Don't exactly know why, but the more experienced I've gotten with DE razor shaving the more I've tended towards aggressive razors. Kept my adjustables on 9, main razor was a Merkur Slant, went through a couple of hundred Feather blades... Was not getting the BBS results I wanted and was thinking I should go even more aggressive. I think I unconsciously thought the sign of a good shave was how much it burned when I put on aftershave. Then I tried a Gillette New LC. just about a perfect shave--no burn or irritation. Got me thinking. Revisited my Slim, but set it on 5 and used an Astra SP. Worked as well for me as the New. 3 passes, no irritation at all. As close to BBS as I ever get. This has really blown my mind.