I read various posts about causes of irritation and shavers noting nicks and weepers. Sure, over the years I have nicked myself, but I am not able to recall a straight edge or DE shave leaving my face or neck feeling irritated. As to nicks, I attribute the rare nick to using a blade with which I am unfamiliar carelessly. My first run with Feather was such an event, but I quickly figured it out and now love them (but wish they lasted longer). FWIW after shaving I always splash on an alcohol type after shave, EDT, or EDC. There is that bracing moment, but it passes almost instantaneously.