Once or twice a week?
Don't worry, kid...everyone matures at their own pace. Don't let the boys who already have chest hair get to you. You'll catch up in your own time.
Merkurs are GREAT razors. I sold my Slant last year when I trimmed down my shaving arsenal to my 3 favorite razors, but it was a fine piece of equipment.
I've sold about 10 razors...it's fun to restore, test drive and flip them for a profit. I decided to get rid of a lot when the baby was on the way.
Do yourself a favor and pick up some C.O. Bigelow shave cream from Bath and Body Works...best cream you can buy and they have good sales on them. It's mentholated and makes your skin feel like ice after you rinse it off. Wakes you up and will give you a better shave than the goo in a can or cheap gel. Won't take any longer to apply either.
C.O. Bigelow Premium Shave Cream