I really love the 37C, get great shaves with feather blades but I'm wondering about acquiring a Progress. Is it possible to compare the two i.e. what would be the equivalent setting of the Progress compared to the 37C? How aggressive is the Progress on it's highest setting, is it R41 comparable?
Have a Merkur 37C, is it still worth getting a Merkur Progress?
- Thread starter adyf
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They are two totally different razors. I have the long handle Progress and I also had the long handle slant (39C). I would HIGHLY recommend the Progress. It is more comfortable and cuts better than any other razor I have ever had, which includes the slant.
The 39C was no match for my Progress and I sold the slant off because I knew I wouldn't be using it over my Progress.
The Progress on the highest setting is aggressive but not "cut yourself open" aggressive like the R41. I didn't cut myself with the R41 but it was too much for my skin to handle. The Progress on #5 was also very aggressive but not as rough as the R41. I keep my Progress on #3, using nice and sharp Indian Gillette 7o'clock blades.
The 39C was no match for my Progress and I sold the slant off because I knew I wouldn't be using it over my Progress.
The Progress on the highest setting is aggressive but not "cut yourself open" aggressive like the R41. I didn't cut myself with the R41 but it was too much for my skin to handle. The Progress on #5 was also very aggressive but not as rough as the R41. I keep my Progress on #3, using nice and sharp Indian Gillette 7o'clock blades.
I have both, and in my opinion, yes, it is worth trying out the Progress. The Progress is a very good razor, and being adjustable you can fine-tune the blade/aggressiveness to your face/skin - which you can't do with the 37C. I am now in the process of testing a Futur (the next level up adjustable from the Progress), and I find myself using the 37C less and less.
They are, indeed, 2 totally different razors and my view is also totally different. I have all the gillette adjustables, a Progress, and a Futur. My favorite shaving adjustable is the Gillette Super Adjustable Black Beauty. However, my 37c and 39c slants give the smoothest, closest, and most comfortable shaves.
I have a 39 and a futur, I've read that a progress is similar to a futur. I don't know for sure since I never tried a progress but its got a great rep here. I'm wondering why you are asking the question? Is it because you want to be sure you will love the progress if you pull the trigger? You will only know if you give one a shot. I love both my futur and slant, I don't think I would let either go no matter what else I have in my den but that's me. The only way to know is to give one a shot, if you don't like it you could always sell it here
I have a 37G slant and really love it. I had a Futur and thought it was an excellent shaver, too, just a little bulky for my taste. I own a modified Progress (Mergress) with the short handle, and it is easily one of my favorite shavers. If forced to choose between the 37G and Mergress, I'd take the latter. I like to change the setting during my shave, which I find gives me an even more comfortable shave in tough spots.
I have both and call it a tossup. I see no need or reason to buy another razor in the foreseeable future, barring an attack of AD (not unheard of in this house)
Backups are a good thing. 2=1, 1=0 ...and, adjustable razors are nice tools to have.
I have both and they both stay in my rotation, many others have passed the revue and left, not these two!
I loved my 37C and 39C so I trekked high and low until I was able to get a 37G after it was discontinued. I got a Progress shortly thereafter and it is even better than the slant. I kept the 37G and sold off the other 2 slants. The slant and progress are 2 safety razors I will hang on to even though I mostly use straights now.
Same here, I really like them both.
I don't have a 37C yet, but I do have a Progress. It's a really smooth razor. I highly recommend it.
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I take your point, I'm not unduly worried about spending £42 +/- on a Progress, because as you say I could always sell it on. The thing for me is that if every person that replied to this thread said that the 37C is a closer, smoother shave then I don't see that I would benefit from buying one as there would be no gain. As it stands, there is varied opinion so I might have to buy one to see for myself.
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Do you know where a Mergress can be purchased bearing in mind I am in the UK?
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May I ask you both how the Progress compares to the Futur?
The question wasn't directed at me but I can provide a comparison:
In short: I LOVE the Progress and HATE the Futur!...don't even get me started on the Vision. My god, what an abomination!!!
Reasons: The Progress is not as bulky but still has very good heft to it. The balance is better. The head is MUCH smaller than the gigantic Futur head. Blade loading is better on the Merkur as you have to awkwardly pull the top off the Futur. Overall the Futur is just big and clunky. The Progress is better in every way in my experience.
The one cool thing about the Futur is the sound it makes when cutting the stubble. It's very loud and sounds cool but this is of course no reason to give it any extra points as it is purely a novelty!
All of the Merkur adjustable razors are top shelf.
you could not go wrong with any of them
you could not go wrong with any of them
I found the Progress a little easier to maneuver, lighter, easier to use under the nose, and less aggressive overall. Loading a blade to me is much, much easier and quicker on the Futur.
It does not bother me at all, but for some adjusting the Futur "could" be a little bit more dangerous, depending how one goes about doing the adjustment with a blade in place (note if you don't change the level mid-shave, like I like to do, then this is not an issue).
They are very different. You almost have to buy both and sell the one you don't like
