I use a Gillette fusion with 5 blades. The sharper the better, and it gets shaved every other day rather that every day. Nothing beats a good sharp razor. I've used the palm shavers but they just don't get close enough. If I still use one, it's after buzzing with clippers and no guard just to knock it down before I hit it with a razor. Nothing beats a good sharp 5 blade in my opinion.
Edge gel seems to make me get more bumps, breakouts, ingrowns, etc. I have used hair conditioner with good success, but have come to like the Cremo shave creme linked below. Stays slick and gives a close shave. I shave it in the shower after it's good and steamy so the pores are opened a bit better than standing at the sink and doing it.
As soon as I get out of the shower I pat dry with a towel and apply either a lotion with Shea butter or cocoa butter (Palmers or jergens) to get rid of the dry skin.
During hunting season I don't shave it as often. Pulling a fleece or knit beanie off of stubble SUCKS. So I let it grow out just a bit and won't shave again till I know I won't be hunting for a couple days.
I do notice that if I let it go for awhile, I may get a few bumps the first week but keeping up with shaving it every other day makes them go away in time.
BT