Straight razors are sharper, less forgiving, and more rewarding. They also nick. Keep StyptiQ on the shelf next to your strop.
A straight-razor nick often goes deeper than a cartridge nick. Powder gets into the cut more thoroughly than a pencil tip can.
Finish your pass first, then treat any nicks. Trying to apply mid-stroke just slows you down.
Apply styptic, wait 30 seconds, then your aftershave or balm. The styptic seals the cut; the aftershave does the antiseptic + scent work.
Doesn't matter what brand or grind — StyptiQ works on any cut from any blade.