Merkur Progress More Aggressive on One Side?

[PearlMikeJam]

She subject says it all. I just got a new Progress a couple of weeks ago (from Lee's) and have noticed that one side of the razor is noticeably more aggressive than the other. I want to get the Mergress upgrade, however, I want to make sure that this is not a defective Progress. I do have the blade gap issue that I understand is common on the newer Progresses. Is the blade gap issue the cause of the uneven aggressiveness? If so, then I should be fine with the Mergress upgrade since Eric corrects the uneven blade gap.

Anyone else have this same issue?

Thanks!

 

[Swat]

This is a common issue, and most likely not a defect. It is just the way they are made. Make sure however, that you line up the triangle and notch on the razor head. Even when you do this you will still notice a slight difference in aggressiveness on each side. I use the less aggressive side for my cheeks and neck and the more aggressive side for my upper lip and chin. I've used the progress for over a 1.5 years now and still like it.

Mine is not a mergress so I can't comment modifications.

 

[Drubbing]

Thanks for bringing this up. I got a Progress from a BBer here, and was a bit disappointed to find this out, as I'd wanted one of these for a while now.

I was aware of lining up the notches correctly, but wasn't prepared for the mismatch in gaps on each side. It's possible to minimise it with a bit of a fiddle prior to locking the blade down, but care is needed.

Not only that, it's given me a very aggressive shave on only setting 2. I can't see me dialling it up any more, so for me, as an adjustable, it's, well... not very.

Are they all as aggressive as this, and require even more attention to technique? I've just got to the stage where I have nailed down my HD and can get terrifically close and, more importantly, completely comfy shaves with it. But while it's not that much bigger than a HD, it's a far heftier razor all round, and the head really does apply some weight on the skin.

 

[rainman]

Thanks for bringing this up. I got a Progress from a BBer here, and was a bit disappointed to find this out, as I'd wanted one of these for a while now.

I was aware of lining up the notches correctly, but wasn't prepared for the mismatch in gaps on each side. It's possible to minimise it with a bit of a fiddle prior to locking the blade down, but care is needed.

Not only that, it's given me a very aggressive shave on only setting 2. I can't see me dialling it up any more, so for me, as an adjustable, it's, well... not very.

Are they all as aggressive as this, and require even more attention to technique? I've just got to the stage where I have nailed down my HD and can get terrifically close and, more importantly, completely comfy shaves with it. But while it's not that much bigger than a HD, it's a far heftier razor all round, and the head really does apply some weight on the skin.

Yes they are. I have a long handled modified progress and use the "12" setting. With time and steady angle control, the 2 setting will feel like nothing.

 

[Drubbing]

Yes they are. I have a long handled modified progress and use the "12" setting. With time and steady angle control, the 2 setting will feel like nothing.

Thank you. After finding the HD a bit much, I went with my slim for a few weeks, then went back to the HD and with technique much improved, the HD is now teriffic. So I'll give the Progress some more time.

BTW, setting 12? Has that long version had settings modded too? My progess only goes to 5.

 

[rainman]

The blade will hold tight and the razor is usable turning it past the 5 setting. Once you put it on 5, keep turning the knob. Then the 1 will be 6, the 2 will be 7 and so on.

 

[jrhudgins]

I had a long-handled Mergress that initially was hit-or-miss with blade alignment, but not with side-to-side blade exposure. It also rattled even when tightened down, so I sent it to Eric (Mer of Mergress), and it came back adjusting easily and perfectly. If possible, you might try to get one that starts out with even exposure side-to-side, though that might mean sending it back to Merkur.
I use a Feather Portable that has slightly uneven side-to-side exposure, and actually like having the different aggressiveness choice.

 

[BoldSpice]

I don't remember who posted this advice first, but I read it on one of the shaving forums: while you screw the razor together, hold the razor blade up against the head of the razor using the side tabs of the blade. This aligns the blade for me every time, and it makes a weird click when tightening up.

