This photo supports a theory I have about why a straight shave feels closer than a Mach 3 shave, even though the M3 cuts "below the skin."

A Mach 3 pulls the hair out of the skin, then cuts it off at an angle, like in the photo. Then it retracts back into the skin, leaving the pointy end beyond the razor's reach. When the beard starts to grow back, it's spikey.

With a straight, the first pass cuts the hair at an angle like this. The second pass cuts it off flat and flush with the skin, so the ends are more neatly trimmed. Hence the shave feels better, even when the beard starts to grow back.

Cool--thanks for taking the hit and advancing the cause.

Josh