I'm going on 5 years into SR shaving. I have 26 razors in my rotation. All ebay vintage (Not necessarily recommended, but it's the way I went). A few used to give me problems that I attributed to not quite sharp enough - not smooth, a little more abrasion and sub-par shave. One thing I figured out is I tended to "try a little harder" with those problem razors. I was pressing a little harder and going over spots more than necessary to get a close shave resulting in discomfort. By really focusing on very (very!) light pressure, watching my angle and making sure there is lather where I draw the blade over my face, my "problem" razors shave as well as any I have. Just today, I used my Schumate Barber Deluxe that was my "worst" performer. I got a super-close BBS shave with virtually no alum sting.

A technique I have used - especially AGT - is start by placing the spine against my skin and gently rolling the edge onto my skin until it makes contact then rolling just a bit more until the spine is just off my skin.

To your point, if you vary your routine, just make sure you use the same light touch and low angles with the razor. Don't let one or two poor shaves convince you the razor is the problem. It may be the razor, but really focus on your technique before you blame it.

Shave on!