A Merkur safety razor will beat any four or five blade razor cartridge out there.
These days razor companies try to outdo each other by just adding more blades. First it was the Mach 3, adding a third blade. Soon after that were the razors with four blades. Not only after that was the introduction of five blade razors! The razor blade companies would like to tell you that all of these blades equals a less irritating and more comfortable shave. However, once you try a Merkur safety razor you will realize that all this new "tech" in the razor world is just marketing.
A single blade Merkur safety razor will give you a closer, smoother shave than any five blade razor out there. For me, even two days after I shave with my Merkur safety razor my skin feels softer than the afternoon after I use a four or five blade cartridge.
Besides the fact that I can get a closer shave with a single blade razor, it is not as troublesome as those multi-blade cartridges. Those cartridges constantly get clogged with shaving cream and hair.
Yes, it does take some practice to be able to perform a clean and efficient shave with a single blade Merkur safety razor. However, after a dozen or so shaves you will have less irritation, a closer shave, and just enjoy shaving a lot more than with those plastic multi-blade systems.
Take your time, look around online for detailed steps on how to shave with a safety razor, then go ahead and enjoy!