I had the exact same issue when using cartridge razors. I always thought they were razor bumps caused by too much pressure and incorrect angle cutting the hair under the skin line. The bumps were caused by the hair growing back and getting trapped under the skin.

Since I’ve been wet shaving I haven’t had anything like that happen except when I used too much pressure with a DE razor. It has never happened with a straight.

It’s really nice not to have to worry about those whiteheads and bumps anymore.