Originally Posted by
beluga
I consider that a normal occurrence and (unless you have a substandard razor) to me it is an indication that your technique is still evolving.
For a straight shave to surpass a good safety razor shave everything has to fall into place, honing technique, stropping technique, shave prep, shave technique.
If you have serious issues in any one of the above four areas the shave will be be ruined, if you have minor issues the shave will be inferior to a good safety razor shave, if everything falls into place your shaves will be equal or better to a good safety razor shave.
I consider the often quoted 100 straight shaves the point where straight and DE shaves should be about equal, but after that technique still continues to evolve and you slowly start to pull ahead with straight razors.
Having said that; until about two years ago I believed that ultimately a safety razor was no match for a straight, but since then I have reviewed my view somewhat and believe now that with the right (positive) blade exposure and (generous enough) blade gap it is possible for a safety razor to match a straight. Safety razors that meet above two conditions (essentially that the blade glides directly over the skin and is not recessed somewhat) are however in the minority.
Hope this helps…
B.