You mean the old "safety" razors? Those were the first type of razor I started with back in the 70's, and I found them to be very harsh. When Gilette introduced Trac 2 it was revolutionary for me. I like my blades bonded in a plastic head, and I love Edge shaving gel. I've tried mug and brush, but the foam bubble structure was never very tight. I am now using the Dorco 6-blade cartridge with a vibrating handle. Shaves very close; no cuts or scrapes.
Yes. The reason why a cart (cartridge) razor works so well if that it doesn’t shave very close. A “safety razor” shaves very close. You just have to know how to use one and change blades often. I change the blade about every 3 shaves.
I use a puck of Williams soap with a badger brush and an Israeli razor blade. I don’t cut myself.