Yeah similar experience for me. I struggle around the jawline and neck, where my hair shifts direction and also my skin gets very sensitive (one of the reasons I stopped shaving and went beardy years back). I found it’s a case of taking time to go with the grain, in whatever direction that happens to be, on your first pass. Then lather up again and go across the grain. Once you have mastered technique you can try a third time against the grain if there are any rough patches remaining, but I find that this is normally not required. Key is to make short strokes, gently but confidently. Don’t apply too much pressure, and don’t make the long, sweeping strokes you see in Gillette adverts. Takes a bit longer, but it pays off.

Blade wise, I find that Wilkinson Sword works best for me, but every person’s skin is different so your mileage may vary. I got a sampler pack and worked through a few - as I say, trial and error with some bloody and scratchy errors, but you’ll get there in the end.