A few years back, BB(before beard) I was having a horrible time shaving every day...the Fusion I have was killing my face...even if I went with the grain my neck would be a mess by Saturday...and barely recover by Monday am...so I bought a Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor, badger brush and soap...it took one shave to toss the fusion in the trash! If you search long enough you can find some decent deals on the Merkur blades...but found the 5 dollar packs at the grocery store just fine, and for the price I could replace them as often as I likes...I mean, come on, 50 cents a blade...after a week my buddys at work saw a major difference and half my office followed my lead...WHY DID WE FALL FOR THAT MULTI BLADE CRAP?? Not at all dissing headblade, different tool for different job. I have so far only shaved my head with the Merkur, man that is a close shave...a few nicks, so I did order a headblade and should get it soon...look forward to trying it on my scalp...but for my limited face shaving, I still say, our fathers and grandfathers had it right...now if I can just grow a set and try a straight razor! My 82 year old dad was endlessly amused when we vacationed together a few years back and he walked by the bathroom to see me using the badger brush and Merkur...even gave me a few tips he remembered from back in the day (his beard grows much slower so he went electric in '73 when he left the service) I guess I am learning, progress isn't always what it claims.