After 40 years of shaving the quick way I decided to try it the way my dad did it. Much more challenging and fun. Turns a chore into an experience. The Merkur blades (to match the Merkur Futur DE Razor) work extremely well. Not a single nick and not bad for a novice. Great shave. That is in comparison to the Feather blades (made in Japan) that I felt compelled to try because almost everyone acknowledges they are extremely sharp. It is true that they are much sharper and the shave is incredibly smooth. But I did cut my myself in about ten places without knowing it. Too much for me to handle without more practice. Go with the Merkur blades, platinum coated made in Germany. Buy an expensive razor and have fun shaving.