Depending on how much growth I have, I will start off by going with the grain until it is down to a 5 o’clock shadow level, then I will switch to going against the grain because it definitely produces a far closer shave. If I have more than stubble, starting off going against the grain can be a bit painful, which is why I start off going with it until it’s down to a level where going against it is relatively comfortable.
But yes, going against the grain is definitely the way to a close shave. I do get bothered with irritating sometimes, but the results are worth it. Especially with a Fusion Power – the “micro-pulses” (really, just vibration) really smooth things out so you hardly feel a thing and I find you don’t have to exert as much force as with a regular straight razor.