First some anecdotal evidence to make the point of this question conversation clear:

As a leader in the military, I've had a number of black Soldiers throughout my career (and a few civilians now that I am off the line in a garrison staff job) that have had such absolute horrible experiences shaving (razor bumps and in-grown hairs were the primary culprits) that they actually had to receive what we call a profile. A profile is a physical classification issued to a Soldier by a health care provider or medic limiting the activities in which that Soldier can participate due to illness or injury. These "shaving profiles" basically allowed the Soldiers to grow full natural growth beards that they must keep trimmed to 1/8th of an inch. It solves the problem of their shaving issues, but their are still some serious stigmas that go with having facial hair in the US military, and I've NEVER seen a Soldier with a shaving profile that was in any leadership rank, leading me to believe that there are thousands of black military leaders out there suffering through serious issues with shaving daily and just sucking it up because of the stigma that surrounds it.

Any past or present American servicemembers out there, feel free to chime in if you think I'm off base, here, but this has been my experience.

Now, I presently have a coworker who is a civilian, served on active duty for 20 years, and is now working for the government. He still maintains a pretty strict military appearance, as could be expected, but spent nearly his entire life having troubles with shaving. He is unhappy that he has to grow it, but he wears a beard now just to take a break (after 20 years of daily shaving, who wouldn't!?) We've discussed my straight shaving hobby a few times, and he isn't willing to risk a cutthroat, but is it possible that the face prep and attention we give to detail and comfort in the wet shaving community could help him out? Not to get in anyone's business, but are there any members out there that have experienced this for themselves (dark skin, serious irritation from cartridges, marked improvement with wet shaving).

I think I could convince this gentlemen to give DEs a shot if you guys think it would help him. He's in his late 40s and is unlikely to invest in the kit and everything involved unless I can make a truthful and compelling argument that it'll help him out. I'd also, in the future, like to be able to offer the same type of advice to anyone else I meet with these issues.

DISCLAIMER: I'm aware that anything race related in a discussion forum like this should be approached in a sensitive and respectful manner. On my knowledge of black men having these issues, I am speaking from several years as a leader in the military and the knowledge of countless peers and coworkers. Please do not speculate on this topic unless you have actual experience, as I am legitimately looking to help the men that I work with that have these problems. I don't want to tell someone to spend 100 bucks on shaving kit when all I have to go on is "maybe." And if anyone takes any issue whatsoever with this post, for any reason at all, please message me and I will take it down.