I think it depends a lot on your beard. I actually have a very fine beard. Cartridges do not do a good job for me. They always miss spots and the stubble the next day is always uneven. A DE works dramatically better for me. I also didn't find it difficult to learn to use either. I've nicked myself a few times, but the kind of nick where after you finish shaving you see, "Oh there's some blood there" and you wipe it off never to come back again. And to top it all off, I use my blades for about a month. I use a Feather "Popular" holder (less than $10) and Feather blades. After I shave, I brush the blade in the holder with a toothbrush, open the holder, turn the blade over, close the holder and brush with the toothbrush. Then I put it away to dry. This seems to keep the blade in good shape.

I've been surprised in this thread about people talking about taking incredible care. It came very naturally to me. I was put off using DEs for decades because I thought they were hard to use and dreaded cutting myself. Now I'm sad I never used them before.

I can confidently say I cannot get the same shave, with less razor burn, with cartridge razors versus straight razors/DE safety razor. They just don't seem to get through thick longer facial hair without trouble. With a straight razor, doesn't matter how long the hair is, I'll get through it quickly whether it's 24 hours old or six months old hair.

I’d you have time I’d love advice on using my straight razor better. My email is in my profile

the best places for advice are reddit.com/r/wicked_edge and reddit.com/r/wetshaving

I would do a very poor job compared to all the knowledge there.