Anyone ever do a No Merchant Run in Resident Evil 4?

I did a no upgrade run the first two times I played the game... I didn't know how to upgrade (in spanish I didn't realize what that option was, latter I played it in english and I discovered that system)

[TheSelfishGene]

Yeah I did this run. Only used things that Leon could find on his adventure.
I found the hardest part to be Bitorez Mendez 2nd form. Because the shotgun at that stage is too weak to blow him to the ground, so he hits you nearly every time he comes near.

I tried to do a 'Standard issue' run with Leon, so only the equipment he's given by the government. His handgun (no upgrades), his knife, and his boots. I got upto the castle, but not too far into it. I gave up, mostly due to lack of time. It certainly was fun but

[LVL100 Merchant]

ONLY the Handgun, Shotgun, Broken Butterfly (and a free rocket launcher if you want to waste the inventory space) and Special Rocket Launcher for the final boss, as well as grenades. No weapon upgrades. No inventory upgrades. Cannot buy first aid sprays. I did this challenge a couple of years ago and I had a lot of fun with it. It definitely tests your skills of supply conservation and precise combat tactics, especially with bosses.

I remember some sections of the game were just so sadistic. Salazar consumed nearly every bullet I had, and when you free Ashley from the restraints and have to protect her from the cultists from above... the inability to suplex crippled my supplies. It was a playthrough that definitely tested my patience but it was still pretty awesome. Thinking of doing another one even though I told myself I'd never do it again after I finished it the first time.

I was really looking forward to doing a No Merchant run in RE5, especially with co-op, but it doesn't look like it would be as challenging since so many weapons can be found.