Plastic Razors Are Expensive

And the prep work is as important as the razor.

I swear the old cup soap and brush will make even a cheap razor cut close and smooth.
My barber still shaves the back hair line on my neck with hot lather and a straight edge. They don't tune the blade up on a leather strap like they did 50 years ago but that straight edge just glides through the stubble like nothing's there. The hot lather fees great and it gives you that "barber shop" smell.