I am going to give feathers another try. The first time they cut me up something awful but I am going to chalk it up to poor technique on my part.
I also ordered an open comb merkur 25c to try out.
http://www.fendrihan.com/images/MRK25C.jpg
Don't try the feather in that unless you're ready to be cut up again! The open combs are more aggressive; I've never bought one because the HD does good for me.
I'll have to try some of those Gillette blades.