+1 for the Merkur Progress, I love mine. If you ask Mantic, he'll tell you you'll have to pry his from his cold dead fingers to get it from him. I only wish I could get a hold of Mer to have the Mergress upgrade done to mine.
I use some Chinese thing called "Big Roc" right now. I can't give any more details as it doesn't seem to actually have much packaging I can read. I use Feather Hi-Stainless blades, if that helps you figure out what characteristics I like at all.
If you would like to try vintage, I might suggest you and Santa look at Super Speeds together.
That is a good middle of the road razor than has shaved millions.
Also, would anyone be able to explain the terminology like "slant" and "comb" for me, as they pertain to DE safety razors? I would like to understand these tools better if I am to acquire a higher-end one.