This is my understanding as well. I've tried every form of razor and - despite all the folklore - the best[0] shaves for me are to be had by electric shavers,

This is my understanding as well. I've tried every form of razor and - despite all the folklore - the best[0] shaves for me are to be had by electric shavers, which operate on this principal. These have a foil which the hair can protrude past, then it is sheered off by either rotating or oscilating "blades" that push the hair against the foil. It's like a pair of scissors, which can operate when "dull" - because there's something to push against, they don't need to be nearly as sharp. [0] "best" meaning a combination of least discomfort, time efficiency, and closeness - a safety razor against the grain can get closer, but it's a miserable experience