Well after almost two weeks with my Merkur Progress (my first DE razor), I've finally achieved a no-bleed shave. A couple days ago the light bulb finally clicked and I realized that I'd been using too much pressure on the razor and my neck was suffering for it. Since I've lightened up, things have improved drastically and I've actually gotten closer shaves too which seems a bit counter-intuitive, but it's true. Things seem to get better each day or two. So for anyone else struggling with their first DE razor, hang in there, it'll come around with practice