 

[rainman]

Wasn't that on the barber pole slant post?

I don't remember who posted this advice first, but I read it on one of the shaving forums: while you screw the razor together, hold the razor blade up against the head of the razor using the side tabs of the blade. This aligns the blade for me every time, and it makes a weird click when tightening up.

 

[Drubbing]

I had a long-handled Mergress that initially was hit-or-miss with blade alignment, but not with side-to-side blade exposure. It also rattled even when tightened down, so I sent it to Eric (Mer of Mergress), and it came back adjusting easily and perfectly. If possible, you might try to get one that starts out with even exposure side-to-side, though that might mean sending it back to Merkur.

I was under the impression his mods (Mergress) were sold through Lee's Razors.

So does he freelance mod on pre bought Progresses, and fix the exposure/alignment issues too? If so, does anyone know how much and where to send?

Had another couple of shaves with mine, and I must have a fat gap, I can't see myself dialling this razor up anytime. It's on -0 and its way more aggressive than my HD.

Mine has been purchased used, so I've no claim to warranty with Merkur.

Thanks.

 

[PearlMikeJam]

I was under the impression his mods (Mergress) were sold through Lee's Razors.

So does he freelance mod on pre bought Progresses, and fix the exposure/alignment issues too? If so, does anyone know how much and where to send?

Had another couple of shaves with mine, and I must have a fat gap, I can't see myself dialling this razor up anytime. It's on -0 and its way more aggressive than my HD.

Mine has been purchased used, so I've no claim to warranty with Merkur.

Thanks.

The post I saw on these forums from Eric (Mer himself) said that he was no longer distributing through Lee and was modding Progress' only after purchased. Basically he had too many complaints that were unrelated to his work and he wants folks to try the Progress first before asking for the mod. I got one from Lee's and used it for a couple of weeks before sending it to Eric. I am sure he will welcome your request for the mod.

 

[Drubbing]

The post I saw on these forums from Eric (Mer himself) said that he was no longer distributing through Lee and was modding Progress' only after purchased. Basically he had too many complaints that were unrelated to his work and he wants folks to try the Progress first before asking for the mod. I got one from Lee's and used it for a couple of weeks before sending it to Eric. I am sure he will welcome your request for the mod.

Thanks very much for the info. Any idea how I contact him? I haven't seen any of his posts on here.

 

[RagingRazor]

my long handle progress is uneven along both sides, the blade sits somewhat at an angle to the head, i found I coule fix this by twisting the cap slightly to line up the blades edges with the gaurd to make them both parallel. It works just fine like that, but its a little annoying.

 

[jrhudgins]

Search "Mer" in the member list.
Also look down the Safety Razor forum for a thread "New Megress". He posted there.

 

[michiganlover]

The post I saw on these forums from Eric (Mer himself) said that he was no longer distributing through Lee and was modding Progress' only after purchased. Basically he had too many complaints that were unrelated to his work and he wants folks to try the Progress first before asking for the mod. I got one from Lee's and used it for a couple of weeks before sending it to Eric. I am sure he will welcome your request for the mod.

The jist of it, is that he wants to ensure that you are happy with your Progress prior to it be modded. He doesn't want to be held responsible for Merkur's shoddy quality control.

He is able to fix some of Merkur's mistakes, but the Progress is supposed to be one of the top quality models of Merkur's line, he really shouldn't have too, and it's a sad state of affairs that so many Progresses have major issues.

 

[Piper Down]

I wanted to try an adjustable so I bought a Progress. Had been using an HD and DE shaving for a couple of months.

I hated the Progress. Sliced me to bits and couldn't get a decent shave regardless of the setting.

Sent it to Mer and requested a long handle with red dots. Got it back and tried it.

It's now my favorite razor and I rarely cut myself—even less than my HD. I highly recommend this razor and his work.

 

[willo1962]

I have the same issue with a Digress HD. Love the razor, and use it like you do. I enjoy the extra length of the HD. I usually dial it to about 2 to 3.