I think when I started not too long ago, I decided it was too easy just to get caught up in what everyone is using, and I deliberately picked less popular value brands to buy to buck the trend. Over time, I realized that the popular blades are popular because they perform for a wide variety of people and they are easy to find. And there's nothing wrong with that.I read a lot of DE threads and I copied a few favorites of the shave masters here. That worked well... and actually, continues to work as I got to know people who have the same whiskers, skin sensitivity, etc. with whom I have razors in common.... and the blades that work for them also work for me.