Thread: Closeness

It depends on your skin and beard type. Some people shave too close with a cartridge razor and it gives them razor bumps. That's one of the main criticisms of them. Some people blunt cartridges in a single shave.

I'm one of the lucky (?) ones who got a great shave from cartridge razors and could use one for weeks without blunting it, but I never enjoyed it. I never got cuts or razor burn or anything, but I guess during the shave there was discomfort that I mentally blocked out after years of putting up with it. Looking back, I was probably shaving with blunt cartridges but learned to compensate with multiple passes.

Although I haven't managed a perfect straight shave yet, I think I now get closer than with cartidges on 80% of my face.

This evening, about 8 hours after my straight shave, I splashed some water on my face to freshen up and noticed suction as I rubbed my hands over my face. Is that smooth enough for you?

EDIT> Maybe I should give a more direct answer to your question...

is there any way you can cut as close with a cartridge razor?

1) Do same prep as required for any good wet shave;
2) Apply shaving oil, e.g. 3 drops of King of Shaves. Massage in well.
3) Apply a generous amount of aloe vera gel over the face. This lubricates, keeps the face moist, and stops the razor clogging.
4) Shave with the grain, rinsing the blade frequently and vigorously.
5) Rinse face thouroughly, massage face again (the oil should still be there.)
6) Apply more aloe vera gel.
7) Shave against the grain.
8) Do more passes / touch ups as necessary.

This works for me, but for some people cartridge razors are simply the wrong tool for the job.