In my experience, the type of blade you use to shave makes a HUGE difference but shaving cream, not so much so long as you’re not just using the cheapest barbasol available. Butter helps you see where you’re shaving so helps prevent cuts yeah. But as fun and cool it is and how nice it smells, spending 20 minutes mixing up shaving soap and using a badger hair brush makes no difference
I just used the soap, and brush, takes me only 20 to 40 seconds to stir. With a fresh blade, I was able to get all the hair off. Without any niks or ingrown hair bumps. The only problem is it leaves my face feeling dry. So I’ll definitely give some balm and butter a shot. Using a straight razor might help too.
I wouldn’t know I’ve never used a safety razor. I would guess a straight razor is better but I dunno
They’re good, but like the straight razors they require a bit of knowledge to use regularly without cutting up the face.