Since it is off season and all:

1. Three blade razor is probably best all the way around -- anything with more blades and you can't get under your nose.
2. You can then keep the blade sharp through a) dipping in mineral oil after you shave to coat the blades and prevent rust, b) sharpen using the palm of your hand and going in reverse motion from shaving direction -- repeat this motion at a slight angle about 20 short strokes before you start your shave. The oil on the blade helps in the next shave and to sharpen daily AND you don't need that fancy glide strip anymore.
3. Use of high quality Brush to apply shaving creme has been a big improvement. You can still use cheap ones, but I have both and I am a strong believer that the upgraded, more dense hair of exotic animals works the best -- and it is soooo soft! A little indulgence before you cut stuff attached to your face.
4. Shave in the shower. Do the hair first and then shave as it gives your beard a chance to soften.
5. I liked the lather from shaving soap in a mug, but then dropped the mug and it broke in the shower. The wife looked at me like "you seriously didn't see that coming?" I then tried all the brand-name products and I wasn't very satisfied, even with the hair brush applicator. Finally, I found some stuff that is outstanding. It lathers with water and with your shaving brush. Really great stuff. Much better than Edge Gel.

http://www.amazon.com/Cremo-Astonishingly-Superior-Shave-Cream/dp/B009WQH8SA/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1398315031&sr=8-15&keywords=shaving+cream+creme

Also, I think this stuff is great. You can get it at the soap and lotion place your wife goes to:

http://www.amazon.com/C-O-Bigelow-Premium-Shave-Eucalyptus/dp/B002O7UI18/ref=sr_1_102?ie=UTF8&qid=1398315152&sr=8-102&keywords=shaving+cream

6. When shaving, pull your face above where you are shaving to stretch skin and force stubble to stand erect.
7. First shave with the flow of your hair growth, and then against the grain of hair growth as necessary. With good lather and a sharp blade, you won't get ingrown hairs.
8. Medium length, gentle straight strokes while cutting -- let the blade do the work. Don't apply too much pressure of blade against your face. Lather repeat tough areas.

Finally, and this is for very experienced shavers, consider the way you cut a tomato to get through the tough outer skin. You never come at it directly because the skin of the tomato resists the knife's direct downward force. Now think of how the Ginsing knife guy does it on TV. He comes at an angle. This got me to thinking: If you shave in a direct line, the blades would have the same resistance from the stubble, thus causing blade to be less effective. Instead of cutting at a direct angle, change the angle of the blade just a little to come at the beard with the razor at just a slight angle -- not too much or you will get three nice cuts across your shaving surface -- but instead of a "right-angle" approach, just lead a little with one edge or the other "\" not "|".

After you are done, dip it in mineral oil again and repeat the next day. Haven't tried a safety razor, but can say that doing this does not leave cuts on my face and I get a very long use out of my razor -- even up to a full month on one stinking blade. That means only 12-18 changes a year. That is super cheap.

Shaving doesn't have to be a drag with the right instruments, technique and cream.