Found the forum, by accident really. I am required to shave for work, can not have a beard. Became very tired of the ransom, to pay, and the razor burn from the cartridge razors. The "boss", wife bought me the first merkur, that was 3 years ago, haven't looked back. Been a fun learning experience, quality of the brush, makes a noticeable difference. As does the blades, have tried, a few, I actually prefer, merkur, and derby, when I can find them. I will never go back, also grew a handlebar, drives my wife nuts when a stranger compliments me on it.