For what it’s worth I’ve used the same merkur safety razor for around a decade with feather blades I only had to replace every several weeks when I had a coarse beard. I use the same on my legs now and it still works amazing. Best shave I’ve ever had, since my beard was too cowlicked to use a straight razor. They’re easy to use, give a closer shave than cartridge razors, and they’re way less irritating. You totally don’t have to spend $300 if you don’t want to.