First week was good, with the Merkur blade. Seemed to actually get better. Bumps and red spots disappeared. Was this the D/E blade v old two-blade? Then: Feather blade. Prep, absolutely the same, heating and softening up the steel wool as much as possible. Then, Cella soap with its almond barber shop feel. The Feather blade is sharp, but after five shaves it seems to have done its dash. Four shaves may have been enough. I don't understand how folks say they can get a full week from it! But the bumps have come back. It's hard to do WTG as my curly steel wool beard curls in all directions, though I only got one smallish nick. Maybe, a case of YMMV? Any clues? In any case, I am now switching to the Derby blade.