I have had my Merkur razor now for about 4 years and used varying different blades in that time if the merkur ones were hard to get. It has travelled around the world with me and i can honestly say is one of the best purchases i have ever made.
If like me, you have an irrational hatred for the male curse that is the daily shave and have never liked the electric razor route, then do yourself a favour and purchase this!
It took a little time to get used to as you have to angle the razor in order to catch the hairs and get that tradtional close cut shave. I have never had a more comfortable shave to be honest with very little post irritation. It has a great weight and variable closeness option with a simple twist of the handle. Coupled with the blades - they last twice as long as any gillette branded faddish blades and you have access to two sides doubling the length of the blade further. Also at 5 pounds for ten blades you really do get your money's worth.
The closeness of this razor is unsurpassed against all the fads on the high street. You don't need 5 blades in one and a battery and all that nonsense that lasts a week - this is the real deal. Nothing cuts through the 4-5 day grain easier and more confortable without any hairs caught in the razor after the rinse better than this classic design that has not changed for years and years.
It may seem a bit pricey - but i will never have to buy another razor again! I lost count how many times i had to buy new Gillette razor blades per year... surely more than the cost of this razor when you add them all up. i just recently spent 15 pounds on 3 sets of ten merkur replacement blades with the intention of not having to need more blades until this time next year!!
Retro, original and simply the best. Shaving is enjoyable. I never thought i would ever say that!