Markur HD vs. Progress ? ? ?

[century]

Ive been flip flopping between and Merkur HD and a Progess.
Some say dont get an adjustable for your first DE razor, but I figure I can set it to an regular non adjustable setting and get the hang of it that way. And when the time comes, I can try adjusting it. Does it make sense to kill 2 birds with one stone now or would an HD be the better choice?

Thanks

Emil

 

[Milton]

I picked up a progress as my first razor. Honestly, I'd recommend getting an HD as your first. It was hard to find a baseline on where to dial the progress and I found myself messing with the settings way more than I should have. I really didn't' start getting consistently good shaves until I picked up a non adjustable (40s SS) and used that for a month.

Most of the reviews/recommendations around here are compared to either the Merkur HD or the Gillette 40s SS. It'll be an easier starting off point IMO. And down the road you can always pick up a Progress .

Best of luck!

 

[bandit82ta]

I started with a HD and I still go back and shave with it regularly. Amazing how as your technique grows things get much better. PS bin the merkur blade that comes with it. My personal fav is a Astra or crystal platinum.

 

[rainman]

Ive been flip flopping between and Merkur HD and a Progess.
Some say dont get an adjustable for your first DE razor, but I figure I can set it to an regular non adjustable setting and get the hang of it that way. And when the time comes, I can try adjusting it. Does it make sense to kill 2 birds with one stone now or would an HD be the better choice?

Thanks

Emil

Honestly, the HD does not have its popularity for nothing and the progress, the long handled custom knob one I recommend, while it is my current go-to, is not for everyone and costs 3 times as much. Get the HD and if you move on, you won't have any trouble selling it in the future. Also for most people it's too tempting to play with the settings when more experience is needed to make that call.

 

[s1mp13m4n]

I like a gentle shaver so I use and love my Gillette Tech and Lord Merkur Tech, that being said I would go for the Merkur long handle classic.

 

[Copierguy]

Of the four Merkurs I've got, my favorite is the HD.

Welcome to B&B by the way.

 

[jkh]

The Progress is my favorite DE razor. Now, go get yourself an HD. If you have an adjustable you are going to fiddle with the setting ... you're a man, right? It can't be avoided. While Progresses are great razors they also have some annoyances which are better to avoid while getting the hang of everything. The HD is perfect starting razor, IMHO.

 

[Solidus]

Progress is my favorite as well...I have the HD but I mainly shave with my Progress. I started on the Progress and like shaving with it because of the size...it help me consistently keep the proper angle. The HD is a little smaller than the Progress. Either way you can't go wrong...but there is a pretty big price difference...good luck...


In the end...you'll eventually end up with both...usually starts with one...and end up with many...

 

[Left Coast DJ]

 

[karzbi]

Ive been flip flopping between and Merkur HD and a Progess.

For a first razor, go with the 23C. The Progress (at least my Progress) is more aggressive on it's mildest setting than the 23C is. I find I need to be uber careful with the Progress or risk irritation, and I've been wetshaving for a couple of years.

If you can find it, I'd recommend any razor with the Muehle R89 head. It's the easiest on the face of any I've found an it easily knocks back the barbs to BBS in 2 passes with a couple of touchups required on the corners.

 

[dpmtherrien]

Ive been flip flopping between and Merkur HD and a Progess.
Some say dont get an adjustable for your first DE razor, but I figur it to an regular non adjustable setting and get the hang of it that way. And when the time comes, I can try adjusting it. Does it make sense to kill 2 birds with one stone now or would an HD be the better choice?e I can set

Thanks

Emil

I had a Progress and never shaved with it. I found the head to be too thick, so I sold it. The HD is one fine razor, and I have it 4 times. Regular HD in both safety bar and open comb, and the same in the barberpole long handle. These razors can't be beat, IMHO.

While you're checking things out, take a look at the Merkur 1904. I think that model beats the HD. That one is my go to now, and again I have it in both safety bar and O.C. Good luck.

Regards,

Paul

 

[ShaveAddict]

I dont know about the Progress but the HD is a damn fine razor.

 

[century]

After much delibration I decided on the Merkur 1904.
The handle is much more to my liking and with the same head as the HD it was win, win. Thanks for all the recommendations.

Ill grab the Progress down the road when I get my technique down.
Although the Super Speed looks very cool.

Emil