did) start with a Kaweco Sport Classic, fine nib. Bar none, the best nib ever. And I edit for a living, pen on paper
I seem to only use my stub nibbed pens and I write on lots of cheap copier paper. (middle school teacher) I was having similar issues with skipping and hard starting. Someone here at B&B recommended gently cleaning the nib with a piece of tissue paper or chamois. That's all it took to fix the problem. Seems many of the copier papers are coated. The "waxy" coating can scrape off and clog the tip of the nib.
I periodically wipe the nib down (with ink in the pen) with a tissue. No more skipping and no flow starts...