A Tale of Two Razors: Weber SS vs Merkur Slant

Wonderful responses to this thread! I shaved for my first time with a DE 24 Days ago and almost daily since than. I use a "Shaving Factory" razor I got for $20. I have since 2 days ago, threw away anything pertaining to plastic multi-blade cartridges and canned goo. I am able to get BBS smooth, but with much more work than I feel should be necessary, yet with VERY minimal nicks or weepers. I am now on the hunt for my first higher quality and more aggressive DE razor. This thread gives me some insight on popular razors. Thanks!