I continue to be very pleased with this razor. The 3 piece, low profile head and long handle are ideal, making it very easy and pleasant to handle. I've been using Van der Hagen mug soap because I already had it on hand, and like how it's slick and smooth to glide. I tried some of my old Barbasol in a can just to compare, and it was ok but no slickness to it, so no more of that. I used a Personna blade for 7 shaves and it was nice and just barely starting to drag. I could have done more, but was anxious to try a Derby extra-it's even nicer, even after 4 shaves, and want to take it to the max and see how many shaves I can get with it. This razor is such an adventure and nice to use, that there's no need to try anything else.

Just shaved for the first time with a Merkur 23c long handle and within the first minute two things crossed my mind. "Now this is a real razor" and "Where has this thing been all my life." Over the last 50 years I've used two short handled butterfly heads and a bunch of cartridge heads, and I did get to like the long metal handle of a Gillette Atra. So, I chose the Merkur 23c long handle and glad I did. It's so much easier and pleasant to control, and you can flip to the other side of the head without any clumsy feeling. The lower profile of the head is a lot nicer to use compared to the bulky head of a butterfly, especially shaving under the nose. Glides over the skin very smoothly and comfortably and not a single nick. For the first time, shaving is now a pleasant experience, and not a chore. I can't think of any reason to try anything else. Thanks to Matt for the help.

The longer handle is a big plus. Gives you much better control. Only gave it 4 stars because I like my Gillette 1961 Fatboy better.