Hi all long time no Thread, My first DE razor was an EJ DE89l, it was great for a beginner, and while I'm still fairly new to DE shaving about 3, months I'm looking for an adjustable up grade I'm looking at the Merkur Progress long handle version or the Merkur Futur. Has anyone any advice on which would be better in terms of closeness and smoothness I have sensitive skin under my neck and am prone to razor burn and ingrown hair's there. I want the best shave's or as close to BSS as I can get without ripping my face off . Also if anyone has experience in shaving with the Futur or Progress your advice would be greatly accepted.Also has anyone ever heard of a Mergress it's modified Progress? Thanks.
Advice on which to buy and which is better?
- Thread starter G Mac
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No experience with a Futur, but my Progress can be dialed as mild or milder than my DE89, and one can experiment up from there. I've used it with Astras, Med Preps, Red IPs, Gillette 7 O'clock Blue and Yellow, and it's done just fine with all. I can recommend it very highly
I just purchased a Mergress and also have a Futur. The Mergress is a modern updated version of the Progress. It is very popular and in limited supply. You can purchase one of three versions from Lee's Safety Razors (usually sold out) or can sometimes nab one off eBay. I do like my Futur and I'm sure you would be happy with either a Progress, Mergress, or a Futur. It may come down to how much you are willing to spend. Any of these razor will most likely last a lifetime with care.
Still have my Ej and while I really like the Futur it's quite a step up from an Ej. If your looking for closeness the Ej with a Gillette black or Gillette silver blue will do very well paired together. It's not necessarily a change in razor which will give you the closeness you desire but your technique. Anyway, I highly recommend the Futur. A great razor.
I would highly recommend using one shim on your EJ89. I thought I needed a new razor, and bought the R41, but it just did not work for me. Then someone mentioned shimming my EJ and I must say it has done me wonders. I get a very close and still very comfortable shave. The shim apparently exposes more blade edge thus making it more 'aggressive'. Give it a try before you spend your $$$$ on a new razor when what you've already got could be argued that its one of the best out there. Good luck.
I've owned both razors and both are very good, great shaves. I didn't like the handle of the Futur (I did try the rubber band thing) and sold it. The progress is one of the very few razors that I've kept over the years. I also have a Mergress XL (updated progress) and it's also a great razor but the shave result is about the same IMHO.
You might find the Progress profile easier for under the nose - the Future is a little bigger in the head. I was between the same two razors and purchased the Mergress. There is plenty of aggressiveness available and I like the balance of the razor. I also like the blade change method better on the Mergress/Progress. Both are fine razors.
Another vote for the Mergress, which is a nice razor.
I can't comment on the Progress, but I can give you a bit more information regarding the Futur. I, like you, am fairly new to using safety razors. My first was the EJ89 and it is still my favorite three piece razor. Through trial and error, I've realized that I enjoy using adjustable razors the most. My favorites are the Fatboy and the Slim. I've recently purchased a Futur from another member on BST and have used it 2 times so far. The shaves have been great! It is an aggressive adjustable, but not unmanageable. The blade gap is huge (see pics below), almost intimidating. But if you go slow and focus, I don't think it will get the best of you. Did is say it's heavy? It's so heavy that I've nicknamed mine "The Sledgehammer." I'm sure you will be happy with either model. Worst case, try them both and sell the loser on BST. Best of luck with your decision....
Just to give you a visual of the blade gap..here are pics of my Futur on 1 and my Fatboy on 9
View attachment 311194
Just to give you a visual of the blade gap..here are pics of my Futur on 1 and my Fatboy on 9
View attachment 311194
- Thread starter
- #10
Thanks all, I guess I'll have to do some more home work on the subject, The blades I like are Feathers Personna and the green Astra, I have seen a lot of people posting stuff about the Progress not being able to zero the razor with the blade in and the adjustment scale not being reliable and the gap not being the same on both side's of the blade and other design flaw's was this with the older model's? was that just down to a bad batch? and if I got one in the next few week's would all those said problem's be ironed out? I put my name down on a waiting list for a Mergress on Lee's. I don't want to buy a Progress and the get a Mergress I know the Mergress are made to order and there would be a big waiting list doe's anyone have any experience with Lee's and know how long I would be waiting on the list? Thanks guys
I can't comment on the Mergress or the Progress as I have used neither. But, I am a very happy Futur user. I use Crystal Platinum Chrome blades and for me it's a fine combination. YMMV.
The Futur's setting numbers are extremely accurate and stay consistent between cleanings. That said, this is a razor that will bite you if you are not careful. Letting the weight of the head do the work is the best advice I can give you.
Here's my advice. YMMV - Don't apply pressure, start at 1, and be prepared to leave it there if you are getting a great shave. Leave it there until using the Futur has become routine. (At least a week or two IMO!)
If needed, raise it .5 units at a time until you've gone too far. (Give it at least a week at each new setting.) When you've gone to far back off a full unit and keep it there.
All of the above assumes you have built a good lather, have a clean face, and soaked your head
before shaving. NNITO!
Have fun...
The Futur's setting numbers are extremely accurate and stay consistent between cleanings. That said, this is a razor that will bite you if you are not careful. Letting the weight of the head do the work is the best advice I can give you.
Here's my advice. YMMV - Don't apply pressure, start at 1, and be prepared to leave it there if you are getting a great shave. Leave it there until using the Futur has become routine. (At least a week or two IMO!)
If needed, raise it .5 units at a time until you've gone too far. (Give it at least a week at each new setting.) When you've gone to far back off a full unit and keep it there.
All of the above assumes you have built a good lather, have a clean face, and soaked your head
before shaving. NNITO!Have fun...
The Futur was my first DE razor. I really like it. I started at setting one and have moved to setting 2.5 and I like it there. It gives a nice shave
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