Merkur Futur Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor, MK-78C

I have been shaving for 55 years. I started with a Gillette double edge razor and then went to a 2, 3 4 and finally a 5 blade Gillette cartridge with lubricating strips on a double swivel head razor. The shave was good with the cartridge lasting up to two weeks using a two shave (with and against the grain) technique. The 5 blade cartridge cost anywhere from $3.50-$5 depending on the discount. Recently, I was visiting a friend who has been my shaving Guru for years. He was touting the double edge safety razor from Q- shave using their blades or the sharper Merkur or Japanese feather blades. I ordered the Q shave kit and my first shave was the closest and most comfortable shave I have ever had without a single cut. I used setting 5 . My friend said that the German razor was about 2 and a half times more expensive and not necessary. Since I needed to replace my silvertip badger brush,I looked for a new matching brush, stand and razor set. The Merkur Futur razor three piece set in a bright chrome finish was perfect. The razor has a much better construction and smoother adjustment operation than it's Chinese counterpart. Coupled with the Japanese feather blade, I got an even closer shave than with the Q shave blade. I had to drop sown to 4 as these blades are sharper. I haven't tried the German blade yet but at $23 for 100 feather blades, I have a several year supply. In order to extend the life of a blade, dry it completely with a towel or hairdryer after each shave. The brush may look a little scant at first but after using once, the bristles will swell. Although a bit pricey, I couldn't be happier with the Futur razor set. I gave all of my 5 blade cartridges to my wife.