Double Edge Razors

This summer I finally ditched my MACH 3 - which I had been using since I turned 14 - and switched to Wilkinson DE razor. I was fed up of wasting 8+ euros a month for simply buying new cartridges that kept clogging up after first few strokes anyway.

Few initial cuts and nicks later, I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever. A package of 5 extra blades costs no more than 1 euro, my face feels calmer and the plain act of using the old-school method just feels... cooler.

So are there any other converts out there? There`s a lot of ranting going around about the Merkur razors lately, any experiences? Considering the upgrade myself.

Another convert here. I use a Merkur 37c Slant & a Edwin Jagger DE.
Couldn't be happier with the results & the Mach is long gone. I've also
been using a straight on the weekends.
I also invested in some English & Italian soaps & creams which are far
superior to the "canned goop" & MUCH better for your face. All hail Tallow!

Loki the Merkur upgrade will be worth it, but also look into the E&J I mentioned.
Lots of info here: Badger & Blade

@Abby Normal - do you also use a shaving brush? I`m currently still using the higher end of "canned goop" (Trevor Sorbie, Collistar), but I`ve always felt that if I were to switch to genuine stuff, a good badger brush would be a must.

Gents... this isn't strictly relevant, but I would like to ask about shaving. You see, I'm a spot riddled student who's been brushing the fluff off with an electric shaver for the last few years! Very unmanly. I don't grow a very rough stubble - where should I, or indeed should I at all, start shaving with a proper razor? What sort of razor, basic routine, etc? I think I'd ought to start doing this properly! :p Any advice you could offer would be handy, cheers.

Loki & Sam:
Go to the link I posted. The wiki is a treasure trove of info.
Yes the Badger is great, it's what I use. After you try some
soap or cream your face will thank you, and you'll toss away
the goop. I suggest Geo F Trumper & Mitchell's Wool Fat.