welcome to srp, brandon.

looks like you already did what i was going to suggest, i.e. give that merkur another try.
At the end of the day it's just a piece of steel cutting hair, so there's no reason the multiblades will be better. they don't offer almost any level of control over the process and that is only detrimental to cutting the whiskers in the best possible way. just use a light touch.

i use the skin foods from trumper and i like them in particular the sandalwood and the coral/rose. i think they may still be offering a sampler of their products, check their website.
i haven't liked any of their colognes enough to justify a buy and i don't remember if i've tried the soaps&creams.

have fun and keep us posted.