I had the same experience with gillette stuff, especially in the neck i ALWAYS had razor burn and loads of ingrowing hairs. First two attemps with straight was not any better (the cuts are cleaner though :P), but i had no ingrown hairs since. However the big difference is that when i have some razor burn now its always at a spot were i had trouble shaving, mostly the left side. Razor burns now seem more of a technical and skillfull matter. After a few goes i will get better and results will improve dramatically. Also razor burn seems to disappear more quickly. (Maybe also because i use proraso razor burn repair, great stuff)

Few of the best tips i found here:
- Look carefully which direction your hairs grow, differs per spot.
- Get your razor honed!
- Realise you have a learning curve, watch the shaving vids, and try to learn from your mistakes!
- If it works for you its good.

Good luck! With some effort you will definitely be pleased!