Since you are new don't forget to try different blades. Merkur blades are according to most people not the best blade out there and for a middle of the road blade they are darn expensive. As always YMMV. If your interested in a great blade to try that aren't expensive try the Astra SP.
I've already bought a sampler of nine different blades including Astra, and will very soon try one of those. Maybe it will be Astra.
