I'm using a carbon steel straight razor and it cuts fairly close if I do it the right way. I am using a good shaving cream so I know that is not the problem. When I am shaving my face hurts and I cannot understand why this is. I can actually hear the blade cutting the hairs which I don't think is a good sign. I switched the shaving with a disposable bic razor that I have used several times and I did not get the same problem. My guess is the straight razor will be sharper than the disposable razor because I have used the disposable razor several times so I don't think it's a problem with sharpness. I have tried putting a dab of olive oil on my cheeks and then re-apply the shaving cream but no joy. Any ideas?