last May. Up front, I spent $30 on the handle - http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Long-Handled-Safety-Razor/dp/B000NL0T1G/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1426528072&sr=1-1&keywords=merkur+safety+razor.

Since then I've spent a grand total of $8 on blades. I get a better shave, it's never uncomfortable, and the very few times I nick myself are completely painless. I usually don't even know I've cut myself until I see a little red spot on the towel.

If you're going to try this route, just know that the blade that comes with the handle is not very good. Try the "Feather" brand on Amazon. They run about $0.25 each and usually last me 2 weeks. I used to go through a Gillette Mach 3 every 4-5 days.