I'd always wanted a vintage Gillette or a Merkur but have always been too cheap. I think my original handle was a drugstore special and then I upgraded to an Edwin Jagger. With that handle, my particular hair, and extraordinary lack of skill, I found Astras to be very good (I thought they were made in Türkiye but just checked the box and you're right - they're Russian. But my box is probably close to two decades old.) I got some Persona Blues and also found them to be similar to the Astras under the same conditions. I've picked up a variety of blades over the years, including Wilkinson Sword (crap, but from a store going out of business sale) and some that I've traded with people who also use DE razors.

I never tried Feathers with those handles because I had always read they were mostly for bloodletting and yes, didn't last very long. Since I changed my handle to a Henson, I've found that I can shave with anything because it's SO forgiving. I could probably cut myself if I tried, but this thing lets me use even Feathers with confidence, and I don't get ingrown hairs anymore. I can even do my dangly bits safely (yes, even with the Feathers). I've posted once or twice about the Henson so I want to be clear that I don't have a horse in this race, but for me it was a game changer. I think finding a handle that works for my hair type and breathtaking lack of skill, then matching blades to that, was the key.

I've also found that DE shaving aficionados just love talking gear, so if you meet anyone IRL see if they would be down to swap blades. I'm sure the shaving companies will also sell you a blade sampler pack.

tl;dr: Persona Blues are probably my favorite, Astra is also great but has some baggage, and give Wilkinson a miss. If you're using Feather pay attention and don't let anything startle you.