You have to let your skin get used to it. When I first started I got tons of nicks and cuts and razor burn. Do it for a week or so and you'll get better and your skin will get used to it.
Alternatively, you simply develop better technique without noticing. They are much closer so they are very sensitive to grain direction. I’ve found that I need to go with the grain, then sideways, and lastly against the grain in sensitive areas like the neck. And beard can grow in swirls, so grain is not always the direction you’d think. Secondly, warm clean skin and foam helps a lot to soften the hairs. Best would probably be in the shower but a hot towel before works too.
An electric razor is a good complement, and to be fair I use it more often. But that’s because I usually don’t care about the close shave. When I need make myself presentable I definitely prefer a proper razor, even when irregular.