I use my Merkur hd when am running low on time. Like others said it's a nice addition to the rotation. I read an article that said to soak a DE in peroxide for 8 hours to help break up some of the junk on them then a toothbrush. I did that with an old no namer DE I got from my uncle and it seemed to work a little. It still needs some more cleaning so I'm sure there are more effeicient methods. Just a thought. Bladewise I've had the best luck with Feathers.