I use a safety razor because the blades are much cheaper. Cartridge razors are fine too, but double edged blades are like 10-20¢ each if you get them in bulk.

The other advice I’ve seen here is good. Prep the skin with heat and moisture, pull the skin taught, and use minimal pressure. Avoid using dull blades.

The main thing is be aware of the grain. Hair has a grain, it grows along the surface in a direction with some variation. Generally beard hair grows down and away from the center, but yours may be different. Take some time to observe what grain pattern your hair follows.

The first pass should be with the grain. Shave the entire area with the grain, then go back for one or multiple passes in different directions. I usually do a three pass shave on my face, pass 1 with the grain, pass 2 across the grain, pass 3 against the grain. Shaving against the grain on the first pass is virtually guaranteed to result in cuts.

I’m writing this from the perspective of someone with fair skin, european ancestry, and largely straight beard hair. Hair is highly variable, make sure any hair related advice comes from those with similar hair to yours.

Lots of good advice here, I’ll add a couple of tips

Multi-blade razors can cause irritation. The first blades pull the hair out of the follocule, cut the hair, and the remainder will fall back into the follocule. This makes the shave feel very smooth, but it can lead to irritation and ingrown hairs. If you had a hard time with bumps or irritation then it may be best to use a single blade razor and use multiple passes.

I use an alum block after I shave to help prevent irritation and bumps. Wet the block and rub it on the shaved area, leave it on for a bit (like the 30 seconds or so) and then rinse it off with cold water.

Pull your skin tight and then use short strokes of the razor. Stretching the skin tight allows the razor to work more effectively. If shaving your face, be prepared to make some ridiculously silly faces…

I always start shaving with the grain. If that’s too stubbly then I do pass against the grain. That is usually smooth enough for me, but more passes could make it smoother. It’s just more irritating the may passes I do.

No need to do anything the hard way when you’re just starting out. The whole process with prep, safety razors, after care etc can wait. I’d also skip the disposable two blade razors.

Invest in a decent starter set of the modern 4 and 5 blade cartridge razors with the reusable handle and soap strips around the blades. They’re forgiving compared to everything else, which is perfect when you’re learning. Even if you want to try more trendy shaving equipment later, you’ll be grateful to have something fast and foolproof on hand when you’re in a rush!

As for technique tips: Any kind of soap will help the head glide, but obviously shaving cream is made for it. Light pressure is all that’s needed. Let the razor blades do the work.

Stretching the skin taught helps avoid irritation. Shaving with the direction of the hair to start can help your skin and follicles acclimate to the abrasion. Then you can try shaving against when you’re ready.

First, are you doing a hot water soak? Give your hair 3-5 minutes under comfortably hot water, it opens and softens the follicles, making them easier to cut through.

Secondly, find a shaving cream that works for your skin. I use a cheap sensitive skin kind with aloe and oatmeal, this keeps the skin soft and minimizes irritation(the bumpiness).

Two passes with the razor, one with the hairs growth direction, the other against. Be very light, you should just feel the razor head against your skin. Pressure leads to skin getting caught, and that leads to cuts. If you feel like you need pressure to cut, your blades are too dull.

Keep the skin taut by doing things like opening your mouth, or pulling on your skin lightly. Taut skin is smooth skin, less risk of cutting yourself.

For any irritation after, find a light lotion. You don’t want something too heavy or greasy, just a gentle moisturizer. A part of irritation is from the skin getting dry alongside the abrasions.

EDIT: If using a disposable/replaceable head, try different blade counts. Some people do great with 1-2 blade heads, some have a better response with 3-5 blade heads. That really comes down to your skin and hair. It’s a trial, but once you work out which is best, it’s consistent regardless of brand.

I’d you’re doing legs, arms, or genitals, a contouring razor is your best friend, it flexes along your curves better than other razors designed for the face/throat.